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 journey, for the Christian life is simply walking—with Jesus alongside as our companion and guide. He walked through the land of Israel from one end to the other, gathering disciples, saying to them, “Follow Me” (Matt. 4:19).

The journey is not always easy. Sometimes giving up seems easier than going on, but when things get difficult, we can rest a while and renew our strength. In Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan describes the arbor on Hill Difficulty where Christian caught his breath before continuing the climb. His scroll provided comfort, reminding him of the Lord’s continual presence and sustaining power. He got a second wind so he could walk a few more miles.

Only God knows where the path will take us, but we have our Lord’s assurance, “I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20). This is not a metaphor or other figure of speech. He is real company. There is not one hour without His presence, not one mile without His companionship. Knowing He’s with us makes the journey lighter.

— David H. Roper

Source: Our Daily Bread

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

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

Source: Our Daily Bread

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

Source: Our Daily Bread

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

Source: Our Daily Bread

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 “here and now”.

“Here and now” signifies both time and place, which is reinforced by the words which follow it : “in this moment.” When I reflect on this phrase, I realize that it can mean two things: firstly, that God is ready and available in any place and at any time, and secondly, “here and now” is also a call for all of us to turn away from the tasks and problems of our hectic days and for now, just focus on the Lord.

But why? Why should we turn to God? Why is He “all that my searching heart has longed for”? This is answered by the song’s verse which reminds us of God’s greatness—He is majestic, He is eternal, and His hand can be “seen in galaxies.” Immediately this brings to mind the memorable words of Psalm 8:3-4:

“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?”

Indeed God’s willingness to reach out to us is incredible. The songwriter understood this and penned these words: “So vast and yet You’re still within our reach.” God, the eternal, all-powerful Creator of the universe, loves us human beings who have sinned against Him terribly! And it is even more unbelievable that He would give His only Son to die and atone for our sins. But that is precisely what happened, and the song garners momentum by a quickening of rhythm of the words. An epiphany has occurred, and it leads us back to the statement in the beginning– “Here and now I turn to You.” However, at this point it is not merely an assertion any more, but a conclusion that is powerfully backed by both music and words.

By the time the song reaches the bridge “nothing on earth could ever keep Your Presence out.” The longing and searching soul now feels the irresistible drive to turn and surrender to Him, the God of all creation who has reached out to mankind. In view of this, “here and now” is more than appropriate, for nothing less should be demanded of us, as the reality of God and His love for us is too powerful to resist. The song ends with the singer humming peacefully—sometimes the realization that God loves us so much is simply too wonderful to be expressed in words.

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

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

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

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

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

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Joel 2:18-32 

Competing against the thwap-thwap sound of the windshield wipers, the rain beat a rhythmic pattern against the car. Driving out of town for a retreat with our youth leaders, I was thankful for the chance to spend time with them. The rain outside, however, fell in contrast to the desert condition inside my heart. His presence real, I felt that Jesus was near, but I wrestled with feelings of significant disappointment in ministry. Soil that had seemed to promise such beauty now seemed hardened by relentless heat and wind. Nettles of discouragement readily flourished in the dry, wounded places of my heart. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says, “Blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” In the moment of adversity, however, we sometimes believe that something has gone dreadfully awry. Wanting God to rescue us, we cry out in our pain. We wonder at His timing, at His seeming silence. All the while, in that place of confusion and uncertainty, our spirit presses through the hardened clay of surface living, pushes aside the gravel of self-focus, and—in a refusal to give up—finds living water at the point of desperation (John 7:38). He is real, and so are His promises. Jesus—who came and lived among us—“grew up in the Lord’s presence like a tender green shoot, like a root in dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2). In the certainty of His grace and the steadfastness of His hand, He can be trusted. The refreshing, restoring rains will come again. —Regina Franklin

