Real food

Read > Isaiah 55

Why pay for food that does you no good? (v. 2).

Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink (Isaiah 55:1). In the May 13 ODJ article, I wrote about an African boy named Saddam who had spent 4 years of his young life on the streets of Kampala, Uganda. A few weeks ago, I took Saddam and four of his housemates to the only movie theatre in Uganda so they could see The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.

Why spend your money on food that does not give you strength? (v. 2).

Saddam had recently read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. He was therefore particularly excited to see a film about the same characters that had fascinated him in the book. Though Saddam thoroughly enjoyed the movie, he said afterward, “Aunt Rox, that movie was too much money. You could have used that money for food.”

Why pay for food that does you no good? (v. 2).

Another boy, Frederick, age 8, expressed the same value judgment just two days later. When I asked him what was the best gift he had received in his lifetime, Frederick responded, “Food.”

Listen to me, and you will eat what is good. You will enjoy the finest food (v. 2).

God wants us to rank “spiritual food” the way most Ugandan children prioritize physical food – as our No. 1 aim. Ingesting spiritual food will …

·         Position you to experience God’s forgiveness. “Turn to our God, for He will forgive generously” (v. 7).

·         Direct you in God’s higher ways. “My ways are higher than your ways” (v. 9).

·         Enable you to bear good fruit. “I send it out, and it always produces fruit” (v. 11).

Are you “nutritionally” sound in your spiritual diet? If not, consider taking steps to increase your intake of God’s Word. It’s the food you need. – Roxanne Robbins

More >

·         Psalm 119:72-74

·         Jeremiah 15:16

·         John 4:31-33, 6:27

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What has been your recent experience with ingesting God’s Word? How will you change to make spiritual food a priority in your life?

running

Read > 1 Kings 19:1-5

“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life” (v. 4).

I have a confession to make. I hate to run.

Some people enjoy jogging to stay in shape. Others put themselves through rigorous months of training to run long-distance races. While I admire their discipline, it’s definitely not for me.

A friend who is an amateur marathoner told me that during the last 6 miles of a race everything below his waist begins to shut down. His legs cry out to his brain, “Why are you doing this to me?” In those moments, it makes no sense whatsoever for him to keep going – but somehow he perseveres.

The Old Testament prophet Elijah found himself running – not to train or for exercise, but for his very life! After his dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel with the prophets of Baal, the wicked Queen Jezebel put a bounty on his head (1 Kings 19:1-3). He eventually fled to the desert, collapsed under a tree, and wanted to give up (vv. 4-5).

“Why bother?” can be the cry of the heart when the going gets tough. Like a jogger running the last few miles of a gruelling marathon, Christians can become so overwhelmed or demoralized by circumstances that it can appear as if there is no point in trying to fix a problem or achieve a dream.

Satan, our archenemy, wants us to quit when we have to deal with difficult circumstances. He wants us to agree with the lie that it’s pointless to keep going. But if we keep our focus on Jesus and all He truly is, we won’t be deceived. We won’t be taken down by the lies of the enemy, and we won’t give up. Because of Him, we can persevere and find the strength to finish whatever race is marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1-2). – Jeff Olson

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When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (James 1:2-3).

Next >

What challenges in life have you been facing? How will you persevere by God’s strength?

Who is my neighbour?

Read > Luke 10:30-37

“Now which of these three would you say was a neighbour to the man who was attacked by bandits?” Jesus asked. The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy” (vv. 36-37).

Who is my neighbour?” is an important question for a Jew. Surrounded by enemies – Babylonians, Greeks, and Romans – for centuries, the Jews of Jesus’ day sneered at the Samaritan half-breeds who threw caution to the wind and married foreigners.

“Who is my neighbour?” is an important question for us. Surrounded by nations of needy people – eating mud pies in Haiti, drinking contaminated water in India, and sleeping without mosquito nets in Burundi – we wonder if we should do more for those who are now only a mouse-click away.

Jesus answered our question with a story about the Good Samaritan. Unlike the priest and Levite (Luke 10:31-32), religious types who were too busy, scared, or just plain selfish to help the dying man by the side of the road, the despised Samaritan lost a day’s travel and two days’ wages when he carried a robbery victim to the nearest hotel (vv. 34-35).

