Christian Blog

"Leave the dead alone"

2010-03-05T07:05:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, MARCH 5

Posted to Deuteronomy 18:13 on Mar 1, 2010 at 03:03 PM

“You shall be blameless before the LORD your God.

"Leave the dead alone"

There’s a growing fascination about life after death. Thousands of so-called psychics around the world claim to contact the spirits of the dead. And online, people can visit with psychics, spirit guides, and experts in reincarnation. There are nearly 16,000 witchcraft sites, 13,000 reincarnation sites, 12,000 psychics sites, and more than 1,000 sites dedicated to talking with the dead.

God told Moses to warn Israel that deliberate involvement with contacting the deceased was forbidden by Him (Leviticus 19:31; Deuteronomy 18:9-14). Talking to mediums, seeking spirits, practicing sorcery and divination to try to contact the dead was forbidden because these practices prevented Israel from being a peculiar people—a people who would be a blessing to all nations (Leviticus 20:6-8). How could she influence her neighbors if she was imitating their evil behavior? So, why did people attempt to contact the dead? They were:

• desperate for guidance (1 Samuel 28:3-15)

• disobedient to God (1 Chronicles 10:13-14) • deceived (2 Corinthians 2:10-11; 11:3) For believers, these practices are forbidden as well. These practices are not motivated by the Spirit, but are the fruit of the sin nature (Galatians 5:19-21). Any believer who seeks out psychics, horoscopes, and mediums, for the purpose of contacting the dead, is choosing to follow Satan. They aren’t being peculiar and cannot please God.

Instead of having a fascination with contacting the dead, we should initiate loving contact with the living. That way we can tell them about God who— through His Son—loves them and can secure their eternal life.

—Marvin Williams CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

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"Postcard Secrets"

2010-03-04T07:37:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, MARCH 4

Posted to Psalms 32:5 on Mar 1, 2010 at 02:53 PM

Psalms 32:5

I acknowledged my sin to You, And my iniquity I did not hide; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD ”; And You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah.

"Postcard Secrets"

Some years back, Frank Warren handed out 400 blank postcards bearing his address to strangers and asked them to send their untold secrets to him. Warren began receiving confessions like: “I haven’t spoken to my dad in 10 years, and it kills me every day” and “Everyone who knew me before 9/11 now believes I’m dead.” Today, Warren’s Post-Secret project receives over 1,000 postcard secrets every week.

Since then a plethora of online confessionals have followed. Many of the confessions posted are fabricated. But many are heartfelt—like the woman who confessed to cheating on her boyfriend and then wrote: “I’m sorry. I don’t believe in a god, but I feel I need to finally tell someone the truth, even if it is just the Internet.”

The human soul longs to confess its guilt. Three thousand years ago, King David wrote in a song: “When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long” (Psalm 32:3). We don’t know what sin was on his mind, but we know how he felt before he came clean: “Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat” (v.4).

David finally confessed his sin to God and discovered the power of divine pardon. “And You forgave me!” he sings heavenward in relief. “All my guilt is gone” (v.5).

Confessing our wrongs on a postcard or Web site may be partially therapeutic, but it doesn’t go far enough. It’s not just confession we need, but cleansing. The Internet doesn’t “hear” our confession. A postcard can’t “pardon” our sin. But the personal God of the universe can do both.

“Therefore,” David sings on, “let all the godly pray to You while there is still time” (v.6). Confess and be clean, for the God of forgiveness is listening.

—Sheridan Voysey

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“Celebrating a loss”

2010-03-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, March 1st

2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV NASB
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

“Celebrating a loss”

As time ticked away at Hull City’s beautiful KC Stadium in the UK, an appreciative and raucous crowd stood in anxious anticipation. At game’s end, hundreds of fans scurried onto the field to celebrate. Their beloved Tigers had just gone toe-to-toe with legendary Manchester United and . . . lost? The TV commentator explained, “Hull City may have lost this battle, but they’ve won the relegation war.” By losing “only” 0-1, Hull avoided relegation from England’s vaunted Premiership and the dreaded banishment to an inferior league. Clearly, not all losses are created equal. The greatest loss of all time occurred when Jesus was crucified. He had come to live on this earth. He walked among us, ate our food, breathed our air, healed our sick, and offered eternal life to any who would accept it. What did He get for His trouble? The religious leaders of His day conspired to put Him to death. Yet Jesus didn’t lose; He won! When Bono sings in Sunday Bloody Sunday, “to claim the victory Jesus won,” he’s singing about this victory. Jesus went willingly to the cross as a sacrificial Lamb to pay the price for our sins and to defeat sin and death. He who had never sinned became “the offering for our sin,” says 2 Corinthians 5:21. And the very next portion of Scripture makes this crucially important appeal: “We beg you not to accept this marvelous gift of God’s kindness and then ignore it. For God says, ‘At just the right time, I heard you. On the day of salvation, I helped you’ ” (6:1-2). Because of Christ’s victory, we aren’t relegated to live a dreary life of addiction to our sins, waiting for life’s final whistle. Jesus conquered death. In Him, ultimate and overwhelming victory is ours (Romans 8:37). His loss became His greatest victory—and demands our praise and celebration of Him. —Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Journey

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“The Evil of Inertia”

2010-02-25T08:52:00.001-08:00

Daily Devotional, February 25th

Mark 15:1 ESV NASB
Early in the morning the chief priests with the elders and scribes and the whole Council, immediately held a consultation; and binding Jesus, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pilate.

“The Evil of Inertia”

The Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC, supplies a stark reminder of how evil humans can be. I was stunned by the hall of shoes that had once been worn by doomed Jews; the story of the methodical elimination of innocents in Krakow’s Jewish Ghetto; and the grisly death of prisoners in Hitler’s concentration camps. But most chilling was my recognition that the Nazi ofﬁcers looked normal. Worse, they looked like me. My ancestors were Swiss-German Mennonites, so I resembled the ofﬁcers in the pictures. They could have been my Sunday school teachers! How did such normal people get caught up in such a great evil? Somehow, they simply went along with it.That’s usually how great evils are committed. Pilate wasn’t looking for trouble when Jesus was thrust upon him (Mark 15:1). He didn’t realize who He was, and he didn’t much care. He just wanted the problem to go away. Pilate made a half-hearted attempt to do the right thing. He invited Jesus to refute the charges and asked the crowd if he should release Jesus as a Passover favor. But the Jewish leaders had stoked the crowd into a mob, and they demanded that Barabbas be freed and Jesus be cruciﬁed. Pilate tried one last time, asking the crowd, “What crime has He committed?” When “the mob roared even louder, ‘Crucify Him!’ ” (v.14), Pilate washed his hands of the mess (Matthew 27:24). It was easier to give in to the cries of the moment than to seek justice for Jesus. Pilate simply went along, and in so doing he cruciﬁed the Son of God. Today Jesus is represented by the poor and needy who are thrust upon us (Matthew 25:31-46). Will we give them a hand or will we shrug and go along? —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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“Running on empty”

2010-02-23T07:43:00.001-08:00

Daily Devotional, February 23rd

Mark 6:37 ESV NASB
But He answered them, “You give them something to eat!” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and spend two hundred denarii on bread and give them something to eat?”

“Running on empty”

My boss and I were driving back from a neighboring town late one night when our car rolled to a stop. “We’re out of gas,” she said. There was a gas station about a quarter of a mile away, so we shrugged into our coats, shoved the doors open, and started walking. If you’ve ever been low on fuel, you know it’s impossible to keep moving for very long. You might be able to coast for a while, but you can’t run on empty forever. Jesus recognized the disciples’ need to refuel when He suggested, “Let’s go off by ourselves . . . and rest awhile” (Mark 6:31). His band of do-gooders had just come back from a ministry tour, but things were so hectic that Jesus and His apostles didn’t even have time to grab lunch before a crowd formed. Jesus decided to hold an impromptu seminar, teaching them “many things.” After a while, the disciples said, “It’s getting late. Send the people away so they can get something to eat.” Jesus’ response? “You feed them” (v.37). He knew His crew was tired and hungry, that it was late, and that they were broke. The disciples sassed back, “With what?” Maybe you’re wondering the same thing. Fortunately, Jesus wasn’t setting the disciples up to fail—and like them, He won’t ask us to help people in His name without enabling us to follow through. Jesus “knows how weak we are; He remembers that we are only dust” (Psalm 103:14). Sometimes though, He allows us to run on empty for a while, until we recognize that He is the ultimate fuel source for our ministry. Without Him, we can’t keep going, but with Him we “can do everything through Christ who gives [us] strength” (Philippians 4:13). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

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“Perfect path”

2010-02-18T18:24:00.001-08:00

Posted to Acts 2:23 on Feb 15, 2010 at 06:18 PM
Acts 2:23

this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death.

“Perfect path”

My wife and I had prayed. We had sought God. We had sought godly counsel. Now we presented our plans to a group of people who would help us realize a vision for ministry or shut it down. They chose the latter. We’ve all felt the pain of having plans dashed and dreams deferred. The confusion and disillusionment that follows can be overwhelming. Where’s God in all of this? What are His plans for us? God has a perfect path that He continues to blaze in this world. His plans can’t be shut down. “It will all happen as I have planned. It will be as I have decided,” God spoke through Isaiah (14:24). In the New Testament, Peter stated, “God knew what would happen, and His prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed” (Acts 2:23). These verses reveal that God’s perfect path—a path that once led Jesus to the cross—lies before us. And though He allows His creatures to choose or reject Him (Deuteronomy 30:15-16; John 14:15-17), God will arrange things so that His “prearranged plan” will come to fruition. These truths can be a great encouragement to us when we feel that the path we’re on has taken a wrong turn. Peter pulls from Psalm 16 as He proclaims, “I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me” (Acts 2:25). My God is still with me even when the path is confusing. “My body rests in hope” (v.26). My hope is in God and not my circumstances. “You have shown me the way” (v.28). God will reveal His perfect path to me. Several years after our ministry plans were shelved, the very thing we had hoped and prayed for became a reality! But it happened in God’s perfect timing and at just the right place along His perfect path. —Tom Felten, Our Daily Journey

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“Remember our manna”

2010-02-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: "“Remember our manna”

Posted to Exodus 16:33 on Feb 15, 2010 at 06:23 PM

Exodus 16:33
Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the LORD to be kept throughout your generations.”