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Luke 4:1-13  

One of the most distressing portions of Scripture is the part of Luke’s gospel that tells us Jesus “was led by the Spirit in the wilderness” to be tempted by the devil (4:1). The Spirit took Jesus into the dark wilderness? We think of God as the One who keeps danger at bay, not One who invites us to face difficulties. But God never promises to steer us clear of temptation or intense difficulty. Far better, the Spirit promises to go with us into the mouth of the dragon. God went through the tumultuous waters of the Red Sea with Israel (Isaiah 43), and God was present with the young Hebrew men in the fiery furnace (Daniel 3). God was present with Jesus, and God will be with us. In the wilderness, Satan’s temptation was a multistep ploy to get Jesus to go on His own, separating Himself from the very One who was with Him there. Satan tempted Jesus to: • turn stone to bread (providing for Himself rather than trusting God, v.3). • worship Satan and gain all Satan’s domain (grabbing His own kingdom rather than remaining under God’s rule, v.5). • hurl Himself off the temple’s pinnacle (taking life into His own hands rather than simply trusting God’s goodness, v.9). With each temptation, however, Jesus answered Satan with Scripture—rebuking Satan’s words with God’s words. Jesus knew the truth, and He knew God was with Him even in that vile place. I have a friend who’s angry at God for not averting suffering and pain at a particular moment in his life. I believe Jesus was with my friend, however, even in his pain. If he would trust God’s kind presence, he would discover something far better than release from his painful circumstances. —Winn Collier

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Psalm 121  

A pastor gathered his wife and children together for a time of prayer, just prior to his departure for an overseas missions trip. He prayed, “Dear Lord, please protect my wife and the children while I’m gone.” When he finished, his wife asked him: “Who do you think protects us while you’re here?” Good question! Sometimes we take God’s protection for granted and think of it only when we’re faced with an emergency or events like traveling overseas. During our daily commute from home to the office, we hardly think of God’s protection over us.

Known also as the “Traveler’s Psalm,” Psalm 121 is the second of 15 “songs of ascents” (Psalms 120-134), sung by pilgrims as they made their way up to Jerusalem to celebrate the annual feasts (Deuteronomy 16:16). Just as in ancient times, when we or our loved ones leave home for a journey, safety is on our mind. Although the travel hazards are different today, we have a similar need for protection. Psalm 121 reminds us that God is our Helper (vv.1-3) and Protector (vv.4-8).

As our Helper, the Creator of the universe (v.2) helps us as we journey through life, giving us the security and stability that we need (v.3). As our Protector, God is the vigilant watchman, fully aware of the events of our lives because He never sleeps (v.4). That reality allows us to rest in safety and serenity (Ps. 3:5; 4:8; Proverbs 3:24).

The Hebrew word for “protective shade” (121:5) can also be rendered as “protective shadow.” If God is our shadow (Psalm 17:8; 57:1; 63:7), then He is present with us. Five times in Psalm 121 (vv.3,4,5,7,8) we’re reminded that He “watches over” us. Because of His protective presence, we can say: “He alone is my . . . place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him” (91:2). —K.T. Sim

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Revelation 21:1-7 

With gifts wrapped and under the tree, Christmas Eve came to a close. God’s goodness had been evident, but this year was different. Unfolding blankets and sheets, my husband and I created beds of the two couches in our family room. My husband’s parents, who live in town, were using our bedroom upstairs. Three months earlier, their oldest son—and only other child—had ended his life. Keeping them close, we wanted to remind them of what they still had as they continued to grieve what had been lost.

Christmas can be complicated. While parties, gifts, and family reunions are certainly blessings, they can’t take away the pain of broken relationships, absent loved ones, or unmet expectations. Without question, God is the Unchanging One who is the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17). But He is also a God who is well-acquainted with our suffering (Isaiah 53:3). Even the humble beauty of the nativity remains incomplete without the cross.

Not your typical Advent passage, Revelation 21 reminds us that we will one day experience a new heaven and new earth. The purpose in Christ putting on flesh was to restore what had been lost. God with us (Matthew 1:23). He not only comforts us in our sorrows, but He has promised that “He will live with [us], and [we] will be His people. God Himself will be with [us]” (v.3). The turmoil present in the world reminds us, “All creation has been groaning . . . . And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us . . . for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering” (Romans 8:22-23). Anxiously awaiting Jesus’ return, we are to celebrate His hope as He holds us in both our joy and our pain. —Regina Franklin

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Genesis 21:8-20 

Diane was devastated. Despite her husband’s absence for nearly half their 8-year marriage, she had faithfully supported him in his military career. Then, abruptly, he announced that he was leaving her and their children for another woman. Now she sat in a clinic awaiting test results that would let her know if he had left her with any “parting gifts”—STDs.

