ODB: Sign Language
May 22, 2011 READ: John 1:14-18 May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all. —1 Thessalonians 3:12 A friend of mine pastors a church in a small mountain community not far from Boise, Idaho. The community is nestled in a wooded valley through which a pleasant little [...]
ODB: Come and See
May 10, 2011
READ: John 1:35-46
Come and see. —John 1:39
“Can you tell me where I can find the lightbulbs?”
“Sure. Come with me, and I’ll take you to them.”
In many large stores, employees are instructed to take customers to find what they are looking for rather than simply giving them verbal directions. This common act of courtesy and walking alongside an inquiring person may help us expand our concept of what it means to lead others to Christ.
In John 1, the phrase “come and see” occurs twice. When two curious disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus where He was staying, the Lord said, “Come and see” (v.39). After spending the day with Him, Andrew found his brother, Simon Peter, and brought him to Jesus (vv.40-41). Later, Philip told Nathanael he had found the Messiah. To Nathanael’s skeptical reply, Philip said, “Come and see” (v.46).
Witnessing for Christ can be a one-time event when we speak the good news about Him to others. But it may also involve walking alongside people who are seeking help and wholeness. Our genuine interest in their spiritual welfare, our prayers, and our involvement with them say without words, “Come and see. Let’s walk together, and I’ll take you to Him.”
— David C. McCasland
Source: Our Daily Bread
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Loading ...ODB: Haters of God
April 28, 2011
READ: 2 Timothy 2:23-26
God gave them over to a debased mind. —Romans 1:28
Recently, I listened to an audiobook by a militant advocate for atheism. As the author himself read his own work with spiteful sarcasm and contempt, it made me wonder why he was so angry.
The Bible tells us that a rejection of God can actually lead to a more hateful attitude toward Him: “Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind . . . [to become] haters of God” (Rom. 1:28-30).
Turning one’s back on God does not lead to secular neutrality. Indeed, recent militant atheists have shown their desire to remove any reference to a Creator from culture.
When we hear about atheists trying to remove crosses or the Ten Commandments from society, it’s easy to respond to their hatred of God with our own hatred. But we’re exhorted to defend the truth with an attitude of love, “in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth” (2 Tim. 2:25).
The next time you see the works or hear the words of a hater of God, do an attitude check. Then ask God for a spirit of humility and pray that the offender might come to the knowledge of the truth.
— Dennis Fisher
Defend the truth with love.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: Getting It
April 8, 2011
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:11-23
Though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more. —1 Corinthians 9:19
A Christian sports reporter was visiting a major league baseball clubhouse. While he was chatting with a Christian player, a team official came by and noticed that they were talking about “Christian stuff” after a tough loss. He scolded the reporter for not talking about the game and then he left. The All-Star pitcher said to the reporter, “Sorry. He just doesn’t get it.”
We live in a world of people who “don’t get it.” They don’t understand that while we strive to be the best at what we do, the most important thing in life is to please God. For the believer, it is for God’s glory and the gospel of Jesus that we play ball, sell insurance, run a printing press, or teach school.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul explained that the disciple of Christ should “endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ” (v.12). The goal of the believer is getting the word out about Jesus. “Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel!” he said (v.16). One way to do that is to live out a godly lifestyle that prompts others to ask about the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15).
Around us are people who think the things of this world are most important. But instead of becoming frustrated at the resistance we meet, our goal should be to advance the gospel by helping others to “get it.”
— Dave Branon
May God make your life a lighted window of Christian example.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: What Really Matters
February 24, 2011
READ: Matthew 16:21-28
For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? —Matthew 16:26
Several years ago a friend of mine visited an exhibit of relics from the infamous Titanic voyage. Exhibit visitors were given a replica ticket with the name of an actual passenger or crew member who, decades earlier, had embarked on the trip of a lifetime. After the tour group walked through the exhibit viewing pieces of silver dinnerware and other artifacts, the tour ended with an unforgettable twist.
A large board listed the names of all the passengers, including their status—first class, second class, crew. As my friend looked for the name of the person whose ticket he was holding, he noticed a line across the board dividing the names. Above the line were the names of those who were “saved” and below the line all those who were “lost.”
The parallel to our life on earth is profound. It really doesn’t make any difference how the world ranks your status. The only thing that ultimately matters is whether you are “saved” or “lost.” As Jesus said, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26). Perhaps you’ve already trusted in Christ for your salvation. But what about your fellow passengers? Instead of sizing them up by the externals, talk to them about their ultimate destination.