“Remember our manna”

We’ve been gone from South Carolina only for a year, but our boys have already begun to forget. A couple of weeks ago, we took a trip to our old town. We drove through our neighborhood and saw the steep hill where they rode their bikes, screaming all the way down. We saw the spot where we always stopped on our springtime walks to snag
honeysuckle. The boys, wide-eyed, kept saying, “Oh, I remember! I remember that!”

I believe remembering is one of the most important things we do as humans. In order to remember who we are, we need to remember where we’ve come from and what we’ve experienced up to now.

For Israel, their national identity was replete with stories of how their God had delivered and rescued and provided (and, yes, judged). The Exodus narrative tells how God pried Pharaoh’s hand free from His people and walked them out of Egypt. God opened up the sea, led His people with a ﬁery pillar (Exodus 14) and turned bitter water sweet (Exodus 15). And, perhaps most astonishingly, “rain[ed] down food from heaven” (16:4). They called it manna.

Despite God’s miraculous intervention, the people often doubted whether God would provide what they needed. When the people were hungry, they complained. And so God graciously sent them food—food that would fall from the sky. Every day, they had all they needed (v.12).

God insisted, however, that they save some manna as part of their holy items. He was concerned that future generations would forget what had been provided. When their grandchildren would ask about what the strange wafers were in the jar, they could say with gratitude and hope, “Ah, I remember.” —Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

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“As we forgive”

2010-02-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: "Daily Devotional, February 16th

Posted to Matthew 6:12 on Feb 15, 2010 at 11:16 AM

Matthew 6:12
‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

“As we forgive”

As We Forgive, the award-winning documentary by Laura Waters Hinson, portrays the pain and hope of two Rwandan women as they face the men who brutally murdered their families during the 1994 genocide. Catherine Claire Larson, author of the ﬁlm-inspired book bearing the same title, believes that these women possess a message that we all need to hear. “If Rwandans can ﬁnd the courage to forgive,” Larson writes, “then perhaps there is hope for us in those problems that seem to pale in comparison and in those that echo the horrors of genocide.” When someone has wronged us by word or deed, forgiveness rarely arises naturally or willingly. We are commanded by Jesus, however, to forgive “those who sin against us” (Matthew 6:12). Forgiveness is an oft-repeated theme in the New Testament. In Matthew 18, Jesus stated that God requires us to “forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart” (v.35). The apostle Paul reiterated this exhortation: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13). Author Jerry Bridges writes, “In order to forgive our brother, we must be satisﬁed with God’s justice and forgo the satisfaction of our own.” Bridges continues, “God is the perfect example of one who forgives. He is so rich in mercy, and ‘He loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life’ ” (Ephesians 2:4-5). As we forgive others, we reveal the forgiving heart of God. —Roxanne Robbins, Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

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“Thieves and shepherds”

2010-02-11T07:52:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, FEBRUARY 11TH

Posted to John 10:1 on Feb 9, 2010 at 01:15 PM

John 10:1

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber.

“Thieves and shepherds”

In September 2008, a court convicted Ryan Mueller of burglary. Due to multiple convictions, Mueller received 6 years in the penitentiary along with 5 years probation. Mueller’s latest crime happened in the middle of the night when he crept into a family’s home under cover of dark and attempted to steal $20 from a toddler’s piggy bank.

I don’t know Ryan’s story, but I’m guessing that by the time you get to the place where you are lifting kids’ piggy banks, stealing has become a way of life.

Jesus spoke of a thief whose nature is “to steal and kill and destroy” and contrasts this thief with Himself, who intends to “give [us] a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). Jesus used this metaphor as a distinguishing mark between Himself and all false truths or teachers. “I am the gate for the sheep,” Jesus said (v.7). However, “all who came before Me were thieves and robbers” (v.8). In an agrarian society where most everyone had someone in the family who made a living tending sheep, Jesus provided an image with immediate resonance.

Often when shepherds were moving their sheep to better pasture, they would stop for the night in a place where there was a stone (or hedged) wall to protect the sheep. The shepherd would sleep in the entrance. His body became the gate that kept the wooly creatures in and kept the wolves out.

“The good shepherd,” Jesus said, “sacriﬁces his life for the sheep” (v.11). On the other hand, “the wolf attacks . . . and scatters the ﬂock” (v.12).

In John’s context, the hero and protagonist are clear. Jesus is the life-giving Shepherd. The ravenous, destructive thief is a false teacher following the lead of Satan. Who is the one we will listen to—the thief or the Good Shepherd? —Winn Collier. Our Daily Journey

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“Spouse for sale"

2010-02-10T08:12:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, FEBRUARY 10TH

Posted to 2 Samuel 6:20 on Feb 9, 2010 at 01:09 PM

2 Samuel 6:20

But when David returned to bless his household, Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How the king of Israel distinguished himself today! He uncovered himself today in the eyes of his servants’ maids as one of the foolish ones shamelessly uncovers himself!”

“Spouse for sale”

Recently, I read an article about a 38-year-old guy who offered his wife for sale. I wondered, what would drive a man to sell his spouse to the highest bidder? Then, I read his advertisement: “Nagging wife. No tax, very high maintenance—some rust.”

That’s when it clicked; it must have been the nagging. No marriage is perfect, but our communication patterns have a lot to do with the level of harmony in our homes. While some of us nag, other sinful speech habits include lying, harshness, or even sarcasm.

David’s wife, Michal, had a thing for sarcasm. When Michal saw David dancing before the Lord as the Ark was being brought back to Jersualem, “she was ﬁlled with contempt for him” (2 Samuel 16:16). She sneered, “How distinguished the king of Israel looked today” (v.20), when she really meant, You looked like a total goofball! Sarcasm hurts the ones we love twice—once with the original insult, and again with the sting of our delivery.

If Michal’s cutting communication wasn’t enough, this drama queen accused David of dancing to impress the servant girls. Her venomous lie proved that “harsh words make tempers ﬂare” (Proverbs 15:1), and it caused David to retort, “I was dancing before the Lord. . . . Those servant girls you mentioned will indeed think I am distinguished!” (2 Samuel 6:21-22). Like David, our spouses will move into defense mode and possibly even seek afﬁrmation elsewhere if we continually ﬂing false accusations their way.

Our words have the power to hearten our partners or discourage them. May everything we say “be good and helpful, so that [our] words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily Journey

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No grumbling allowed

2010-02-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, FEBRUARY 9TH

Posted to Numbers 14:2 on Feb 1, 2010 at 10:11 AM

Numbers 14:2

All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!

“No grumbling allowed”

I laughed yesterday as I read Facebook comments written by a close friend and his wife. She updated her proﬁle to read, “I am grumpy for no good reason.” Beneath it, alluding to Facebook’s “like” button, my friend wrote: “They need an ‘unlike button’ for these types of things.

Although the above exchange is humorous, Israel’s grumpy behavior in Numbers 14 was not funny in the eyes of God. As they whined and complained out of fear over false reports (Numbers 13:31-33), the Lord’s anger meter was rising. As the people were weeping, crying, and protesting, He was fuming (14:2,10-11; Deuteronomy 9:7).

God was angry for at least two reasons: • Lack of faith in Him. The Israelites showed no faith in their God who had miraculously led them out of bondage in Egypt. They showed no trust by grumbling greatly (James 5:9). It got so bad that God was ready to annihilate them (Numbers 14:12).

• Lack of liking His provision. God’s plans and provision should be received with joy and humility. The people, just like us at times, were rebellious and full of resentment instead of contentment (Numbers 11:6,21:5).

Fortunately, a fab four—Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb—revealed true trust in God and acceptance of where He was leading. These men showed the people, and us, what to do when we’ve caught a case of the grumpies: They bowed before God in repentance— seeking forgiveness (Numbers 14:5-6). They acknowledged His great love and His forgiving heart (Exodus 34:6-7; Numbers 14:18-19).

When we grumble and complain, we’re rebelling against God and choosing selﬁshness over His abundant provision. Let’s repent and follow Him with grateful hearts instead. —Tom Felten, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - No ordinary people

2010-02-02T08:29:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, FEBRUARY 2ND

2 Corinthians 3:18

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.

“No ordinary people”

In the book The Weight of Glory, C. S. Lewis makes a stunning claim about humanity. “There are no ordinary people,” Lewis writes. “You have never talked to a mere mortal.” Whoa! Now that’s a welcome thought—especially for those of us who at times feel ordinary at best. Could it really be true that we possess a hidden greatness? We only have to turn the opening pages of the Bible to discover that human beings are anything but ordinary. The ﬁrst chapter of Genesis tells us that human beings are the only part of God’s creation who have the distinct honor of being created in His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).

Francis Schaeffer, a contemporary of C. S. Lewis, said, “There is no more important revelation given about man than that he bears the image of God.” As God’s “offspring” (Acts 17:28), we’re marked by the glorious image of the Creator of the universe. While it’s true that we’re born with sin in our hearts and that we’ve fallen short of reﬂecting God’s glory (Romans 3:23), there are still traces of God’s glory and dignity in every one of us.

Ralph Waldo Emerson put it this way, “Man is God in ruins.” Like the ancient ruins of the world that still awe and inspire tourists each year, a remnant of dignity can be seen. It’s true of every person you meet, and each one can be transformed by God’s grace.

Part of the glory of the new covenant in Jesus is that God desires and intends to restore us. The New Testament tells us that those who have turned to Jesus and live by His Spirit are “being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).

Take a moment and let that soak in. It’s an amazing truth that frees us to live boldly for Him (v.12). —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Online Bible - tangle.com

2010-02-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: "Daily Devotional, February 1st

Posted to Ecclesiastes 3:1 on Jan 26, 2010 at 11:22 AM

Ecclesiastes 3:1
There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven--

“The right time?”

I’ve known believers in Jesus who struggled with guilt for saying “no” to taking on a new responsibility in a church or a parachurch organization. Many of them felt that by not agreeing to do more, they were failing to “walk by faith.” Yet they are all people who possess good reasons for carefully selecting their priorities. Some of them are moving from being single to married life, or from being a student to working.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, wisdom recognizes that everything has its own season—in human activities as in the realm of nature. There is “a time to search [for work, marriage, new friends] and a time to quit searching” (v.6). There comes a time in life when we should curtail certain commitments and funnel our energy into something else—putting aside what we did in the past. For instance, a mother shouldn’t feel guilty about spending her time nurturing her child and not having as much time to serve in church as she once did. It’s necessary that we experience these seasons of change.