An elderly woman seated across from Diane noticed her telltale red eyes. “Are you all right?” she gently inquired. With nothing to lose, the younger woman decided to share her plight. As providence would have it, this woman had also been divorced after 8 years of marriage—more than 5 decades earlier! And she, like Diane, was a follower of Jesus. She knew exactly what this young mother was going through. As her new friend quietly prayed for her in the waiting room, Diane knew that somehow God would bring her and her children through this difficult season. It was enough grace for the moment, at just the right moment.

In Genesis, we read of another woman who knew rejection and abandonment. Hagar, a servant to Sarah, had been sent into the arid wilderness by her owner (Genesis 21:8-14). Having run out of water, she put her son in the shade some distance away so she wouldn’t have to watch him die (v.16). But the angel of the Lord met her there and provided for their needs.

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, He spoke of meeting our basic physical needs (Matthew 6:25-33). But He also provides what we need for the vast array of experiences that life throws at us. For some of our biggest needs are emotional.

Life is hard. But we have Someone who knows what we’re going through. He will never abandon us. He’s within reach of our next heartfelt prayer. —Tim Gustafson

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: John 4:4-24
 

On this day in 1963, the world was shocked 
 by the news that John F. Kennedy, the 35th 
 President of the United States, had been killed by an assassin’s bullet. Though it’s not as well known or remembered, Christian author C. S. Lewis passed away the very same day. Even fewer will remember that Aldous Huxley, author of the book Brave New World, died from cancer during those same 24 hours. 


In 1954, Huxley published a lesser-known book titled The Doors of Perception, which described his experimental use of the mind-altering drug mescaline. Huxley was one of the first to write about using hallucinogens to pursue spirituality. His book inspired the popular rock band The Doors, known for their use of LSD, to name their group after Huxley’s book. 


Granted, Huxley and his admirers were looking in all the wrong places, but they were on an important pursuit. God made us in such a way that we’re naturally drawn to spirituality (Job 32:8). And there is no greater spiritual pursuit than worshiping God. 


A Samaritan woman once asked Jesus to settle an ancient dispute about the best place to worship God (John 4:19-20). Samaritans contended it was on the top of Mount Gerizim, while the Jews said it was on the temple mount in Jerusalem. Jesus told her that a day was coming where people could worship God anywhere they wanted to as long as they worshiped “in spirit and in truth” (vv.21-24).


There’s no denying that people can get high on LSD or some other mind-altering drug, but they will never enter the heights of true spirituality by taking that path—not to mention the devastating effects it can have on the mind and body. It’s only by worshiping God wholeheartedly—on the basis of who Jesus is—that we experience His life-altering power and presence. —Jeff Olson

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Luke 3:15-22 

By 2:00 a.m., as reports streamed in from the 
 earthquake in Haiti, Craig Miller knew he had 
 to go. Miller, director of the relief organization Thirst No More, had been able to have two Facebook chats with a medical contact working amid the rubble. The team’s news was dire: They had seen five children die, and they couldn’t provide adequate care for the survivors because they had no medical supplies. Immediately, Miller went into action—leaving for Haiti within hours. He didn’t know if he would be able to get to them in time; but “If I didn’t try,” he said, “I knew for sure they wouldn’t have the supplies they needed.”


Often, the best we can do for others who are in distress is to simply be with them in their trouble. Jesus came to be present with us, to walk amidst our pain, and to experience the fear and sorrows we face. He “faced all the same testings we do, yet He did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).


This truth jumps to the fore in Jesus’ baptism, a pivotal time in His public ministry. The other Gospels add details to the story, but Luke narrates with sparse prose. “When all the people were being baptized,” Luke writes, “Jesus was baptized too” (3:21 NIV). Jesus, who had no sin and needed no forgiveness, showed His identity with all people as He went into the water. 


