ODB: A Companion On The Road
November 17, 2011 READ: Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brothers . . . . Then He said to them, “Follow Me.” —Matthew 4:18-19 I love to walk Idaho’s paths and trails and enjoy its grandeur and picturesque beauty. I’m often reminded that these treks are symbolic of our spiritual [...]
ODB: Mindless Prayer
August 3, 2011
READ: Joshua 1:1-9
As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. —Joshua 1:5
Sometimes I am ashamed of my prayers. Too often I hear myself using familiar phrases that are more like mindless filler than thoughtful, intimate interaction. One phrase that annoys me, and that I think might offend God, is “Lord, be with me.” In Scripture, God has already promised not to leave me.
God made this promise to Joshua just before he led the Israelites into the Promised Land (Josh. 1:5). The author of Hebrews later claimed it for all believers: “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (13:5). In both cases, the context indicates that God’s presence has to do with giving us the power to carry out His will, not our own will, which is generally what I have in mind in my prayers.
Perhaps a better prayer would be something like this: "Lord, thank You for Your indwelling Spirit who is willing and able to direct me in the ways You want me to go. May I not take You where You don't want to go. May I not enlist You to do my will, but humbly submit to doing Yours."
When we are doing God’s will, He will be with us even without our asking. If we’re not doing His will, we need to ask for His forgiveness, change our course, and follow Him.
— Julie Ackerman Link
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
Loading ...ODB: When Life Seems Unfair
May 16, 2011
READ: Psalm 73
I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. —Psalm 73:3
Have you ever felt that life is unfair? For those of us who are committed to following the will and ways of Jesus, it’s easy to get frustrated when people who don’t care about Him seem to do well in life. A businessman cheats yet wins a large contract, and the guy who parties all the time is robust and healthy—while you or your loved ones struggle with finances or medical issues. It makes us feel cheated, like maybe we’ve been good for nothing.
If you’ve ever felt that way, you’re in good company. The writer of Psalm 73 goes through a whole list of how the wicked prosper, and then he says, “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain” (v.13). But the tide of his thoughts turns when he recalls his time in God’s presence: “Then I understood their end” (v.17).
When we spend time with God and see things from His point of view, it changes our perspective completely. We may be jealous of the nonbelievers now, but we won’t be at judgment time. As the saying goes, what difference does it make if you win the battle but lose the war?
Like the psalmist, let’s praise God for His presence in this life and His promise of the life to come (vv.25-28). He is all you need, even when life seems unfair.
— Joe Stowell
Spending time with God puts everything else in perspective.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 2.50 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: Never Alone
May 3, 2011
READ: Hebrews 13:1-8
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5
Having played intercollegiate soccer, I’ve never lost my love for “The Beautiful Game.” I especially enjoy watching the English Premier League. One reason is the skill and speed with which the game is played there. Also, I love the way the fans sing in support of their beloved “sides.” For instance, Liverpool has for years had “You’ll Never Walk Alone” as its theme. How moving to hear 50,000 fans rise as one to sing the lyrics of that old standard! It’s an encouragement to players and fans alike that together they will see each other through to the end. Walk alone? Never.
This sentiment has meaning for everyone. Because each of us is made for community, isolation and loneliness are among the most painful of human experiences. During painful times, our faith is vital.
The child of God never needs to fear abandonment. Even if people turn on us, friends forsake us, or circumstances separate us from loved ones, we are never alone. God has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:5). This is not just a nice tune or clever lyrics offering an empty sentiment. It is the promise of God Himself to those who are the objects of His love. He is there—and He isn’t going away.
With Christ, you will never walk alone.
— Bill Crowder
God’s presence with us is one of His greatest presents to us.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: The Last Jellybean
April 5, 2011
READ: Psalm 34:1-10
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good . . . . Those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. —Psalm 34:8,10
One afternoon Angela gave her young daughter four jellybeans and let her know that was all the candy she was going to receive.