Even though every activity has an appropriate occasion, only God can truly know what that occasion is (vv.9-11). It’s our responsibility to make the best and wisest decisions, and “whether [we] eat or drink, or whatever [we] do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). J. I. Packer wrote, “We must forsake the fallacy that faith is only demonstrated by what we are doing for God. Certainly, an active and growing faith will produce works in the life of a believer, but in reality, biblical faith demonstrates what God, in His power and grace, is doing for, in, and through the one who believes God.”

We walk by faith when we trust God to work in and through our lives—in all we do. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

Daily Devotional - Jesus Raises A Ruckus

2010-01-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

John 2:17
His disciples remembered that it was written, “ZEAL FOR YOUR HOUSE WILL CONSUME ME .”

“Jesus raises a ruckus”

The thud of bull hooves rumbles across the square. Swirls of dust rise into the air. Sheep bleat, doves flap their wings, and traders yell. “Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” He screams. The Prince of Peace is raising a ruckus.

He wields the cords and flips the tables (Matthew 21:12); the crowds part like the Red Sea. Mothers clutch their crying children. A cage overturns and doves fly free—an offering sent heavenward by a whip-swinging Savior.

Sometimes we get Jesus wrong. We think of a soft, serene Savior (“the poor baby awakes”), a meek and mild Nazarene (“no crying he makes”), and we forget that some in Jesus’ time thought He was John the Baptist or Elijah returned from death (Mark 8:28). The Son of God wasn’t thought of as some gentle guru of love, peace, and harmony. He was likened to a wild, thunderous, locust-eating prophet.

Surely Jesus was a teacher of love. His clearing of the Temple was no anti-business protest. The traders had set up shop in the Temple’s Outer Court—the only place where women and God-fearing Gentiles could worship. That act disrespected both God and worshiper; Jesus’ response was a passionate portrayal of love for both. And surely Jesus was a prophet of peace—teaching the turning of cheeks and the loving of enemies. But that didn’t negate His wrathful confronting of error. As Dorothy Sayers has said, “Whatever His peace was, it was not the peace of an amiable indifference.”

No, Jesus could be a powerful, angry, passionate personality—the only kind worthy of our full allegiance and trust. For what Savior would wink at greed and injustice? And what God could be worshiped who showed “amiable indifference” to the wronged? —Sheridan Voysey, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Subversive Christians

2010-01-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 26TH

Posted to Romans 10:9 on Jan 25, 2010 at 02:59 PM

Romans 10:9

that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved;

“Subversive Christians”

The ancient Romans were really nice people. Sure, their responsibilities demanded a certain demonstration of power, but given the large territory they governed, it was in their best interest to keep everyone happy.

One way they did this was to honor the gods of everyone in their kingdom. Rome built the Pantheon, which literally means “all the gods,” so that every group would feel that their god was respected.

Everyone was fine with this arrangement except the Jews, whom the Romans confined to Palestine, and the Christians, who overran the borders of Israel and went international. The Christians insisted that they alone worshiped the one true God.

Put yourself in the emperor’s sandals. What do you do with such people? You persecute them. You don’t want to. You wonder, “Why can’t we all just get along?” But you also know that if you allow the Christians’ divisive message to continue, it won’t be long till the fragile fabric of your multicultural empire will be destroyed. So for the sake of your kingdom, the Christians must go.

Christians today have the same message: “Jesus is Lord.” We are also living in the same kind of diverse, multicultural world. We receive many benefits from our shrinking global village. We enjoy meeting people who are different, learning their customs, and eating their food.

But the one thing we’re not allowed to say—the one thing that sounds dangerously divisive in our pluralistic world—is that Jesus is the only way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12). First-century Christians didn’t shrink from this claim, but they aggressively and humbly announced that Jesus, not Caesar, is the world’s only Lord. Now it’s our turn. —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Too Hot To Handle

2010-01-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 25TH

Posted to Romans 12:21 on Jan 18, 2010 at 10:03 AM

Romans 12:21

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

“Too hot to handle”

It’s hard to imagine that a guy would choose to blow his apartment to smithereens. Still, it happened in Lisbon, Portugal, as a man did just that—collapsing part of the 5-story building where he lived.

The mad-bomber had recently been evicted, and according to a fireman who responded to the subsequent blaze, “He had threatened neighbors that he would blow up the place if he ever got kicked out.”

Revenge, like fire, is nothing to mess around with—it’s too hot for us to handle. That’s why God tells us, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back” (Romans 12:19). When we’re in payback mode, we hold up the wrong done to us as the excuse for hurting others. Samson did this when his Philistine father-in-law gave his wife away to another man. Infuriated, he declared, “This time I cannot be blamed for everything I am going to do to you Philistines” (Judges 15:3).

Samson then had a teensy bout of pyromania. He gathered 300 foxes, tied their tails together in pairs, attached a torch to each carnivore couple, and set them loose in the Philistines’ grain fields.

Unfortunately, revenge breeds more revenge. In retaliation, the Philistines “went and got [his wife] and her father and burned them to death” (v.6). When Samson found this out, he vowed, “I won’t rest until I take my revenge on you [Philistines]!” (v.7). He attacked them once more before ending up as a lonely bachelor with a cave for a home address.

When we try to settle the score, we often hurt ourselves and our loved ones along with the people we target. That’s why believers should “never pay back evil with more evil” (Romans 12:17). It’s too dangerous. Instead, we’re supposed to leave the hot coals of revenge in the hands of our righteous God. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Cinderella Man

2010-01-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 22ND

Posted to 1 Samuel 16:7 on Jan 18, 2010 at 09:59 AM

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

“Cinderella man”

As the United States slipped into the Great Depression of the 1930s, a broken right hand forced James Braddock out of professional boxing. Money was hard to come by, so Braddock worked menial jobs to make ends meet.

Thanks to a boxer withdrawing from a bout at the last moment, Braddock eventually got another shot to box the No. 2 contender in the world. No one thought he had a chance, but he shocked the boxing world with a third-round-knockout win.

Braddock’s stunning victory resurrected his career. Nicknamed “Cinderella Man,” Braddock went on to pull off one of the greatest upsets in boxing history by defeating Max Baer for the heavyweight title of the world.

The Old Testament tells the story of another “Cinderella Man.” After informing Saul that God had rejected him as Israel’s king, He sent to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next ruler (1 Samuel 16:1). When Samuel first spotted Jesse’s oldest son, he thought for sure he was the one (1 Samuel 16:6). But God told Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Eventually God directed Samuel to Jesse’s youngest son, David, who had been relegated to the job of tending sheep. Apparently he didn’t seem kingly, but God saw something developing within the heart of this young shepherd that no one else had seen.

Do you sometimes feel as if you’re in a Cinderella role? Take heart and be open to learn. God may be giving you smaller assignments as training grounds to prepare you for a much larger role. —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL -Persistent Prayer

2010-01-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 21ST

Luke 18:1

Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart,

“Persistent prayer”

An anonymous person wrote: “I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, and jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done; my soul could rest at ease.”

Let’s contrast that view of prayer with the actions of the persistent widow in Luke 18. They’re strikingly different. The widow didn’t just drop by now and then to pay the judge a visit. She came to the judge repeatedly (v.3). Her soul wouldn’t rest until her case was heard. Why? Because she wasn’t asking for some special favor, she was simply seeking justice.

In those days, it was common practice to bribe an attendant in order to have your court case heard by the judge. The widow was probably too poor to do that. What’s more, the judge she was appealing to neither feared God nor cared about people (v.4). So she had every reason to lose heart. Due to her persistence, however, she received justice (v.5).

Now before we start thinking that God needs to be pestered, argued with, and bribed in order to have our prayers answered, it’s important to understand that this parable is contrasting the unjust judge with the one truly just Judge. God is eager to answer the prayers of His children. In fact, He will “grant justice to them quickly!” (v.8; Matthew 7:11).

We often lose heart in prayer because we don’t understand God’s timing or purpose. But there’s a better way. One writer put it like this: “Persistent prayer is the demonstration of faith in God who, while at times may delay His answers, will always act decisively and justly with respect to His people.” Keep on praying! —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Too Proud To Receive

2010-01-20T08:46:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 20TH

Posted to Matthew 5:3 on Jan 18, 2010 at 09:53 AM

Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Too proud to receive”

Shaina attends a service for 20-somethings at her church. The group is small but growing, and they’re starting to reach out in innovative ways to their community.

In the past year, nearly 30 people in the church have lost their jobs. So her group decided to get donations of food from individuals and businesses. They were amazed at the generosity. Soon they had a room jam-packed with groceries, and they began to set up appointments for the out-of-work families to “shop” for free. But many people didn’t want to come, despite being in financial trouble.

“We felt bad,” said Shaina. “I was doing something to help people who really needed it, and it was a great feeling. People took something away from me because they were too proud to accept help.”

When Paul the apostle prepared to go to Jerusalem for the last time, he stopped to encourage the believers in Ephesus. He noted that he had never coveted anyone’s wealth and had always worked hard. But when he quoted Jesus as saying, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35), his statement implied that it is indeed blessed to receive. If no one receives, no one gets the blessing of giving. God uses our needy times to humble us—and to enable others to enjoy the blessing of giving.

We’re all desperately needy for spiritual rescue. Without Jesus, we’re powerless to save ourselves. In a letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote, “Even though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead” (2:5). “God saved you by His grace when you believed [in His Son]. . . . It is a gift from God” (v.8).

