ODJ: batting 1.000
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong (v.21). READ: Romans 7:6-25 Baseball determines a player’s batting average by dividing his total number of hits by the number of times he’s batted. If a player hits the ball every time he bats, he’s [...]
ODB:Your Spiritual Pipeline
June 13, 2011
READ: Psalm 57
My soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge. —Psalm 57:1
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline stretches 800 miles through Alaska. Because it was built through an earthquake zone, engineers had to be sure the pipe could withstand earth trauma. They decided on a network of Teflon sliders designed to ease the shock when the ground moved below the pipes. Engineers were delighted when the first big test came. In 2002, an earthquake occurred causing the ground to move 18 feet to one side. The Teflon sliders moved gently to accommodate the movement without any damage to the pipe. The key was flexibility.
The believer’s spiritual pipeline to heaven is built upon firm trust in God. But if we are inflexible in our expectations of how God should work, we can run into trouble. In a crisis, we can make the mistake of shifting our focus from God to our painful circumstances. Our prayer should be, “God, I don’t understand why You have allowed this painful situation. But I am trusting in Your ultimate deliverance despite all that’s going on around me.” The psalmist expressed this so well when he wrote: “My soul trusts in You . . . until these calamities have passed by” (Ps. 57:1).
When the earth seems to move under us, let’s be flexible in our expectations but firmly confident in God’s steadfast love and care.
— Dennis Fisher
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...Chopsticks and Failure
By Ian Gustafson, 19, USA I grew up in the United States but for now I’m spending some time in Asia. When in a different culture, there are always adjustments to be made. There are things to get used to, new things to try, and some old things to go without. Naturally, when you’re a [...]
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: escape
Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall (v.22).
READ: Psalm 55
The bold print in a local news story caught my eye: “Increase in suicide rates in Singapore, male suicides double that of female.” The report goes on to say, “According to some psychiatrists, the higher number of suicides among men is not an unusual trend. . . . When it comes to dealing with their problems, men don’t tend to seek help, thus pushing themselves into a deeper depressive spiral.”
David was once under tremendous pressure as he endured the relentless attacks of his enemies (Psalm 55:3-5, 9-11). But it wasn’t a nameless enemy who dealt him a critical, damaging attack. It was the betrayal of one whom he described as “my equal, my companion and close friend” (vv.12-14). The pain sharpened and overwhelmed him as he experienced the full brunt of the treachery (vv.20-21, 41:9).
David sought release from his terrible plight. His gut response was to escape. He wanted to run away! “How quickly I would escape—far from this wild storm of hatred” (55:6-8). One wonders if David contemplated the ultimate means of escape—suicide.
Thankfully, David chose a different way, for suicide is a permanent solution to what is often a temporary problem. He sought help from God, crying out, “Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help . . . for I am overwhelmed by my troubles!” (vv.1-2).
Are you oppressed and depressed by life’s pressures and pains? Do you wish that you had wings to fly to a place of quiet refuge and rest? (vv.6-7). It’s time to pray and to fly into the loving arms of God, who rescues you and keeps you safe (vv.16-18). Listen to David’s advice: “Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall” (vv.22).
Escape into God’s loving arms. —K.T. Sim
What pressures or pains of life are you going through? How do the truths found in Psalm 55 help you cope with them?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB:The Great Comeback
June 12, 2011
READ: Acts 2:14-21,37-41
But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea . . . heed my words.” —Acts 2:14
We like to read about comebacks—about people or companies who face near disaster and turn things around. The Ford Motor Company is an example of that. In the 1940s, a reluctance by leadership to modernize almost destroyed Ford. In fact, the government nearly took over the company lest its demise threaten the US war effort. But when Henry Ford II was released from his military duties to run the company, things turned around. Ford became one of the biggest corporations in the world.
Occasionally, we need a comeback. We need to correct wrong directions or compensate for wrong decisions. In those times, we have an example in Peter. He had failure written all over him. First, he nearly drowned when his faith faltered (Matt. 14:30). Then he said things that were so wrong Jesus called him “Satan” (16:22-23). And when Jesus needed Peter the most, he denied that he even knew Him (26:74).
But that’s not the end of the story. In the power of the Spirit, Peter made a comeback. On the Day of Pentecost, he preached and 3,000 people came to faith in Christ (Acts 2:14,41). Peter returned to effectiveness because his faith was renewed, he guarded what he said, and he stood up for Jesus.
Struggling? If Peter can come back, so can you.
— Dave Branon
To become whole, yield to the Holy Spirit.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: why obey?
Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do (Joshua 1:8).
READ: 1 Kings 16:29-17:1
As I get older and gain seniority at work, the concept of obedience—following the rules—has become less of a priority for me. Obedience is no longer as simple as “just do what is asked”—I want to be convinced first. Hmmm. Does this sound familiar to the way we relate to God at times?
During Ahab’s reign, the city of Jericho was rebuilt (1 Kings 16:34). During its construction, Hiel’s first son was killed when the foundation was laid. Then Hiel’s youngest son died as the city gates were being erected. This all happened in fulfillment of the words of prophecy Joshua had uttered centuries earlier.