After practically inhaling the first three candies, Eliana lingered over the final one. She sucked on it, took it out of her mouth, bit into it, sucked on it some more, then gnawed at the outer shell. Knowing that this was her last jellybean, she took a full 45 minutes to ingest the treat completely.
Angela observed her little girl with amusement. It occurred to her that she was watching Eliana learn the value of savoring—enjoying taste and texture and learning to draw out every possible bit of flavor from the pleasurable experience.
When we read, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good” (Ps. 34:8), we can be sure that God wants us to “savor” His presence. He allows us to gain intimate and satisfying knowledge of Him. And when we meditate on His Word, we will draw out a deeper understanding of who He is (Ezek. 3:1-3). As we taste His goodness and love, He will reveal the distinctive flavor of His creativity, sovereignty, holiness, and faithfulness.
Our Father must look on with enjoyment as we learn how to enjoy and savor Him.
— Cindy Hess Kasper
Our greatest privilege is to enjoy God’s presence.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...Song Review: Here and Now
By Daniel Ang, 19, Indonesia This song by Paul Baloche is entitled “Here and Now.” It speaks of God being the answer to all our soul’s searching, and He is ever-present, here and now. Lyrics for Here and Now The song begins softly with the chorus first, deliberately sung slow and languorously, emphasizing the words [...]
(1 votes, average: 1.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODJ: what we worship
Those who make idols are just like them, as are all who trust in them (v.8).
READ: Psalm 115:1-8
We resemble what we revere. When we worship money, we view ourselves and others in terms of our cash value. We see people as creditors, debtors, and customers, rather than as human beings made in the image of God. When we worship sex, we treat ourselves and others as dehumanized objects of sexual pleasure—good for nothing other than the next orgasm. And when we worship power, we turn every relationship into a contest between competitors, managers, and pawns.
The tragedy of becoming what we worship is that our false gods “have mouths but cannot speak, and eyes but cannot see. They have ears but cannot hear, and noses but cannot smell” (Psalm 115:5-6). When God says that we become like idols, He means that we become mute, blind, and deaf to what matters most.
That’s why God told Isaiah that idolatrous Israel would “not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to [Him] for healing” (Isaiah 6:10). They had been serving idols for so long that they had become deaf to the very voice of God.
Nothing dulls our awareness of God as efficiently as the media. Movies and television shows ignore God in their pursuit of money, sex, and power. Have you ever heard an onscreen character say, “Let’s pray about this” or “I wonder what God’s Word says about our problem”?
We regain our ear for the music of God when we destroy our idols and practice living in His presence. Karl Barth explained that we become “like a latecomer slipping shamefacedly into creation’s choir . . . which has never ceased its praise, but merely suffered and sighed . . . that in inconceivable folly and ingratitude its living center man does not hear its voice, its response, its echoing of the divine glory.” Better late than never. —Mike Wittmer
What prevents you from hearing God’s voice? What steps can you take to worship Him with all you are and possess?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: disturbing the peace
I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart (v.27).
READ: John 14:23-30
Sometimes I catch a glimpse of him as he drives by—reclined in his seat, one arm slung out of his rolled-down window. He’s the guy with the car stereo that blasts seismic sound waves through our neighborhood. His sub-woofers pulse with a booming rhythm so loud that I can hardly feel my own heartbeat. In case you think I’m simply dull and cranky, let me assure you that I love music. And sometimes, I like it really loud. It’s the jolt of the unexpected musical monster that sets me on edge; it steals my peace.
Jesus knew this world would furnish all sorts of unsettling situations. That’s why He said, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace” (John 14:27). Amazingly, peace is a gift. We don’t have to work for it; we just have to welcome it. As Christians, we’re supposed to “let the peace that comes from Christ rule in [our] hearts” (Colossians 3:15).