Yet most people are too proud to receive the most generous gift of all time. Imagine how Jesus must feel about that. —Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - The View

2010-01-18T08:15:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, January 18th

Job 38:4 ESV NASB - “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding,

“The view”

Completing its inaugural rotation in March 2000, the Eye of London provides riders with a sweeping view of England’s capital city. Perhaps because it looks much like a giant Ferris wheel, the Eye has been the topic of mixed reviews. Its modern design stands in stark contrast to the deeply historical architecture it looks over. The Eye reminds me of the grandness and clarity of God’s view of events in this world, as compared to our finite perspectives. Because our fallen nature bends toward self-absorption, we easily become wrapped up in what we can see with our physical eyes. In the midst of his suffering, Job hungered for a context in which to place the deep pain he experienced. Confused by God’s seeming silence, he exclaimed, “I cry to You, O God, but You don’t answer. I stand before You, but You don’t even look” (Job 30:20). The question has echoed throughout the centuries: Does God see? Scripture answers clearly. Not only does He see beyond what we comprehend, but nothing transpires in our lives without His attention (Job 34:21; Psalm 34:15). God’s response to Job was not to answer the why’s of his suffering. Instead, He called attention to the greatness of His sovereignty. While God was more than capable of leaving Job in the dust in brokenness and shame, His purpose was greater than making Job feel little. If He is powerful enough to contain the boundaries of the oceans (38:8-11), then certainly He has the strength to sustain us through all things—even life-altering pain. More than a peripheral glance, we are the apple of His eye (Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV; Zechariah 2:8). His perspective, however, often involves answers beyond our comprehension. Peace comes in knowing that He sees completely, anticipating our need (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). —Regina Franklin, Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Opportunity for joy

2010-01-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 11TH

James 1:2

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

“Opportunity for joy”

Sometimes the Bible puzzles me. For instance, the book of James starts out by telling us that when tough things happen, “consider it an opportunity for great joy” (James 1:2). Really? “Great joy?” I don’t know about you, but sometimes even a little joy can be hard to come by.

I’ve wondered how a verse like this applies when someone we care about passes away? Personally, I don’t think my heart has ever ached as much as when my brother’s wife died of cancer. The pain I felt and saw in my brother and his children was, at times, unbearable. So when we lose someone to death, does the Bible tell us to quit hurting and just be happy? Thankfully, no. Our natural response when someone dies is to grieve. Jesus Himself grieved the loss of His dear friend Lazarus (John 11:35). But for those who know Jesus, grief is never the end of the story.

Just hours before He was tortured and put to death on a cross, Jesus informed His first followers, “You will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to Me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy” (John 16:20). Hmmm— grief that turns into joy. There it is again. But how is that possible? Jesus goes on to say, “So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy” (John 16:22).

As Christians, we can look at death differently. It doesn’t take away the sting of our loss today, but the hope of a great reunion with those who have gone before us brings a true sense of joy that carries us through our pain. —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Early or Late

2010-01-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 8TH

Posted to Mark 7:21 on Jan 5, 2010 at 03:18 PM

Mark 7:21

“For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries,

coming “Early or Late”

Have you ever listened to someone tell how he or she came to receive Jesus as Savior, and it totally blew you away? You sat slack-jawed as you took in every incredible detail. The depth of depravity from which God lifted this person was amazing!

It’s likely we’ve all experienced the goosebumps and waves of faith-building joy that powerful testimonies for Jesus can elicit. But, if you’re a person who came to believe in Jesus as a child, these accounts can also make you think your conversion story is boring and not worth sharing.

Not true. Whether you’ve come to Christ early or late, it’s an amazing tale to tell. God performed a miraculous workin your life. Jesus said that before salvation your heart was full of “wickedness . . . from within” (Mark 7:21- 23). You were literally “defiled” on the inside (v.23). Your sin nature was present at birth, not something that settled on you during life’s journey (vv.15,18-20). As the apostle Paul wrote, you entered earth “dead” in your sins (Ephesians 2:5). And all of us were under sin’s power (Romans 3:9). In Psalm 53, the writer states: “All have turned away; all have become corrupt. No one does good, not a single one!” (v.3).

There was nothing inside of us that could save us. But God reached out in mercy, and “though we were dead because of our sins, He gave us life when He raised Christ from the dead” (Ephesians 2:5).

So if you think your salvation experience lacks power in presentation, you’re dead wrong. For if your story were a headline, it would read: DEAD PERSON COMES TO LIFE! Now that’s an amazing story that everyone needs to hear. —Tom Felten, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL -Have Mercy

2010-01-05T07:20:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Psalms 31:9 on Dec 29, 2009 at 12:04 PM

Psalms 31:9

Be gracious to me, O LORD , for I am in distress; My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also.

"Have Mercy"

Within a week of moving to East Africa, I was summoned to a northern Ugandan hospital to help an orphaned boy named Olwa Elly. I’d befriended him months earlier on a short-term visit to Uganda. Sorrow consumed me when I arrived and found the 9-year-old lying listlessly on a filthy cot in an overcrowded, understaffed, fly-infested ward. The healthy and active Olwa Elly I once knew was now an emaciated child with an undiagnosed illness that had rendered him unrecognizable.

Two days later, Olwa Elly died. I took on the heartbreaking task of selecting his burial suit and coffin, and then joined his wailing relatives and friends as they laid the young boy’s body to rest.

Olwa Elly’s was the first of 11 children’s funerals that I attended during my initial year in Uganda. I’ve come to understand that, in Africa—a continent with alarmingly high child mortality rates, multitudes are weary from the sting of death.

Again and again, I’ve heard African men, women, and children cry out like the psalmist David, who pleaded, “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness” (Psalm 31:9-10).

You and I may not know how to abolish the wars, corruption, and diseases that claim the lives of millions of Africans each year, but we do have the capacity to pray for the desolate in foreign lands.

Today, ask God to show you how to pray for suffering around the world. Let His compassion fill you so you can echo the prophet Isaiah who said, “The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary” (Isaiah 50:4).

—Roxanne Robbins, Our Daily Journey

DAILY DEVOTIONAL -Sold Investment

2010-01-04T10:35:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, JANUARY 4TH

Posted to Jeremiah 32:8 on Dec 29, 2009 at 11:59 AM

Jeremiah 32:8

“Then Hanamel my uncle’s son came to me in the court of the guard according to the word of the LORD and said to me, ‘Buy my field, please, that is at Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for you have the right of possession and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the LORD .

"Solid Investment"

The best time to buy stocks is also the most difficult. It takes guts to invest in a bear market (a down market), but savvy investors find bargains on some solid stocks and buy even when everyone else is selling. And when the market comes back, they’re poised to do very well in their investment.

Jeremiah wasn’t dealing stock, but he did once offer a plot of land at the worst possible time. The armies of Babylon were besieging Jerusalem and would soon capture and burn the city. But even though the immediate future was gloomy, God told Jeremiah to buy the field as a sign that “someday people will again own property here in this land and will buy and sell houses and vineyards and fields” (32:15).

Judah, in the short-term, would suffer many bumps in the road, but her end was guaranteed. God promised Jeremiah that He would bring His people back to this once proud city, where they would “live in peace and safety” (32:37) as the children of God. Believing that God would “faithfully and wholeheartedly replant them in this land” (v.41), Jeremiah paid 17 pieces of silver for the field (v.9). By doing so, he showed his confidence in the promises of God.

God has promised that our entire world will “become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15). If we believe that, we will confidently expend our lives for Jesus even when things seem bleak.

We reflect this long-term kingdom view when we joyfully obey our Lord and love our neighbor as ourselves: offering customers only the deals they can afford, keeping our word when it hurts, investing our time and money in those who are in need, disciplining our children with calm patience and praying more—not less—when evil appears to be gaining ground.

—Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Treasures

2009-12-31T08:11:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 31ST

Posted to Matthew 6:21 on Dec 29, 2009 at 11:49 AM

Matthew 6:21

for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

"Treasures"

Every day, according to one survey, Americans buy an average of 3,972,603 movie tickets; 1,683,835 songs and albums from online resources; 1,650,000 DVD rentals from Netflix; 978,030 bags of Orville Redenbacher’s Gourmet popcorn; 568,764 Titleist golf balls; 443,650 large fries at Burger King; 160,968 bottles of Absolut Vodka; 7,500 Samsung LCD TVs; and 60 Ford Mustangs on eBay. It’s clear from this incomplete list that many consumers are spending money on things that have temporary stamped on them. Jesus, however, says that we should use our resources to acquire things that have eternity written all over them.

In Matthew 6, He identifies two types of treasures. The first are the ones accumulated on earth. These treasures are vulnerable to all kinds of decay and theft. They are the goods that we should not be going for. The alternative is treasures in heaven. Now Jesus was not saying we can buy our way into heaven. He was simply calling us to simplify our lives and leverage our time and resources for the sake of people in need (Matthew 19:21; 1 Timothy 6:17-19). When we, with pure motives (Matthew 6:1-4), give up our lives and resources for the marginalized, we’re “storing up” treasures in heaven.

How can we determine where our treasure is and where our hearts are? I believe the following questions can help us: What occupies my thoughts and daydreams? What do I fret about the most? Apart from my immediate family, who or what do I most dread losing? What criteria do I use to evaluate others? What would make me most unhappy to be without?

Let’s prayerfully consider the resources we’re using and pursuing, making sure that our stuff is being used to bless others and glorify God.

—Marvin Williams, Our Daily Journeyv

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Work of Art

2009-12-28T08:16:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 28TH

Posted to Colossians 3:23 on Dec 18, 2009 at 10:59 AM

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,

“Work of art”

Michelangelo had begun what he figured to be his crowning achievement—chiseling marble statues for the tomb of Pope Julius II—when the pope pulled him away for a menial task unworthy of the artist’s great skill. Michelangelo protested that many lesser painters could repair the plaster ceiling of the pope’s chapel, and he fled Rome in a futile attempt to avoid doing it. He detested the pope for forcing him into this assignment (some scholars believe that his fresco contains a cherub making a gesture of contempt to an Old Testament prophet who looks suspiciously like Julius), but Michelangelo gave it his best and transformed a repair job into the masterpiece of the Sistine Chapel.

Despite Michelangelo’s cryptic insult to the pope, his commitment to always do his best typifies Paul’s command to the Colossians to “work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord” (3:23). Why does Paul say that our work is “for the Lord”?

Earlier in Colossians, Paul declares that Jesus is the Creator and “through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth” (1:16). If Jesus is the Creator, then He is the one who “placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it” (Genesis 2:15) and who commanded Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply” and to “fill the earth and govern it” (Genesis 1:28). Theologians call this initial command the “cultural mandate.” It includes the idea that—as believers in Jesus—God has called us to establish cultures that reflect His beauty and glory.

Where does your job fit into this picture? How does what you do serve others and contribute to the development of culture? Give God your cheerful best, whether you are doing a repair job, painting a masterpiece, or both. —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - The Christmas Child

2009-12-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, December 24th

Luke 2:7

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

“This Christmas child” Watch Him. Watch Him. Watch this Child, who grows into a boy, who grows into a man and is found to be so much more. Watch as He is born—among shepherds and angels and bright lights in the sky. Watch as He grows in favor and stature—as a youngster asking questions, giving answers, astounding teachers. Watch Him in the desert—a young man in prayer, with hunger and thirst and a calling from heaven.