Jesus finished His story with a question that challenges ours. He reframed the debate, changing our question from “Who is my neighbour?” to “Which of these three would you say was a neighbour?” (v. 36). Jesus turned our noun into a verb, saying that it matters less who our neighbour is than that we are neighbourly. Our attitude is more important than the number of people we help.

Jesus rejected our question because it was asked for the wrong reason. Much like the Jewish lawyer who asked “Who is my neighbour?” because he “wanted to justify his actions” (Luke 10:29), so we ask it when we want to know how little we can give and still be saved.

Selfish people ask, “Who is my neighbour?” so they can check off the giving box and keep the rest for themselves. Good Samaritans ask, “Who needs my help?” They realize that they cannot save everyone, but they stand ready to serve anyone. – Mike Wittmer

More >

·         Hosea 6:6

·         Micah 6:8

·         Matthew 10:42

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When was the last time you went out of your way to help someone? What person can you surprise today with unexpected and undeserved grace?

God’s visit

Read > Luke 7:11-17

God has visited His people today (v. 16).

If you take a trip to Israel, will you plan to visit Nain? Probably not. This ancient village (now known as Nein) isn’t located on any major roads running through the Jezreel Plain. It’s not likely that many tourists visited this off-the-beaten-path destination during the time of Jesus either. But it was in this small, obscure village that the Saviour chose to bring a widow’s son back to life.

Jesus came upon a funeral procession (Luke 7:12) in Nain. The expectation of the crowd that followed Him was that He would stay away from the mourners – not just to be respectful, but also to keep a ritually acceptable distance between Himself and a passing corpse. But that’s not what happened.

Jesus looked at the widow, walking beside her son’s coffin as it was being carried out from the city gate, and “His heart overflowed with compassion” (v. 13). He crossed over the barrier of religious tradition, of ritual purity law (Numbers 19:11, 13), and He touched the coffin.

The widow, bereft of a husband and now having lost her only son, was in danger of becoming destitute. She was burying the person who was to take care of her in her old age. So when Jesus raised her son from the dead (Luke 7:15), He also lifted up the widow from her hopeless situation. After witnessing the miracle, the crowd said, “God has visited His people today” (v. 16).

Believers in Jesus living in the 21^st century have a more complete understanding of God’s “visit” to earth – of Jesus’ work on our behalf. “When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners” (Romans 5:6).

Like the widow, we were utterly helpless, without hope. But Jesus came and willingly gave His life. He crossed over the barriers of sin and death to save us. Out of deep compassion, He touched us. – Poh Fang Chia

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There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:13).

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How has Jesus touched your life? What does His compassion mean to you today?

Rated R for violence

Read > Judges 2:10-17

All the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

The youth group was shocked at their leader’s claim: “The Bible is full of R-rated stories.” “Really? Where?” they asked. “I’m not telling you,” he said.

It’s true. The Bible is rife with sordid stuff. In fact, God told Israel to “completely destroy” the inhabitants of the Promised Land and take their place in Canaan (Deuteronomy 20:17-18). Why? Because of the Canaanites’ depraved religious practices.

But the Israelites failed in that mission. The book of Joshua tells of their inability to eradicate the inhabitants. The book of Judges tells the sad story of what happened next. The Israelites were enticed to worship other gods, and sex was a big part of this idolatry (Judges 2:12, 17).

The Canaanites “worshiped” the god of agriculture with fertility rites that included temple prostitution. Not surprisingly, Hebrew males found such a system to be appealing. Let’s see, sex with a prostitute, and my crops grow? Right, I’m in. And the part about having a god you could actually see seemed real nice too. Soon, it was impossible to tell the Israelites from the Canaanites, and God’s chosen people were enslaved by tribes that they should have annihilated – per God’s commands.

So why is Judges, with its narrative of debauchery, dismemberment, and death, included in the Bible? Two primary reasons that I can see:

·         It’s true. The book of Judges doesn’t tell about a nation’s greatness, it shows the human race as it really is.

·         It reveals God’s ways. This R-rated book shows the unexpected deliverance that comes from our infinitely surprising God (v. 16).