Back in that day, Joshua had made this solemn declaration: “May the curse of the Lord fall on anyone who tries to rebuild the town of Jericho. At the cost of his firstborn son, he will lay its foundation. At the cost of his youngest son, he will set up its gates” (Joshua 6:26).
First Kings 16:34 is a solemn reminder to take God and His Word seriously. If the Scriptures say that a man’s oldest and youngest sons will die when he attempts to rebuild Jericho, then it’s going to happen!
It’s during the time of Hiel’s ill-advised building campaign that we find the confrontation between Elijah and King Ahab. Elijah’s pronouncement isn’t unfamiliar to Israel. God had warned them that when they sinned, He would withhold the replenishing rains that they needed (Deuteronomy 11:16-17; 2 Chronicles 7:13-14). God also graciously gave them a way to make things right—confess and repent. Did King Ahab listen? No. Perhaps because he was the king, he felt he didn’t have to.
From this account, we learn that it’s not enough to simply understand God’s Word or admire it. God has spoken. We need to follow Him in obedience.
—Poh Fang Chia
How have you been ignoring God and His commands? What will it take for you to begin following and obeying His Word?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Work Work Work
Studies have shown that sitting down for more than 8 hours a day increases a person’s chances of getting heart disease. How can you actively reach for rest today?
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: A Royal Wedding
June 11, 2011
READ: Revelation 19:1-10
Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. —Revelation 19:7
Weddings have long been an occasion for extravagance. Modern weddings have become a chance for young women to live out the fantasy of being “a princess for a day.” An elegant gown, an elaborate hairstyle, attendants in color-coordinated dresses, bouquets of flowers, an abundance of food, and lots of celebrating with friends and family contribute to the fairytale atmosphere. Many parents start saving early so they can afford the high cost of making their daughter’s dream come true. And royal weddings take extravagance to a level that we “commoners” seldom see. In 1981, however, many of us got a peek at one when the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana was broadcast worldwide.
Another royal wedding is in the planning stages, and it will be more elaborate than any other. But in this wedding, the most important person will be the groom, Christ Himself; and we, the church, will be His bride. John’s revelation says that the bride will make herself ready (19:7) and that our wedding gown will be our righteous acts (v.8).
Though earthly marriages last only a lifetime, every bride works hard to make her wedding perfect. How much more, as the bride of Christ, should we be doing to prepare ourselves for a marriage that will last for eternity.
— Julie Ackerman Link
Source: Our Daily Bread
(4 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: misunderstood
He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (v.23).
READ: 1 Peter 2:21-25 He did not retaliate when He was insulted, nor threaten revenge when He suffered. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly (v.23).
Ralph Waldo Emerson once asked, “Is it so bad to be misunderstood?” He went on to point out, “Pythagoras was misunderstood, and Socrates, and Jesus, and Luther, and Copernicus, and Galileo, and Newton, and every pure and wise spirit that ever took flesh.” Apparently, being misunderstood puts us in some pretty good company.
Consider Jesus, the only person to ever live a perfect life. For Him, it started at the age of 12—when He stayed behind in Jerusalem after the annual Feast of the Passover (Luke 2:41-50). His parents, who were a day’s journey into making their way back home to Nazareth, suddenly realized Jesus was missing. They were understandably concerned and upset, and began frantically searching for Him. Three days later, they found their young son back in Jerusalem remaining in the temple with the religious teachers, but they clearly didn’t get why He was there (v.50).
Then there was the time Jesus remained in Galilee, purposely staying away from Judea because the Jews there were out to kill Him. When it came time to travel down to Judea for the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, Jesus’ brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, where Your followers can see Your miracles! You can’t become famous if You hide like this! If You can do such wonderful things, show Yourself to the world!” (John 7:3-4). Even His own brothers misunderstood His true mission (v.5).
It’s never fun to be misunderstood, especially over something important. I’m fairly certain that Jesus didn’t enjoy it. But perhaps Emerson was on to something. To be misunderstood for the cause of our great Savior shouldn’t sow seeds of doubt and discouragement in our hearts. For as Emerson put it, “To be great is to be misunderstood.” Jesus is our great example! (1 Peter 2:21). —Jeff Olson
When have you been misunderstood due to your faith in Jesus? How will you present the greatness of Jesus to others today?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB:Business Card
June 10, 2011
READ: 1 Timothy 1:1,12-17
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ . . . . —1 Timothy 1:1
In some cultures, the title below your name on your business card is very important. It identifies your rank. The way you are treated depends on your title as compared with others around you.
If Paul had a business card, it would have identified him as an “apostle”
(1 Tim. 1:1), meaning “sent one.” He used this title not out of pride but out of wonder. He didn’t earn that position; it was “by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ.” In other words, his was not a human but a divine appointment.
Paul had formerly been a “blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man” (v.13). He said that he considered himself to be the “chief” of sinners (v.15). But because of God’s mercy, he was now an apostle, one to whom “the King eternal” (v.17) had committed the glorious gospel and whom He had sent out to share that gospel.
What is more amazing is that like the apostle Paul we are all sent out by the King of kings to the world (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 1:8). Let’s recognize with humility that we don’t deserve such a commission either. It is our privilege to represent Him and His eternal truth in word and in deed each day to all around us.
— C. P. Hia
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