Watch this strange northerner—with His calloused hands and radical ways—who grew up in “pagan” Galilee, whose brothers once thought Him unbalanced, and whose neighbors once drove Him out of town. Yet watch His authority, His acceptance, His patience. Watch Him touch the leper, heal the diseased, cleanse the impure. Watch Him teach the crowds to forgive and pray always.

Watch Him as He kneels—in a garden, and in anguish. “Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine” (Luke 22:42). Radical submission to a heavenly plan.

Watch as the Son of God is betrayed with a kiss. Watch as they arrest Him and His closest friends flee. Watch as He submits to a fate sketched before time. Watch as they spit on Him and hit Him and crucify Him on a tree.

Watch as one final breath slips from His lips—the sins of the world on the shoulders of one man. Then watch, yes watch, as the stone is rolled away; an empty tomb filled with hope, for He rose again!

Then watch as His name and His fame fills the world.

This God, this Man, this Boy. This Christmas Child. —Sheridan Voysey, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Job Loss

2009-12-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 23RD
Posted to 2 Samuel 15:30 on Dec 18, 2009 at 10:52 AM

2 Samuel 15:30

And David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as he went, and his head was covered and he walked barefoot. Then all the people who were with him each covered his head and went up weeping as they went.
“Loss and found”

It’s likely that several people you know have been laid off this year. Recently I learned that another good friend had lost his job. This would be bad news for anyone, but it was especially brutal for my friend because his wife’s position had been eliminated just a month before!

King David knew what it felt like to lose his position, and it resulted in true grief and sorrow (2 Samuel 15:30)—multiplied by the fact that it was his own son Absalom who had snatched his throne (v.13). We can all identify with David in his feelings of defeat and sadness. The loss of a job produces that kind of unfortunate fruit. The king even wondered if his days of reigning over God’s people was history, as he said, “If [God] is through with me, then let Him do what seems best to Him” (v.26). David wrote Psalm 3 when he was fleeing from Absalom. If you or someone you know has lost a job, here are three positive things David found through experiencing loss that could be helpful to you as well: Humility—A job can become a source of our identity and even a source of pride. Loss brings us to a point of humility before God and others. We recognize that it is God alone “who holds my head high” (v.3).

Dependence—Loss drives us to a place of desperation. We truly need God and His provision. We “[cry] out to the Lord” and He answers us (v.4).

Confidence—Not in ourselves, but in God. We learn a deeper level of trust in the One who is “watching over” us (v.5) and gives us “victory” (v.8), both today and forever!

You don’t have to lose everything when your job is lost. Trust in God and His provision for today. —Tom Felten, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Interruptions

2009-12-21T07:37:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 21ST
Posted to Mark 5:36 on Dec 14, 2009 at 02:49 PM

Mark 5:36

But Jesus, overhearing what was being spoken, said to the synagogue official, “Do not be afraid any longer, only believe.”
“Interruptions”

With a work deadline looming, it was hard to find time to write my Our Daily Journey articles this month. I was strongly tempted to put on a “Do-Not-Disturb-Me” demeanor at work. For even though I tried to protect some time to think and write, it never happened. I was bombarded by e-mails that required immediate attention, or the immediate need to discuss specific projects with a colleague.

Interruptions. How should we handle them?

Jesus knew all about interruptions. One day, just after He had reached the shore of Galilee, a distraught man in dire straits greeted Him with an urgent plea. Jairus implored Jesus to follow him quickly. His daughter was dying, and he wanted Jesus to heal her (Mark 5:22). While they were making their way through the crowd to Jairus’ house, Jesus suddenly realized that “healing power had gone out from Him” (v.30).

To the disciples, this was an undesired interruption. Their tone belied their frustration. They said, “Look at this crowd pressing around You. How can You ask, ‘Who touched Me?’ ” (v.31). But Jesus, full of compassion, took time to minister to a suffering woman. Her illness had made her ceremonially unclean (Leviticus 15:25-27), and she hadn’t been able to participate in community life for 12 years! Jesus looked the woman in the eye and assured her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace. Your suffering is over” (Mark 5:34).

Jairus’ daughter died while Jesus was busy helping the woman. It was too late—or so it seemed. The unwanted interruption allowed Jairus to experience an even deeper knowledge of Jesus and His power—even power over death!

When your schedule is interrupted, trust in God and His power. He will help you accomplish all that needs to be done. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Your Role Is Needed

2009-12-18T07:32:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 17TH

Posted to 1 Corinthians 12:18 on Dec 14, 2009 at 02:39 PM

1 Corinthians 12:18

But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired.

“Your role is needed”

One of my daughter’s high school teachers appeared in the 1986 movie Hoosiers. The film is based on the true story of a small-town high school basketball team in the US and their improbable run to the Indiana state championship. He didn’t have a big role. He had no lines. His name doesn’t even appear in the credits. He was simply one of hundreds of cheering “extras” in the stands. Today he jokingly says that his moment on the big screen is so brief that hitting the pause button is the only way to spot him.

I’ve run across a lot of Christians who tend to hold a similar view about their own role in God’s story. They may believe God has a plan for their life (Jeremiah 29:11) and that they have some kind of a role. But, at best, they see themselves as just “extras.”

Sadly, the experiences of life have led too many people to think that they have a marginal and trivial role to play. But that’s not how God sees it! While talking about the different spiritual gifts and services the body of Christ offers, the apostle Paul said, “Some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary” (1 Corinthians 12:22).

Regardless of our nationality or social standing, every single follower of Jesus plays a necessary role in advancing God’s kingdom. Whether the effect is far-reaching or only touches a few, there are no inconsequential or “bit” parts in God’s service. Every part is essential.

At this time of the year, when we celebrate Jesus becoming human and living among us (John 1:14), don’t forget your role in His ongoing story. Renew your commitment to discover and play your part today. What you have to offer is unique and is much needed! —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Street Kids Sabbatical

2009-12-15T06:30:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, December 15th

Galatians 6:3 ESV NASB
For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

“Street kid sabbatical”

I have a soft spot for Uganda’s street kids and have tried to help many of them enter church-based programs that provide food, housing, school fees, and quality mentors. Often, such efforts are rewarding. Occasionally, however, the outcomes are deeply disappointing—particularly when the children I’ve loved and invested in end up stealing from me and returning to the streets. Last month, after two convincing young storytellers conned me out of several hundred dollars (a story for later), I concluded I’d had enough. I thumbed a text message to the culprits’ mentor that said, “Your boys have pushed me to the limit. So until further notice, I’m taking a sabbatical from helping street kids.” Minutes after I’d expressed my resolve, a New Testament passage pervaded my thoughts: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up” (Galatians 6:9). I tried to distance my situation from the exhortation, but couldn’t. So, I dug further into God’s Word to uncover how I might avoid tiring of “doing what is good” in the future and gain needed discernment in the process. Here’s a sampling of what I learned: • Recognize that God wants us to give wisely. “You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Keep in mind that “whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith” (Galatians 6:10). • Remember that God has created you and me “anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). Today, thank God for allowing you to join in His work, and keep doing what is good. —Roxanne Robbins, OurDailyJourney CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Joy of Suffering

2009-12-10T15:29:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 10TH

Posted to Colossians 1:24 on Dec 8, 2009 at 09:33 AM

Colossians 1:24

Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions.

“Joy of suffering”

In The Call to Joy and Pain, Ajith Fernando writes: “Ministry in Sri Lanka can be quite frustrating. We work hard at planning an event and find that a curfew is announced just before the event is held. . . . Sometimes this frustration becomes so hard to bear that [the workers] leave the country, saying they cannot do the work they are called to do because of the prevailing situations. . . . They are unable to make themselves vulnerable to feelings of frustration and pain. So they leave the situation.” Pain avoidance. That’s an instinctive reaction for all us. So is Paul being masochistic when he says, “ I am glad when I suffer”? (Colossians 1:24). Definitely not. Paul is not advocating that we should seek pain and suffering. Rather, he recognizes that the way of the cross—following Jesus—includes hardships, and that “here on earth [we] will have many trials and sorrows” (John 16:33).

Paul rejoiced that he could participate in the sufferings of Christ and also that he could suffer for the sake of the church. Bible commentator Peter O’Brien points out that experiencing the power of Christ’s resurrection and sharing in His sufferings are aspects of knowing Jesus. If we desire to experience greater intimacy with Christ, and we know that suffering will deepen our intimacy, then the effects of our hardships will lose their sting. And when we realize that Jesus is using our sufferings to build and purify His church, we’ll see beyond the temporary and gaze upon the final victory.

With these perspectives in place, we can “tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us” (Colossians 1:28). Let’s “work and struggle . . . depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within [us]” (v.29). —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The Great Exchange

2009-12-09T10:06:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 9TH

Deuteronomy 8:10

“When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the LORD your God for the good land which He has given you.

“The great exchange”

Haiti is an impoverished nation where 80 percent of its people live in great need. One child in 14 never reaches his or her first birthday; another one in five never lives to the age of 4; and voodoo is practiced across the land. Yet, in the middle of the despair, Haiti is experiencing a revival. Ramshackle churches are being filled as many are receiving Christ and being released from demonic oppression.

On a flight home from Haiti, I flipped through the catalog that I found in the seat pocket in front of me. I had just left a country where people were desperate for food, and now I was viewing pages of useless gadgets for sale: spring-loaded “gravity-defying” shoes, a luxury mattress for my dog, even a full-size 80s-style arcade game for the kids. I winced over the stark contrast. People in the developed world are buying luxury beds for their pooches while Haitian children sleep on cold cement floors, I mused. But even as church membership thins in some nations, more and more Haitian Christians are meeting God in profound ways.

On the eve of entering the Promised Land, Moses warned the Israelites that a land of abundance could be a spiritual snare. He urged them to put God first. Otherwise, as they ate well, built homes, and saw their flocks and riches multiply, they would forget Him (Deuteronomy 8:12-14). Moses’ urgings remain ever relevant to those of us living in countries where personal affluence is high. Riches and pleasures can choke our faith (Luke 8:14). The antidote? Thanking God for every blessing we receive (Deuteronomy 8:10) and developing a heart of generosity for the poor (15:7-11).