When we follow God, we choose His help and blessing. But that help seldom comes in the form that we expect. The book of Judges gives us a glimpse of His loving creativity in spite of our wilful rebellion. – Tim Gustafson

More >

If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all His commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world (Deut. 28:1).

Next >

What is tempting you to turn away from God? In what ways are you demanding results now, rather than waiting patiently for the Lord?

The good news

Read > 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins. He was buried, and He was raised from the dead on the third day (vv. 3-4).

A close friend of yours is seriously ill. One day you receive a call from her doctor – an urgent message to come to the hospital. When you arrive, the doctor tells you that your friend has another 10 minutes to live.

In a soft, weak voice, your dying friend says to you, “All these years you haven’t told me about Jesus. Can you tell me about His Good News?” Your friend wants to hear the gospel before she leaves this life. What would you tell her in those 10 short minutes? Here are some starters:

Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Often, we tell others about the love of God. Rightly so. But we leave out the whole wrath of God reality. While God loves every sinner, He is also angry at sin. Jesus didn’t die for a political cause or to make us healthy and wealthy. He suffered a criminal’s death to appease God’s anger at our sin. He died for us.

He was buried (v. 4). This was Paul’s way of saying that Jesus was truly lifeless. You don’t bury someone until you’re sure that he’s dead. Because Jesus was buried, it paved the way for His resurrection. And the tomb is empty because Jesus rose from the dead.

Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day (v. 4). Christianity is the religion of the resurrection. Without the resurrection, it’s much like any other human philosophy or religion. A dead saviour can’t save anybody, for he couldn’t even save himself. The Romans crucified more than 30,000 people, but only one died for the sins of the world.

He alone conquered sin and death and rose again to life. Spend a few minutes telling someone about Jesus today. – K. T. Sim

More >

If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless and you are still guilty of your sins (1 Corinthians 15:17).

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When was the last time you shared the Good News with a friend? How does your personal experience in receiving salvation inspire you to reach others?

Above the mud

Read > Psalm 69:1-33

Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged (v. 32).

Bog snorkelling is a popular sport in Wales. Competitors wear flippers and diving masks with snorkels attached and try to squirm through trenches cut through peat bogs without using their arms! While I have no idea how bog snorkelling got started, I know that getting “stuck in the mud” is nothing new.

David was in that spot – emotionally speaking – when he wrote, “Rescue me from the mud; don’t let me sink any deeper” (Psalm 69:14). If you’ve ever been depressed, you know what he was talking about. That struggle to stay above the mud can be overwhelming, frightening, and tiring.

David expressed feelings of hopelessness, but he also tried to encourage himself despite his despair. For example, he believed that he would eventually get out of the bog. He envisioned the end of his suffering as he wrote: “Then I will praise God’s name with singing, and I will honour Him with thanksgiving” (v. 30). David believed God would set him free.

And check this out – David went on to say, “Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” (v. 32). The key phrase here is “seek God’s help.” Sometimes I think we’re too quick to outsource assistance to alcohol, advice from friends, or self-help books. Why are we so reluctant to beg for God’s help when we know He’s the only one who can truly rescue us?

After all, God “hears the cries of the needy” (v. 33). He’s not going to dismiss our struggles and tell us to snap out of it. He’s “the God of compassion and mercy” (Exodus 34:6). He’s the One who is always available, always listening.

Do you know someone who’s sinking in the bog? Perhaps you’re that person. If so, remember that God can and will help you to stay above the mud. Seek Him today – no snorkel needed. – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with My victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Next >

How can asking for God’s help revive a soul in despair? How does David’s example give you encouragement?

Painfully perfect

Read > Matthew 23:1-24

You are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore the more important aspects of the law – justice, mercy, and faith (v. 23).

He had a warm, wide smile that belied the anger that would flare up at a moment’s notice. My friend’s dad was a complex man – a loving, thoughtful neighbour – but a perfectionistic, controlling father.

He’s gone from this life now, but his children still bear the wounds of never measuring up, never being able to do things perfectly, never being able to truly please their tightly wound dad. His house was spotless, but his ways at home were merciless. He strove for perfection, but it led to his children’s destruction.

Jesus had strong words for the Pharisees, a group of religious leaders who were good at heaping guilt on people through a perfectionistic view of following the Law. He said, “They crush people with unbearable religious demands and never lift a finger to ease the burden” (Matthew 23:4).