— Joe Stowell
In light of eternity, what one believes is far more important than what one achieves.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...ODB: Will I Have To Tell?
February 11, 2011
READ: 2 Corinthians 5:12-21
If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. —2 Corinthians 5:17
Jim was sharing the gospel with Kerri. He told her she was separated from a holy God because of her sin, and that Jesus had died and risen for her salvation. She kept coming up with one reason not to believe: “But if I do receive Him, I won’t have to tell other people about it, will I? I don’t want to do that.” She said that didn’t fit her personality; she didn’t want to have to tell others about Jesus.
Jim explained that promising to witness about Jesus wasn’t a requirement before receiving Him. But he also said that once she came to know the Lord, Kerri would become His ambassador to the world (2 Cor. 5:20).
After talking a little longer, Kerri acknowledged her need for salvation through Christ. She went home excited and at peace. Funny thing happened—within 24 hours she told three people about what God had done in her life.
Because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus, we now have “the ministry of reconciliation,” according to the apostle Paul (v.18). We are His ambassadors, and therefore we implore people “on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (v.20).
When we’re thankful, we want to share what God has done.
— Anne Cetas
There’s no better news than the gospel— spread the word!
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: Earthquake City
January 28, 2011
READ: Acts 16:23-34
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. —Acts 16:26
In his book A Crack in the Edge of the World, Simon Winchester writes of the small earthquake-prone town of Parkfield, California. Seeking to attract tourists, a hotel sign reads: “Sleep Here When It Happens.” A local restaurant menu features a large steak called “The Big One,” and desserts are called “Aftershocks.” But all humor aside, a real earthquake can be a terrifying experience. I know. I’ve lived through California earthquakes.
In the book of Acts, we read how God used an earthquake to open someone’s heart to the gospel. Having been falsely accused, Paul and Silas found themselves in jail at Philippi. Around midnight, an earthquake rumbled through the prison, opening the doors and loosing the prisoners’ chains. When the jailer learned that Paul and Silas had not tried to escape, he asked, “What must I do to be saved?” (16:30). Paul responded, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household” (v.31). That night the jailer and his family believed and were baptized. And it all started with an earthquake.
Sometimes life’s upsets can make people more open to the gospel. Do you know anyone who is going through a crisis? Prayerfully stay in contact with them, and be ready to share a sensitive word of witness.
— Dennis Fisher
Many are brought to faith by trouble.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Sing, Play, Shout!
By Eugene Seah, 23, Singapore “Sing to him a new song; play skilfully, and shout for joy.” —Psalm 33:3 (NIV) Have you ever felt nervous during praise and worship? As unbelievable as it may sound, my answer is “Yes.” When I was a teenager, I would break into cold sweat during praise and worship time. [...]
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...ODB: Get Involved
January 6, 2011
READ: John 4:7-26
But [Jesus] needed to go through Samaria. —John 4:4
Norena’s South Florida home was severely damaged during Hurricane Andrew in 1992. She received an insurance settlement, and the repair work began. But the contractors left when the money ran out, leaving an unfinished home with no electricity. For 15 years, Norena got by with a tiny refrigerator and a few lamps connected to extension cords. Surprisingly, her neighbors didn’t seem to notice her dilemma. Then, acting on a tip, the mayor got involved and contacted an electrical contractor who restored power to her house within a few hours.
When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), He got involved in her life and talked to her about her need for spiritual power. He established common ground with her (water, v.7) and piqued her spiritual interest and curiosity (vv.9-14). He was gracious and sensitive as He confronted her sin (vv.16-19) and kept the conversation centered on the main issue (vv.21-24). Then He confronted her directly with who He was as Messiah (v.26). As a result, she and many other Samaritans believed in Him (vv.39-42).
Let’s get involved in the lives of others and tell them about Jesus. He is the only source of spiritual power and satisfies our deepest longings.
— Marvin Williams
A faith worth having is a faith worth sharing.
Source: Our Daily Bread
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...God with Us – Emmanuel
By Yulius Darmawan, Indonesia At every phase of our lives, we are bound to face challenges. God uses these experiences to shape our character and the process could be quite painful and unpleasant. Quite often, it is discouraging. Sometimes, it may even seem like God has abandoned us. King David is a man like us. [...]
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