Let’s exchange consumerism for compassion—extending God’s grace with grateful hearts to those in need. —Sheridan Voysey, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Praise in the slums

2009-12-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, DECEMBER 4TH

Posted to Psalms 100:5 on Nov 30, 2009 at 09:55 AM

Psalms 100:5

For the LORD is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting And His faithfulness to all generations.

“Praise in the slum”

More than a million people live in Kibera, East Africa’s largest slum, located in the heart of Nairobi, Kenya. A railroad track divides the massive area in half and, when no train is chugging through, also serves as a walking path for Kibera residents and visitors.

One day, as I was trekking down the track, a man in a shabby suit approached my friend and me. “I’ve just come from church,” he proclaimed. Appearing to be oblivious to the horrible stench that permeates his 600-acre slum home, he thanked us for coming by and added with a smile, “The Lord loves us and will provide for us.” He then shook our hands and walked away.

Surely this man craved better circumstances, but somehow he could still “acknowledge that the Lord is God” and that the Lord will take care of him “as a sheep of his pasture” (v.3).

His secret? Perhaps, more often than most of us, he has searched for water and found none; then, with a parched tongue, he’s cried out to God for provision—and He delivered. Perhaps a mere cup at first. But then more. Of the poor and needy, God says, “I, the God of Israel, will never abandon them. . . . Rivers fed by springs will flow across the parched ground” (Isaiah 41:17-18).

Though this man was a stranger, his life and faith have greatly inspired me. He showed me it’s possible to praise God while living in squalor. We can, regardless of our physical circumstances, “worship the Lord with gladness . . . singing with joy” (v.2). “For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever” (v.5). —Roxanne Robbins, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devional - Immanuel!

2009-12-03T07:13:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, December 3rd

Posted to Isaiah 7:14 on Nov 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

“Immanuel”

I was talking with a friend who can’t wait to be a parent. Fresh from his honeymoon, he and his wife are planning and praying for a baby. And they already have names picked out, one for a boy and one for a girl. Whoa! My friend’s wife isn’t even pregnant.

In 735 BC, the prophet Isaiah prophesied to the spiritually struggling nation of Judah: “The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)” (v.14). Jesus was named some 730 years before He was born!

I once heard a Bible teacher say that all the truths of Christmas can be stated in just three words: “God with us.” We tend to focus our attention at Christmastime on the human birth of Christ. But the greater focus should be on His deity—who He really is—“God with us.”

Immanuel means that we’re not isolated from a God who sits on some distant throne. Bette Midler’s popular 1990 song “From a Distance,” was off the mark in its refrain: God is not watching us “from a distance.” God is with us. Immanuel means that God lived among us. He had human skin and wore human clothes.

When Joseph and Mary called their son by name, they must have been awestruck. Every time His parents said “Immanuel,” it was a reminder that God was in the house—literally living under the same roof.

Are you alone? Feeling afraid? Have you felt that God is far off, somberly watching you from a distance?

If so, recognize that the message of Christmas is that you don’t need to be alone anymore. For Jesus has come. Immanuel. God is with you. —K.T. Sim, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Immanuel!

2009-12-03T07:12:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, December 3rd

Posted to Isaiah 7:14 on Nov 30, 2009 at 09:51 AM

Isaiah 7:14

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

Daily Devotional - On Whose Terms?

2009-11-30T06:43:00.000-08:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: "Daily Devotional, November 30th

Posted to Jonah 2:2 on Nov 23, 2009 at 11:03 AM

Jonah 2:2
and he said, “I called out of my distress to the LORD , And He answered me. I cried for help from the depth of Sheol; You heard my voice.

“On whose terms?”

Let’s consider a couple of hit songs from country singer Carrie Underwood. In “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” she sings about a young mother whose car is sliding on an icy road, and just as she is about to crash she cries out for Jesus to save her. “Jesus, take the wheel,” she sings, “take it from my hands ’cause I can’t do this on my own.”

In “Before He Cheats,” Underwood sings the lyrics of a scorned woman and what she did to her unfaithful boyfriend. While he was off romancing another woman, she was demolishing his car, slashing its tires and leather seats, scratching the paint on its doors, and smashing its headlights with a baseball bat. “Maybe next time,” she sings, “he’ll think before he cheats.”

Both songs resonate with people. Who hasn’t cried out to God in desperation, and who hasn’t plotted revenge on those who have hurt us? And yet it seems that we want to have it both ways. Why do we sing “Jesus, take the wheel” but not “Jesus, take the bat”?

We are too much like Jonah. He begged God to take the wheel of his life when he was swallowed by a huge fish (2:1), but he also wanted to hold on to the bat and take a few swings at his enemies in Nineveh.

When they repented and God relented, Jonah angrily complained to God, “Didn’t I say before I left home that You would do this, Lord? . . . You are eager to turn back from destroying people. Just kill me now, Lord!” (Jonah 4:2-3).

Likewise, we want God’s help, but on our terms. We want God to forgive and rescue us, but we reserve the right to “smash the headlights” of those who have sinned against us.

God won’t be played. If you have given Him the wheel of your life, hand over the bat. —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

Daily Devotional - Lost Your Way?

2009-11-24T07:38:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, November 24th

Luke 15:32 ESV NASB
‘But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost and has been found.’”

“Lost your way?” I was 15 years old when I first witnessed a basketball player score for the opposing team. It was late in a game, and my team had the contest in hand. One by one, my coach began sending in players who rarely got a chance to play. One of my teammates, Sam, bounced out on the court with tremendous enthusiasm. He received a pass, gave the defender a quick fake, and dribbled down court— the wrong way. We tried to wave Sam off and yelled for him to stop, but he was determined to score. And he did—for the other team! Jesus told a story about a young man headed the wrong way in life (Luke 15:11-32). Soon after demanding his portion of his father’s estate, he “packed all his belongings and moved to a distant land, and there he wasted all his money in wild living” (v.13). Things went from bad to worse. Soon a famine struck, resulting in work and food being scarce. Hungry and penniless, the wayward son finally came to his senses and made his way back home. To the son’s surprise, his father was eagerly waiting for him to return and welcomed him with hugs and a huge party (vv.20-24). It’s not what the young man deserved, but Jesus’ story reminds us of the grace God extends to any of His wayward children who return to Him. By Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, He forgives and celebrates our return! He doesn’t shame His kids for losing their way. When we rebel and go our own way, it isn’t long before we face the bitterness of our choices and struggle with our next move. The best move is to turn back to God—bowing before Him in true repentance and then being stunned by His grace and acceptance. —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Precious Marks

2009-11-23T07:57:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, November 23rd

1 Timothy 1:12 ESV NASB
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

“Precious marks”

Maybe no one will notice. I turned the coffee table so that the flaw would be less visible to the members of our Bible study. Still, my friend Wendy spotted the little notches and I had to admit our son had cut his first teeth there earlier that week. She smiled and said, “Oh, now you’ll never be able to get rid of that table; those marks are precious.” Most of us live with dents, scratches, and other “marks” on our hearts and minds—you know, the embarrassing stuff from past mistakes. The problem is, sometimes we think God can’t or won’t use us in ministry because of these imperfections. Paul openly recounted his dark past in a letter to his protégé, Timothy. He said, “Christ Jesus . . . appointed me to serve Him, even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted His people” (1:12-13). Although Paul was aware of these prior offenses, he understood that “anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This new life is a product of God’s mercy, which is available to all of us who know Him through Christ. God transforms lives that are marked with addiction, immorality, and even abuse. He does this so that He can use us “as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners” (1 Timothy 1:16). Did you ever stop and think that God wants to use you in ministry specifically because of your past, not in spite of it? In His eyes, our marks are precious. “He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can go and do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10). —Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - The Guardian of Truth

2009-11-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

"Daily Devotional, November 19th

2 Timothy 1:14
Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.

“The guardian of truth”

A December 2008 report released by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life listed this startling finding: Fifty-two percent of Christians in the US who attend churches that believe Jesus is the only way of salvation accept this idea: “Some non-Christian faiths can lead to eternal life.” In an earlier 2008 survey, only 39 percent of the Christian respondents said they believed that the Bible is the literal Word of God.

Living in a pluralistic and increasingly religion- intolerant world, we feel the pressure to become socially and politically correct—to not be exclusive in our faith views. At the same time, those who view the Bible as just a book written by men—not God’s Word—see no reason to believe what it teaches.

The apostle Paul warned of a time when “people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching” and “will reject the truth” (2 Timothy 4:3-4). To counter and correct this kind of biblical compromise and rejection, we are to “carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14; 1 Timothy 6:20). To guard the truth, these things are necessary: • Obey the truth (Deuteronomy 4:6). • Teach the truth to our children (Deuteronomy 6:7-9). • Study the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). • Test the truth (1 Thessalonians 5:21). • Hold on to the truth (2 Timothy 1:13). • Teach the truth to others (2 Timothy 2:2). We have the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, to help us (1:14), and to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). The Spirit will “carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you” (2 Timothy 1:14). —K.T. Sim, OurDailyJourney

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

Daily Devotional - A Transforming Vision

2009-11-17T05:27:00.000-08:00

Hosea 4:1
Listen to the word of the LORD , O sons of Israel, For the LORD has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land.

“A transforming vision”

Where there is no vision, the people perish,” states the well-known proverb (29:18 KJV). Or, as the New Living Translation puts it: “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.” In this most simple of statements lies a profound spiritual truth. When we lose sight of God’s revealed wisdom, we experience moral decay. Like the Israelites with their golden idol, we descend into “revelry” (Exodus 32:1-6). Like the people of Jeremiah’s day, we spiral into injustice (Jeremiah 7:5-10). The cry of the Old Testament prophets was always twofold: God’s people have lost their vision of Him, and as a result they are “running wild” to the point of destruction.

This was the situation in Hosea’s day. There was no knowledge of God left in the land of Israel (4:1), for the priests and the people had lost their vision of God and His truth (vv.6,9). The city was now filled with murder, theft, and prostitution (vv.2,13). The wealthy were oppressing the poor (Amos 8:4-6). Hosea sums up the situation this way: “Your land is in mourning, and everyone is wasting away” (4:3). Again, when we lose our vision of God and His revealed truth, we experience moral decay. I see this principle at work in my own life. When I lose sight of God through selfishness, busyness, or forgetfulness, I begin to lose control of temptation, worry, and sin. My love for my neighbor diminishes and my concern for the poor declines. The reason is clear: God is our model and His nature is our guide. His holiness fuels our holiness; His love motivates our love; His faithfulness inspires our faithfulness. We become what we worship.