In other words, people who fell beneath the weight of trying to follow the Old Testament Law – as well as a slew of man-made ones – were neither helped nor supported by the Pharisees. They would “tithe even the tiniest income,” while ignoring “the more important aspects of the Law” (v. 23). These included important matters like mercy.

Jesus is merciful. In contrast to the Pharisees’ ways, He will “give you rest” and stated that “the burden I give you is light” (11:28, 30). Are you, or is someone close to you, painfully perfect? Is your constant striving for perfection destroying others?

If so, it’s time to remove the shackles of perfectionism and replace them with Jesus’ light, loving burden. We glorify God as we do our best for Him. But that doesn’t mean we will be perfect in all our ways.

Only Jesus was perfect (Hebrews 9:14). Our human efforts won’t get us there (Galatians 3:3). Instead, let’s reflect Jesus’ example of grace and mercy to others – especially those closest to us. – Tom Felten

More >

The law never made anything perfect. But now we have confidence in a better hope, through which we draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19).

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What is the difference between being “made perfect” (Hebrews 10:14) by Jesus’ sacrifice and human perfectionism? How can you show to others the mercy God has shown to you?

Strong love

Read > 1 Samuel 2:12-36

So why do you scorn My sacrifices and offerings? Why do you give your sons more honour than you give Me – for you and they have become fat from the best offerings of My people (v. 29).

You’re being mean!” “Nobody loves me.” As a mom, I’ve heard these words often. Though my children are night and day in personality, they share a common dislike for discipline. After having dealt with numerous “time outs,” I’ve learned that parenting is all about the long-haul (Galatians 6:9). This is a difficult concept to embrace in a drive-thru, self-serve culture.

Central to God’s heart is His selfless consistency. Forever faithful and unchanging, His love stands as a bulwark in the storms of life (Jeremiah 31:3; 1 John 4:9-11). Like the foundation of a structure, in His love boundaries provide great strength. Society wrongfully portrays love as unrestrained permissiveness. Boundaries do not confine; they protect, give life, and demonstrate love (Proverbs 19:18). Because He wants to tell us “yes” to so much, He must sometimes tell us “no.”

God intended for the love of a parent to be a reflection of His love toward us. To raise our children without discipline is to portray a false understanding of the heart of God (Deuteronomy 8:5). A parent must see past the conflict of the moment to the path of truth and righteousness (what is right according to the Word). Parents face the temptation to avoid or to be inconsistent in discipline. The story of Eli and his sons in 1 Samuel 2 reveals the root of giving in to such temptations: self. Eli profited by not dealing with his sons. Though he chastised them for their behaviour, he grew fat from their sin (1 Samuel 2:29). Talk is cheap when not followed by action (vv. 22-25). Parents serve self when they refuse to discipline their children because they’re too busy, want to avoid confrontation, or care more about being their “friend.”

The greatest demonstration of love is a willingness to die to self for the sake of another. – Regina Franklin

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Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).

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If Jesus were to stand in front of you and say, “Follow Me,” what would you say? What do you need to surrender to Him today?

Don’t pout

Read > James 1:2-8

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow (vv. 2-3).

In the first half of the 20^th century, racial segregation laws were enforced in the United States. Even jazz great Duke Ellington was prevented from staying in the guest rooms of hotels where he and his band performed. When asked how this discrimination made him feel, Ellington replied, “I took the energy it takes to pout and wrote some blues.” He allowed an ugly, race-based situation to build up his character.

Isn’t that what James was after in the opening chapter of the book that bears his name? He reminded his readers that trials are inevitable (v. 2). He wanted us to fully grasp the idea that they can be used to help us grow and develop spiritually (v. 3). James wanted his audience to read his letter and walk away with the understanding that trials can build character and faith in the believer, and it requires three things:

·         Trials can build character if we respond to them appropriately. Our response should be one of joy (James 2:2). James was not telling us to be happy about the pain experienced, but to find joy in a relationship with Jesus and the fact that we have been counted worthy to suffer for Him (Philippians 1:29).

·         Trials can build character if we accurately understand the reason for our trials. The purpose of trials is to produce patience and to allow patience to help us develop into more mature Christians (James 1:3-4).