Yet Jesus did more than simply appear beside us. He came to heal us. At Jesus’ baptism, John the Baptist proclaimed that He was the one who would baptize us “with the Holy Spirit and with fire,” symbols that promised total transformation (v.16). When Jesus has finished His work among us, we will be more than comforted. We will be changed. —Winn Collier

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: 1 Samuel 26 

David was caught in a living nightmare. Once 
 again, Saul was hot on his heels. The king had 
 taken 3,000 of Israel’s elite troops and was hunting David down in the wilderness of Ziph. The events in 
1 Samuel 26 have a sense of déjà vu about them—they’re remarkably similar to what took place in chapter 24.


In the first encounter, David was retreating as Saul was advancing. But in chapter 26, Saul’s soldiers are camped out and David is on the offensive. His scouts located Saul’s camp and David, accompanied by at least two men, goes to check it out. What’s he up to? we wonder. Surely, he won’t attempt to assassinate Saul, for he was conscience-stricken when he previously cut off a portion of Saul’s robe (24:5). 


David had come for Saul’s spear and water container, and that was all. He commanded Abishai not to kill Saul for basically the same reason (v.9) he verbalized in 24:6,11. But David went beyond what he had said before, assuring Abishai, “Surely the Lord will strike Saul down someday, or he will die of old age or in battle” (26:10). After his experience with Nabal and Abigail (ch.25), David knew that God could accomplish His will in any number of ways. 
It’s important to note that David didn’t simply know that God defends His own. He believed it. His whole plan hung on it. He staked his life on it. We see from his example that faith and action go hand-in-hand. His plan was totally dependent on God for success.


In 1 Samuel 26, David dealt with a similar situation with greater confidence and wisdom than in chapter 24. Can that be said of us? How are we living out the wisdom He has taught us through previous life experiences? —Poh Fang Chia

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

READ: Isaiah 62:1-5 

Last January, as Haiti reeled from a crushing 
 earthquake, one tragic account told of a mother
 who had three daughters between the ages of four and nine. She had been cooking for her girls when the earthquake hit. Severely injured, the mom could not move or care for her children. When help arrived, the young girls had gone two days without food or water. The mom was convinced that her daughters would not survive. A reporter accompanying the relief workers asked, “When do you think this will end?” 


“When God arrives,” the mother answered.


Eventually, we humans find ourselves facing trouble beyond our expertise to fix. Inevitably, high hopes of what we can accomplish and what we can make of our world always come crashing down.


Judah repeatedly came to this point. During one calamitous cycle, under Babylon’s rule and on the brink of national ruin, the prophet Isaiah prayed for his people. His heart, he said, “[could] not keep still” (Isaiah 62:1). Just as the Haitian images moved us to both sorrow and action, the devastation around Isaiah compelled him to pray for God’s mercy. His prayer continued, “I will not stop praying for [Judah], until her righteousness shines like the dawn” (v.1).


Isaiah’s hope for a new dawn was more than a naïve whim. He believed in God’s promise of redemption for His people (and ultimately for all of God’s people). Isaiah proclaimed God’s intentions that the people of Judah—currently wallowing in ruin—would discover that calamity was not their end. “The Lord will hold you in His hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God” (v.3).


Isaiah pointed to a day when God would appear and make the world right again. Our sorrows will not completely end until He arrives. —Winn Collier

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

November 7, 2010

READ: Colossians 1:9-14

Walk worthy of the Lord. —Colossians 1:10

I love reading church slogans. You know, the ones you see on the marquee in front of churches. Recently I noticed a slogan that said, “Come in and experience the presence of God.” That one caught my attention, primarily because it’s an important promise to make and sometimes a hard promise to keep. Hard, because if we’re not careful our churches might reflect the presence of its people more than the presence of our God.

So what would a church have to do to display the presence of God? Its people would have to live like Him! Dynamics like hospitality, the loving acceptance of all kinds of people, a quickness to serve, a tangible love for one another that makes people feel safe and included regardless of color or class, and a patient tolerance of one another’s weaknesses would all be a great way to start. Paul said we should walk in a manner “worthy of the Lord” (Col. 1:10). And he also said that being worthy means that we will be humble, gentle, bearing with one another in love, eagerly maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:2-3).

Let’s live in such a way that others will experience the presence of the God who lives in us—wherever we are, but especially at church. —Joe Stowell

Source: Our Daily Bread