Today, let’s ponder Jesus, who gave us the ultimate vision of God (Heb. 1:3). He longs to make us “into His glorious image” (2 Cor. 3:18). —Sheridan Voysey, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org"

Daily Devotional - Consumed

2009-11-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, November 13th

Matthew 6:21 ESV NASB
for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

“Consumed”

An Ethiopian farmer hid more than $12,000 in a haystack—which unfortunately was home to some hungry rodents. Just three weeks after he stashed the cash, he discovered that rats had chewed through almost one-third of his savings! When I read about this farmer’s misfortune, I couldn’t help thinking back to Jesus’ words: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth” (Matthew 6:19). Why not? Because moths (or rats) might nibble them down to nothing. Because our wealth could become burglar bait. Basically, because anything we store up on earth is temporary. Maybe that’s why we’re supposed to “think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth” (Colossians 3:2). An eternal view helps to keep us from becoming consumed by whatever we can glom onto in this life. So, how do we keep from letting our bank accounts get the best of us? Jesus urged us to store up treasures in heaven where decay and loss are non-events. But how? We’re supposed to “be rich in good works and generous to those in need . . . . By doing this [we] will be storing up treasure as a good foundation for the future” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). It’s the tangible acts of kindness and love that provide true wealth. If that’s not enough to satisfy our longing for everlasting affluence, we also need to invest in “a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21). The closer our connection with Him, the less we’ll care about the here-today-gone-tomorrow goodies of this world. Jesus said, “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21). To keep our hearts in the right place, we’ve got to stockpile treasure in heaven rather than being consumed with whatever we’ve got stored in the haystack! —Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Seeing The Light

2009-11-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, November 11th

John 9:39
And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”

“Seeing the light”

Thanks to cornea transplants, some people who were born blind have gained functional use of their eyes. Nevertheless, success is rare. In his book Catching the Light, author Arthur Zajonc described the plight of one young patient this way: “The light of day beckoned, but no light of mind replied within the boy’s anxious, open eyes.” In John 9, Jesus healed a man who was born blind. Medically, this is a double miracle. First, there’s the miracle of bringing about sight without doing a cornea transplant. Second, the man’s mind was illumined so that it could process what his eyes were viewing. But the greatest miracle is the healed man’s profession of faith (v.38). John’s account reveals that Jesus is the light of the world (v.5), and He can bring light to our eyes and to our souls—physically and spiritually (v.39). The thought of physical blindness scares me. I imagine myself groping in darkness, unable to see the beauty of my surroundings. That was our spiritual state before Jesus came into our life. Man, by nature, is spiritually blind. Without God’s illumination, we can’t see Jesus’ beauty or the hope of eternal life. And no transplant or human effort can cure this disease. But Jesus can! He came to fulfill the messianic promise that “when He comes, He will open the eyes of the blind” (Isaiah 35:5). The story of Jesus healing the blind man ends with a splendid reversal of roles: The man, who was assumed to be in spiritual darkness, could see God’s light, while the Pharisees, who could see physically and were thought to be enlightened, were shown to be spiritually blind (v.41). What’s the message? To recognize that Jesus is the source of light and life—He opens our spiritual eyes to His beauty and all that is truly real. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Encouraging the rejected

2009-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

Daily Devotional, November 10th

Acts 9:27 ESV NASB
But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.

“Encouraging the rejected”

Several years ago, a 30-something new believer attended our worship service. He had long, multicolored, spiked hair. He was dressed in dark clothes and had multiple piercings and tattoos. It was a good thing that only the pastors knew he had AIDS. Some people openly gaped and others just gave him that “It’s good to see you in church, but please don’t sit next to me” smile and stare. Yet, during the greeting time, there were some who went out of their way to welcome and accept him. They were a wellspring of encouragement to one who had experienced his share of rejection among “Christian” people. Barnabas was a wellspring of encouragement to Saul, a man who had been rejected because of his past (Acts 9). When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, three years after his conversion, many disciples were afraid of him and doubted his transformation (v.26). For Saul had previously been a vicious persecutor of Christians. But Barnabas, a Jewish convert, saw God’s work of grace in Saul’s life and became a bridge between him and the apostles (v.27). Saul needed someone to come alongside, encourage, teach, and introduce him to other believers. Barnabas was that bridge and source of encouragement. As a result, Saul was brought into deeper fellowship with the disciples in Jerusalem and was able to preach the gospel freely and boldly there (v.28). Becoming a bridge and source of encouragement to those who have a sordid past, but whose lives have been changed by God’s grace, is risky. Yet, we are called, like Barnabas, to take that risk and make them feel welcomed and valued. God gave His own Son to welcome us into His family. We should be willing to give sacrificially as we encourage and welcome others. —Marvin Williams, Our Daily JourneyCLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Orphans & Widows

2009-11-05T06:34:00.000-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 5TH

Posted to Deuteronomy 10:18 on Oct 26, 2009 at 02:24 PM

Deuteronomy 10:18

“He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.

“1.8 million”

We’re talking 1.8 million. That’s the record- breaking number of people who swarmed the US Capitol grounds on January 20, 2009, to watch the inauguration of President Barack Obama. That number—1.8 million—is also the heart-wrenching number of orphans struggling to survive in Uganda, the small country in East Africa where I live.

Daily, I witness some of Uganda’s parentless children striving to make it to “tomorrow.” Some beg. Some are forced into child labor. Some drop out of school to care for dying relatives. Some are placed in orphan homes. Others, sometimes as young as 5 years old, are trafficked and sexually exploited.

Today, make a difference on behalf of the millions of orphans around the world: • Pray that those who intend to prey on children will not succeed. Exodus 22:22-23 says, “You must not exploit a widow or an orphan. If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to Me, then I will certainly hear their cry.” • Pray for God’s people who are seeking justice on behalf of the orphans around the world. Ask God how you can support these little ones. “Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people” (Psalm 82:3-4). • Ask God how you can help the orphans in your city or region. “Leave [a portion of your crops] for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the Lord your God will bless you in all you do” (Deuteronomy 24:19).

Remember, “Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you” (James 1:27). —Roxanne Robbins, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Follow

2009-11-04T07:08:00.001-08:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, NOVEMBER 4TH

Posted to John 1:43 on Oct 26, 2009 at 02:19 PM

John 1:43

The next day He purposed to go into Galilee, and He found Philip. And Jesus said to him, “Follow Me.”

“Follow”

In July 2001, a few friends and I embarked on a long-anticipated rim-to-rim Grand Canyon hike. But our great adventure ended after only one day. We made it to the canyon floor, but due to the stifling heat (127°F) and dehydration we couldn’t finish. After sleeping a few hours, we began our trek back up the narrow ledge trail at 2:00 a.m. The experience of hiking in pitch-black darkness was harrowing. With just one headlamp, we could see only a few feet in front of us. We made it out by following the one who was leading, taking small steps as our meager light allowed.

Our experience reminds me of how Jesus repeatedly invited people to join Him in His life and work. When Jesus encountered Philip in Galilee, He simply said, “Follow Me” (v.43). And to Simon Peter and Andrew: “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19). And to the rich young man: “Follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). To the tax collector, to the beggars along the road, to rulers, to servants, to the rich and the poor, one word stands out: “Follow.”

It’s the same for us. While obedience to—and friendship with—God takes many forms, the central theme is this: Follow. Simply follow. Our prime responsibility in our spiritual journey is not to craft grand plans or muster up sincere commitment or to work hard to discern all God might be up to. Our crucial responsibility is to pay attention to whatever light (large or small) God provides—and to simply take the next step.

When we follow, we’re dependent on the one we are following. We don’t fret about the long stretch ahead. We don’t harbor regrets over what took place during the miles behind us. We don’t focus on things that don’t really matter. We simply follow. Follow Jesus today. —Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Hectic sluggard

2009-10-30T07:49:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 30TH

Posted to Proverbs 10:5 on Oct 26, 2009 at 01:32 PM

Proverbs 10:5

He who gathers in summer is a son who acts wisely, But he who sleeps in harvest is a son who acts shamefully.

“Hectic sluggard”

Lazy? Not me. I’m busy. Up early, up late. My schedule is filled from beginning to end. I love what I do and I love getting stuff done. I attack a daily to-do list with the same intensity I play basketball.”

I couldn’t identify more with these words written by Christian blogger C. J. Mahaney. It’s great to keep busy and accomplish stuff, isn’t it?

If we grasp what true diligence is all about as presented in Proverbs, however, we may discover that we are simply being hectic sluggards. Here’s why. Proverbs 10:5 describes the diligent person as busy and wise. In other words, a diligent person uses both his brawn and brain. He analyzes his situation and makes wise decisions in his labor. He knows how to act and speak in different situations. He doesn’t back down from challenges, but seeks to navigate around or through them with God’s help. He knows that wisdom doesn’t imply superior IQ. It’s found in a healthy fear of the Lord (9:10).

A diligent person also works in anticipation of the harvest. She has a clear goal to accomplish and she applies appropriate action at the right time by harvesting in summer.

She recognizes that busyness does not make us immune from laziness. People can be busy and still not accomplish anything of true value. They can be busy, but with doing the wrong things and at the wrong time. And the things that they should be doing are left undone.

Diligence flows from analysis, anticipation, appropriate action, and accomplishment—all prompted by the Holy Spirit’s active work within us. When considering our schedules, let’s pursue priorities and projects that are derived from God’s wise plans. To be diligent for God does not mean simply being busy. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Rising full moon

2009-10-26T09:24:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 26TH

Psalms 19:1

The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.

“Rising full moon”

One of the most magnificent sights in nature is the rising of a full moon. It’s bright and majestic and it looks absolutely huge as it ascends in the night sky!

As a full moon hovers just above the horizon, it appears much larger than normal. The “moon illusion,” as it’s known, is an optical illusion that tricks our eyes into thinking the moon is much larger when it’s near the horizon. But it’s not. The truth is that a full moon is not any closer or bigger when it’s at the skyline than when it’s directly overhead.

The rising full moon is such an impressive sight that God had to warn His people—those He had rescued from slavery in Egypt through awe-inspiring miracles— not to get caught up in worshiping it. “When you look up into the sky and see the sun, moon, and stars—all the forces of heaven—don’t be seduced into worshiping them. The Lord your God gave them to all the peoples of the earth” (Deuteronomy 4:19). The people of the ancient city of Jericho should have taken those words to heart. For history tells us that their city, which would later be conquered by the Israelites in their Promised Land quest, had succumbed to lunar worship.