·         Trials can build character if we rely on God absolutely. We should ask God for wisdom and answers as we go through various trials (v. 5).

God is still looking for people who will not pout about their trials, but who will allow Him to use their them to make beautiful music for the world. “When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” (1:3). – Marvin Williams

More >

·         Matthew 5:10-12

·         Luke 6:22-23

·         Acts 5:41

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What good has come out of a difficult situation in your life? What is God teaching you this week through the trials you’re facing?

Slowing down

Read > Genesis 2:1-3

On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work (v. 2).

When the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the US climbed above $4.00, I began to notice many people around me driving their cars considerably slower. Rather than quickly racing to their next destination, more and more drivers started taking a more economical approach. Less speed = better gas mileage!

I eased off on putting the pedal to the metal myself, and began to experience an unexpected benefit from slowing down. Though I didn’t fully comprehend what was happening at first, something inside of me began to slow down too. As I was driving to work or to the store, it hit me that I didn’t feel as rushed – as if my soul was catching its breath. It was a surprising, yet welcomed, relief.

We’re built to take breaks. The Bible refers to it as “Sabbath.” It’s a part of the normal rhythm of life God instilled in us when He Himself rested after He finished His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). Right from the start, God meant for humans to work and to accomplish projects (Genesis 2:15), but He also meant for us to rest. Too often, however, the tendency is to plow through our days and weeks without any time for Sabbath rest.

Taking a break can be a real challenge. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in rushing through life and forget the importance of dialling it down. Driving slower helped me realize how true that was for me. Most of us need to practice pulling back from the busyness of life. Whether it is slowing down on the roads, choosing not to work through lunch, or taking a few days of needed rest, we need to pause, put our feet up, and remember the One who made us. Let’s find our ultimate rest in Him (Hebrews 4:9-10). – Jeff Olson

More >

Be still, and know that I am God! (Psalm 46:10).

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What is keeping you overly busy these days? What will happen if you establish a time of Sabbath rest?

Cultural Christianity

Read > John 3:27-36

Anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgment (v. 36).

Every culture contains values that may compromise the gospel. The early church was too Platonic, the medieval church too Aristotelian, the modern church too Enlightenment, and now the postmodern church is becoming too pluralistic. A recent survey conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life found that 57 percentage of evangelical churchgoers believe that other religions may lead to everlasting life.

Just as we easily see where early Christians read Plato into their Scriptures, so future generations will be shocked at how uncritically we allowed our culture’s virtues of diversity and inclusion – though valuable in their own right – to undermine our faith.

We will resist compromise if we remember our countercultural belief in original sin. Though unpopular in our postmodern context, virtually every Christian denomination teaches that we are born guilty and polluted from Adam’s sin. Paul explained: “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Romans 5:12).

This inherited corruption is why Jesus told a good Jew like Nicodemus that he must be “born again” to “see the Kingdom of God” (John 3:3). When asked how a new birth was possible, Jesus explained that this occurs when the Holy Spirit uses the truth of the gospel to change our hearts (John 3:5-18).

And so Jesus said that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), Peter declared, “There is salvation in no one else!” (Acts 4:12), and Paul proclaimed, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15). Contrary to what a growing number of churchgoers believe, belief in Jesus is required for salvation. – Mike Wittmer

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But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? …. And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:14).

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How have you been ridiculed for believing that Jesus is the only path to salvation? In what ways does our culture reveal our need for real faith?

Living awake

Read > Colossians 4:2-6

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (v. 2).

In Germany, the ancient legend of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa persists. According to lore, Barbarossa never died but continues to watch over his kingdom from his stone table in the mountains. For centuries now, Barbarossa “has slumbered away,” his intermittent blinking and nodding the only signal that “breath” still flows in his lungs.”

Too many of us live like Barbarossa: alive, but just barely. We live nothing like Paul encouraged us to – prayerfully “watchful” (or “alert”) for the signs of God’s movement. Too often, we numbly fulfil our responsibilities to family and church and work. We “punch the clock.” Living (if you can call it that) this way, we are not alive to the people or the world or the wonder all around us. We are not attuned to God’s surging activity.

For Paul, the posture of prayer helps us resist a listless or self-absorbed existence (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is a way for Jesus’ followers to be alert, attentive, and engaged, living with wide-eyed expectancy to see where God is at work (v. 3).