Jesus’ gift of peace doesn’t mean that He’ll resolve every issue in our lives. Our spouse may continue to overdraw from the checking account. Our kids may not lose interest in that dreaded rock band. The boss may never ease up. But somehow, Jesus said we could have “peace of mind and heart” (John 14:27). Jesus provides inner peace when outer peace isn’t possible.
For most of us, peaceful life circumstances are impossible to obtain. And no amount of striving will create the calm we crave. Perfecting our relationships, simplifying our schedules, and organizing our homes won’t lead us to long-term serenity. Jesus said, “The peace I give you is a gift the world cannot give” (v.27). We can’t manufacture what only Christ can provide.
If something is disturbing your peace today, trust in Jesus’ promise: “You may have peace in Me. . . . I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
How have you tried to create peace for yourself? Why do we sometimes reject Jesus’ gift of peace?
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(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: God’s friend
The Lord is a friend to those who fear Him (Psalm 25:14).
READ: Genesis 18:16-19
If I were to tell you that the president of your country is my friend, it’s likely you wouldn’t believe me. You might even be tempted to call me a liar. But if your president were to go on national TV and say publicly that I’m his friend, then all doubts would fade away, right? The facts would back up my claim. Now, what if I told you that God is my friend? Let’s check the facts, starting with the reality that God once called Abraham “My friend” (Isaiah 41:8; see also 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23). God said of Abraham, “I have singled him out” (Genesis 18:19). Other Bible translations render this as “I have chosen him” (NIV) or “I have known him” (NKJV). These words speak of divine election, of covenantal love, and of grace. Bible commentator H. C. Leupold translated the phrase this way: “For I acknowledge Him to be My intimate friend.” A friend is someone with whom we aren’t afraid to share our true struggles and intimate secrets. Friends listen as we share our pain. When we have a problem, to whom do we turn? Our closest friend. Amazingly, when God had a burden, He shared it with His friend Abraham (v.17). You and I enjoy the same covenantal relationship with God as the one Abraham experienced. We’ve been chosen by God to be in His family (Ephesians 1:4-7). And we’re chosen by Jesus to be His friend. For He said, “You are My friends if you do what I command. . . . Now you are My friends, since I have told you everything the Father told Me. You didn’t choose Me. I chose you” (John 15:14-16). Your very best friend is Jesus. Even if others let you down, He will be “with you always” (Matthew 28:20). —K.T. Sim
How would you describe your friendship with Jesus? How have you been showing Him that He’s your best friend?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODJ: alone
You will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with Me (v.32).
READ: John 16:16-32
I saw this quote on a friend’s Facebook page: “It’s not that I feel alone because I have no friends. I have lots of friends. I know that I have people who can hold me and reassure me and talk to me and care for me and think of me. But they can’t be inside my head with me all the time—for all time.” Loneliness is a reality that all human beings experience at one time or another. Albert Einstein once said, “It is strange to be known so universally and yet be so lonely.” Jesus understands our loneliness. During His earthly ministry He saw it in the eyes of lepers, heard it in the voices of the blind, and felt it in the touch of the pressing masses. But above all, He experienced it when His close friends deserted Him. As He foretold the disciples’ desertion, however, He also confessed His unshaken confidence in His Father’s abiding presence. He said, “But the time is coming—indeed it’s here now—when you will be scattered, each one going his own way, leaving Me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with Me” (John 16:32). Jesus knew the ultimate cure for loneliness, and He shared it with us. He told us that isolation doesn’t need to lead to loneliness—for we have the abiding presence of the Father with us. God is eternal and omniscient and omnipresent. Only He could be with us all the time, for all time. After Jesus said His words of comfort to the disciples (v.22), He took up the cross and the curse of loneliness for us. He made it possible for you and me to have a restored relationship with God and to be a member of His family—all the time, for all time. —Poh Fang Chia
Who or what do you normally turn to when you feel lonely? How could you learn to recognize God’s abiding presence?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
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