Is this how you have always viewed prayer? I haven’t. in my experience, prayer has often lacked that alert, engaged edge. Too often, I’ve viewed prayer as a soft, pious activity placing me in a quiet space where I meditate on “heavenly truths” and sublime notions, an exercise that actually removes me from striving to “proclaim [God’s] message” (v. 4) to the world. Further, I’ve even twisted prayer so that it provides detachment from chaos or pain – “I’ll pray for you” is my escape more than a genuine commitment to intercede on another’s behalf.

Prayer is far more dangerous than those skewed perspectives. Prayer prods me to be awake to God’s work. I echo Robert Benson’s desire voiced in Living Prayer, “It is a life lived at attention that I seek.” – Winn Collier

More >

·         Mark 14:32-41

·         Luke 21:33-36

·         Ephesians 6:18-20

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Where are you most numb and disengaged in life? How can you begin to experience God’s activity in that place?

God’s colours

Read > Acts 12:1-11

While Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him (v. 5).

Ever wonder how a black, shrivelled sunflower seed placed in dark brown soil can grow into a tall, green plant with a yellow flower? This metamorphosis of colours and shapes reflects God’s creative and mysterious ways. We are often surprised by His work in our lives.

The bright, “light” tones we see at the end of Acts 11 – believers being taught and giving sacrificially – are replaced by a dark and dangerous Jerusalem in Acts 12. King Herod was persecuting and harassing Christians to boost his popularity. He arrested James and Peter. James was mercilessly executed, and believers could see that they couldn’t simply expect God’s protection for the apostles and themselves. It was an anxious and uncertain time for the church. You can imagine believers’ thoughts, Where is God in all of this? When will He intervene?

So they responded by praying (v. 5). Their current plight didn’t diminish God or the fact that He was in control. They trusted Him.

Prayer is the most natural and normal response for a heart that is dependent on God. If you’re truly counting on Him to do something, you will pray about it. If you are not counting on God, you will not call out to Him.

Oswald Chambers said, “We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.” The church in Jerusalem had lost James, and it appeared that God had not answered their prayers for him. Peter was in a perilous place, but they didn’t abandon prayer because everything was too dark. Instead, they prayed even more earnestly, and we read that Peter was later released to continue with God’s mission.

Like the early church, let’s trust God, pray faithfully and earnestly, and keep our eyes on Him. Brighter colours may be found just around the bend. – Kevin Gregory

More >

·         Matthew 18:19

·         Luke 18:1

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What do you need to bring to God in prayer today? What “colours” in your circumstances are troubling you?

For the good

Read > Romans 8:26-32

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them (v. 28).

Not long ago, I received a call asking me to go to the emergency room of a local hospital. A church member had been in a terrible accident. When I arrived at the hospital, I realized that the man had died. People were in tears. The man’s wife was sitting by the bed where her husband’s body lay, too distraught to speak. I tried to comfort her and read Romans 8:28 to her. Instead of being comforted, the wife cried even more. I later found out why. In her grief, the words of the verse I had read seemed to state that God was responsible for the accident – that He had taken her husband away from her.

Romans 8:28 contains one of the most loved and most misunderstood promises in the Bible. It’s part of a section of Scripture (8:26-32) in which Paul provides help and insight for those who suffer:

·         Pray. Paul reminds us that we have the Holy Spirit, who “helps us in our weakness” (v. 26). Jesus calls Him the Parakletos – the Advocate, Comforter, and Helper (John 14:16), who prays for us. The One who helps us to pray when we don’t feel like talking with God or when words can’t express how we feel (vv. 26-27).

·         Promise. Then comes the great promise that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God” (v. 28). Paul is not saying all things are good, because in reality we know that life can be painful. But Paul is saying that all circumstances of life – good and bad, happy and sad – are for our good.

·         Purpose. God’s work in our lives has a direction – toward Jesus. He wants us to become “like His Son” (v. 29). God is more concerned with our character than our comfort.

God can use all of life’s experiences to make us more like Jesus. – K. T. Sim

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We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation (Romans 5:3-5).

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How do you respond to suffering? How has God used it to make you more like Jesus?

High on Sinai

Read > Psalm 19:7-11

Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true (v. 9).

As far as Moses on Mount Sinai is concerned, it was either a supernatural cosmic event, which I don’t believe, or a legend, which I don’t believe either, or finally, and this is very probable, an event that joined Moses and the people of Israel under the effect of narcotics.

-          Benny Shanon, Time and Mind journal of philosophy

I don’t know about you, but the suggestion that Moses got high on Mount Sinai and imagined his encounter with God makes me grit my teeth! As I state that, I’m aware that we are all capable of reading God’s Word in a way that colours it with our own biases. So how do we avoid this?

It begins with respecting the author – the author being God. David wrote, “Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true” (Psalm 19:9). Respecting Him means we’re more concerned with His intended meaning than our own souped-up or watered-down spin on Scripture.

As we read the Bible with eyes to see God’s messages instead of our own, we need to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us. Jesus assured us that “the Holy Spirit will teach you everything” (John 14:26), but the careful handling of God’s Word doesn’t stop there.

With His Spirit helping us, we need to read the entire Bible. We know that “All Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), yet some biases may cause us to emphasize certain parts of the Bible while overlooking others. David assured us that “the instructions of the Lord are perfect” (Psalm 19:7).

Our respect for God and His Word must always override human ideas about the Bible – even our own ideas! David said, “The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy” (Psalm 19:8), so let’s trust His Word completely, rather than “getting high” on our own thinking. – Jennifer Benson Schuldt

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Give discernment to me, Your servant; then I will understand Your laws (Psalm 119:125).

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When you read the Bible, are you more concerned about what you think it means, or what God intended it to mean? What biases may tint your view of God’s Word?

Persecuted for Jesus

Read > John 16:1-4

I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember My warning (v. 4).

Recently, in a Middle Eastern country, a teenage girl was beaten by her family for refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus. In Africa, a young boy was nailed to a board because he attended a church service. Around the world, pastors and other believers are treated harshly because they hold church services in their homes.

In the days of the early church, persecution was widespread. Peter and John were imprisoned for speaking publicly about Jesus (Acts 3-4). Stephen was martyred for his faith (Acts 7). Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, was whipped, beaten, stoned, and imprisoned (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). Christian tradition holds that he was finally decapitated.

Many of us do not face life-threatening persecution today. But we shouldn’t be surprised when it comes our way. After all, Jesus told us that just as He was persecuted, we too would face persecution if we follow Him (John 15:20). He said, “I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith…. The time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God” (John 16:1-2).

In Matthew 13:20-21, Jesus warned that those who do not have deep roots will fall away when they are persecuted for believing the Bible. To develop deep roots, we need to immerse ourselves in reading, studying, and obeying the Word (2 Timothy 3:12-17), and in prayer (1 Peter 4:7). We can also have confidence that we don’t have to face persecution on our own. Before Jesus ascended to heaven, He promised to send us the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-14) who now comforts and counsels us.

Persecution will come. The good news is God’s reassurance: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (Hebrews 13:5; see also Deuteronomy 31:6, 8). – Alyson Kieda

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·         Matthew 24:9

·         John 15:18-19

·         Romans 8:35-38

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How can God use persecution for good? What subtle or overt persecution have you experienced recently? How did you respond?

Finding your voice

Read > Jeremiah 1:4-19

You must go wherever I send you and say whatever I tell you. And don’t be afraid of the people, for I will be with you and will protect you. I, the Lord, have spoken! (vv. 7-8).

Li Xuedong of Shangfan city in China has a voice that can literally stop traffic. The sound from his booming vocal cords can reportedly reach 120 decibels!

During one of his audio demonstrations at a ceremony on a city street, he let out a shout that resulted in drivers of more than 60 vehicles slamming on their brakes. They thought the noise Xuedong emitted was an air alarm.

That’s one guy who has truly found his voice!

Jeremiah was a reluctant prophet who needed to find his voice. God called him to speak to the rebellious nation of Judah. The prophet responded by saying that he wasn’t up to the task. “O Sovereign Lord,… I can’t speak for You!” (Jeremiah 1:6).

The prophet was fearful and timid. Sound familiar?

If so, we can learn from Jeremiah. For he went on to boldly proclaim the unpopular message that corrupt Judah was going to be destroyed (20:4). Three things that helped him were …

·         God’s Assurance – “I will be with you and will protect you” (1:8).

·         God’s Word – “Give this message to the people: ‘O Judah, listen to this message from the Lord!’” (7:2, see also 19:2).

·         God’s Empowerment – “I will make you as secure as a fortified wall of bronze” (15:20).

Though Jeremiah would, from time to time, battle fears and despair (20:10, 18), he ultimately found courage and hope in the merciful God who “rescues the life of the needy” (v. 13 NIV). And one day the Sovereign One gave him some great news to declare to Judah: “I will rebuild you” (31:4).

Jeremiah found his voice as he clung to God’s assurance, His Word, and His empowerment. Will you do the same? – Tom Felten

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Because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear (Philippians 1:14).

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What words can you boldly speak in truth and love today? How does God’s assurance and His Word help you overcome your fear of doing so?

Remembered prayers

Read > Acts 10:1-8

The angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God!” (v. 4).

With a brief history as the capital of Honduras, Amapala is a small village located on Tiger Island. The beautiful landscape is a facade that hides its spiritual darkness. Amapala has only one church for its approximately 25,000 inhabitants. Not surprisingly, witchcraft abounds. Six out of every ten young people are active in homosexuality. Its ghost-town appearance mirrors the absence of a life-giving gospel. In the darkness, however, hope is stirring. A local Christian businessman is preparing to donate land to those who will come and preach the Word.

Hope and prayer usher frail humanity into the throne room of God. Bearing the seed of His Word, prayer is never wasted when we ask according to His will. We know He hears us and that our prayers will be answered (1 John 5:14-15).

Cornelius’ story in Acts 10 reveals the power of prayer in spreading the message of salvation. A man who “prayed regularly to God” (v. 2), Cornelius sought the presence of the Lord. From this place of daily surrender, he caught heaven’s attention. His prayers had been “remembered by Him” (v. 4 AMPLIFIED). In due time, He and many others received salvation in Christ (vv. 44-48). The Spirit of the Lord draws those who are willing to cry out for the restoration of righteousness, believers who are willing to stand in the gap (Ezekiel 22:30). Wherever prayer goes forth, hope strengthens. As believers, we are called to pray for …

·         The eyes of men to be opened in understanding salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18).

·         Labourers to speak the Word with boldness (Ephesians 6:19-20).

God is intimately concerned about every need in our lives. But remembered prayers come from a heart that beats with His. – Regina Franklin

More >

·         Matthew 9:37-38

·         Colossians 4:2-4

·         2 Thessalonians 3:1

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Why is it important that our prayers line up with the Word? How does praying for the salvation of lost people change us?

A better place

Read > John 14:1-14

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).

There is a myth that is common in Christian as well as non-Christian circles: People who die always go to a better place. I have been to funerals of individuals who were said to have gone to “that better place” – but I knew they were not in a better place. These are called funeral assurances, words of comfort that assure and reassure people that their loved ones – no matter how they lived or what they believed – have gone to heaven.

There are reasons that people tend to believe in a better place for all. First, they think God grades on a curve – that as long as they are sincere, any spiritual path will work. This idea is shattered by the reality that there is not one area in life where this is true (for example, think about surgery and car repair).

People also want to believe that a loving God would not send anyone to hell. They claim that only ignorant, religious bigots think that Jesus is the only way.

So, what does the Bible actually say? It might not be a popular teaching, but according to Matthew 10:28 and Mark 9:42-45, there is a real place called hell. We read in Matthew 25:41 that hell was made for Satan and his angels – not for believers in Jesus. However, those who refuse to receive God’s free and precious gift will go there too (Matthew 25:41-46). Sin separates us from a holy God. On our best days, we all fall short of God’s standards. Based on Romans 3:23, God does not grade on a curve.

The Bible clearly states that Jesus is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Trusting Him as our Lord and Saviour is the only assurance we have that we will go to a better place when we die. Let’s remove every obstacle and tell people about Jesus! – Marvin Williams

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·         Acts 4:12

·         Romans 5:2

·         Ephesians 2:18

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In what way is faith in Jesus Christ exclusive and narrow? With whom will you share the Good News today?