I’ve never gotten tired of seeing a full moon explode onto the scene of the night sky. I pray I never do. A sense of awe and wonder is an appropriate response. But instead of worshiping it, we should reflect on the One who created it. In the book of Psalms, God refers to the moon as His “faithful witness in the sky” (89:37).
Next time you find yourself gazing at a full moon rising, look past its stunning beauty to the God who hung it in the sky long ago (Genesis 1:14-18). —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - What's In A Name?

2009-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 20TH

Posted to Matthew 16:18 on Oct 19, 2009 at 11:27 AM

Matthew 16:18

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

“What’s in a name?”

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” mused Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s evident that Juliet was not Hebrew. For the people of ancient Israel felt that the meaning behind a person’s name was vitally important. Parents carefully chose a name based on the personality, characteristics, or character that they saw in their child, or what they hoped would be true of their son or daughter.

When Jesus first called Simon to be His disciple, the fisherman was known for his rash and reckless ways—a shifting-sand kind of person. Later, Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means rock. It took a while, however, for Peter to live up to his new name.

We read in a subsequent account (Matthew 26) that Peter failed Jesus by denying Him three times. Prior to that failure was another sad episode in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the garden, Jesus’ soul was “crushed with grief to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). Three times He got up to seek out His disciples. Each time He found them sleeping. “He said to Peter, ‘Couldn’t you watch with Me even one hour?’ ” (v.40).

At the close of the gospel of John, we find Peter returning to his old trade of fishing, perhaps due to disappointment with himself (John 21). But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus came to reinstate Peter. In essence, Jesus helped Peter understand that God had not given up on him and that God still wanted to use him.

If you, like Peter, have received Jesus as your Savior, you now are identified with the name of Christ. You are a Christian. This title lifts up who you are and calls you to become what you are not yet. Be encouraged. God isn’t done with you yet. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Accepting Discipline

2009-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 19TH

Posted to Hebrews 12:11 on Oct 12, 2009 at 12:51 PM

Hebrews 12:11

All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

“Resisting the boot”

British builder Ian Taylor tried to make a point by sawing his Ford Fiesta in half after parking officers “booted” the car. It was parked a measly 2 inches over the line, and he would have had to fork over $400 to free the $100 car he planned to give to his stepson. In case you’re siding with this guy, let me finish the story. As Mr. Taylor sawed away, the car eventually caught on fire. This required firefighters and police to douse the flames and secure the area to keep bystanders safe.

When we refuse correction, consequences follow. But, accepting discipline—either from God or earthly authorities—“yields a peaceful harvest of right living” (Hebrews 12:11), and it has a meaningful payoff when it comes to disciplining our own children.

Our response to correction sets an example for our kids. As Solomon said, “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding” (Proverbs 15:32). When we mess up, our kids need to see us humbly accept and learn from the consequences. That way, they’ll know what to do when we discipline them.

Our own submission to authority not only models how our kids should respond to our discipline, but it also teaches them to respect God’s correction as they grow older. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: “God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness” (12:10).

Experiencing the correction that God allows has tons of benefits: assurance of His love (v.6), a sense of belonging (v.7), and even the peace that comes from right living (v.11). But for parents, there’s more. The key to correcting our children may begin with accepting discipline, not resisting the “boot.” —Jennifer Benson Schuldt, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Using "OMG" in texting, etc

2009-10-19T07:34:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 18TH

Psalms 29:2

Ascribe to the LORD the glory due to His name; Worship the LORD in holy array.

“omg”

With the advent of cell phones, texting, and online chat, an abbreviated form of language has emerged. Texters and chatters regularly communicate with shortcuts like “lol” (laugh out loud) or “idk” (I don’t know).

For the most part, these abbreviations are harmless. One popular shortcut, however, is truly offensive to believers in Jesus—“omg.” The most common meaning given to this abbreviation is the expression “Oh, my God.”

Should we be concerned by its use? Or are we making something out of nothing? Consider this: Although the Bible doesn’t legalistically regulate every single word that comes out of our mouths, it does plainly state that we are not to use God’s name in a way that regards it as trivial (Exodus 20:7). Even though blurting out “Oh, my God” or texting and e-mailing “omg” have become socially acceptable, they’re still examples of using God’s name wrongly. It boils down to an issue of respect. To refer to the God of the universe in this manner, even as an expression of shock or surprise, is flippant and dishonoring. It treats “the name above all other names” (Philippians 2:9) as irrelevant, as if it carries little weight or special meaning. To be fair, some may not intend to use “omg” in this way. They may believe that it is an innocent expression that—for them—means “Oh, my goodness.” Given how it’s most widely used and interpreted, however, it would be wise to use another abbreviation.

God’s name is to be revered, not to be misused or treated as meaningless. Whenever we refer to God, may we reflect the spirit of the psalmist who wrote, “Honor the Lord for the glory of His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness” (Psalm 29:2). —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - Do I Love?

2009-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Lamentations 3:37 ESV NASB
Who is there who speaks and it comes to pass, Unless the Lord has commanded it?

“Do I love?”

In the 1940s, Fred Craddock began serving as a missionary to India. When World War II ended, Craddock’s church wired him funds for a steamer ticket to return home. Arriving in his port of departure on Christmas day, Craddock discovered a disturbing sight. A ship of German-Jewish refugees had been allowed to temporarily dock, and these exiles had been stuffed in small spaces with no human comforts. Craddock used his money to buy pastries for as many as he could. When he informed his church, they asked, “Don’t you know they don’t believe in Jesus?” “Yes,” Craddock replied. “But I do.” When we believe in Jesus, our world becomes radically reordered. For we are infused with the Spirit of the living Jesus, and our heart and eyes and hopes are (if we will allow them to be) freshly attuned to seeing our world the way God sees it. If we’re curious to know whether or not our faith is growing . . . if we’re curious to know whether or not our actions are becoming more Jesus-like, if we’re curious to know if in fact we “know God,” we must answer this: Do we love? “Anyone who loves . . . knows God” (1 John 4:7). It’s rare these days to come upon an unequivocal answer, a black-and-white, right-or-wrong way forward. But in 1 John 4 we have an acid test. If you truly love—you know God. If you do not truly love—you do not know God. Period. When a friend leaves me feeling lonely, when my father walks away from my family, when I encounter another’s need—in these moments, do I love? And this love isn’t simply an act of mustering up some inner reservoir of goodwill. To truly love is to give away what God has generously given to us. —Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - Yielded and still

2009-10-15T11:27:00.000-07:00

1 John 4:7 ESV NASB
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

“Yielded and still”

Adelaide Pollard, born in 1862 in the US, had faithfully served God for many years through her gifts of teaching and writing. Her longtime desire, however, was to be a missionary in Africa. Finally the details were worked out and she was ready to set sail. But then, unexpectedly, she was forced to cancel her plans. Not being able to go left Adelaide disappointed and depressed. God spoke to her heart and she penned these words, “Mold me and make me after Thy will. While I am waiting, yielded and still.” Her complete poem became the well-known hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.” The prophet Jeremiah had also experienced depression over his circumstances as recorded in the book of Lamentations. He had seen Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonians and God’s people placed under their harsh rule (Jeremiah 39:1-14, 52:12-14). But, like Adelaide Pollard, instead of sinking deeper into sorrow, Jeremiah became yielded and still. He realized that his people had been sinning against God. That’s something Adelaide owned up to, as she acknowledged that “man’s own will is the basic sin he commits against God.” Through repentance and looking to God for guidance, both songwriter and prophet were able to see this truth: God is sovereign (Lamentations 3:37). It’s about His will, not our own. Instead of complaining and becoming bitter (v.39), they wisely chose to examine their ways and “turn back to the Lord” (v.40). This is a wise formula for us to adopt when we face unexpected changes in our plans. As we seek God’s ways, not our own, we’ll find ourselves becoming quiet and still. In time, the people of Judah were freed and rebuilt the city of Jerusalem. And, in time, Adelaide Pollard was permitted by God to minister for Him in Africa— yielded and still. —Tom Felten

Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - The hardest thing

2009-10-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

Matthew 18:35 ESV NASB
“My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”

“The hardest thing”

In the US presidential election of 2000, Senator John McCain lost his momentum and ultimately his party’s nomination when someone spread rumors that he had fathered a bi-racial child out of wedlock. Besides its overt racism, the slander was particularly despicable because the child in question was a handicapped orphan that John and his wife Cindy had adopted from Bangladesh. Seven years later, as her husband was running for president again, a friend asked Cindy what she would do if she encountered the person who had spread the vicious rumor. Would she want to stab him in the back? “No,” she answered, “I’d stab him in the front.” Who can blame Cindy McCain for nursing a grudge all those years? She had sacrificially given of herself for her child, only to have that loving act twisted and thrown back in her face. But here’s the thing. We who have received the forgiveness of Christ are obligated to pass that same forgiveness on to others. If we don’t, Jesus said we are like a debtor forgiven of “millions of dollars” who demands payment from someone who owes him “a few thousand dollars” (Matthew 18:23-35). A few thousand dollars is a lot of money, but it is much less than what God has forgiven us. But forgiving others is hard! Actually, it’s impossible. On our own, we will continue to do what comes naturally and dream of paying back those who have hurt us. But with the empowering Spirit of Jesus, we can follow the example of Jesus, who in the act of providing forgiveness for the whole world also asked forgiveness for the people who were killing Him (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness is an act of God. If He lives in you, you can and must do it. —Mike Wittmer

Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

Daily Devotional - Deep waters, dark nights

2009-10-14T08:22:00.000-07:00

Mark 6:50 ESV NASB
for they all saw Him and were terrified. But immediately He spoke with them and said to them, “Take courage; it is I, do not be afraid.”

“Deep waters, dark nights”

In the film The Perfect Storm, a captain and crew head out for what they hope will be an uneventful fishing expedition. In their quest for a bountiful catch, they motor far past their normal fishing location. There they find great success, but as they turn for home they encounter the horrifying combination of two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane. The crew struggles as they attempt to cut through deep waters, a dark night, pounding waves, and shrieking winds. Ultimately, the fierce weather overwhelms them. As the disciples made their way across the Sea of Galilee to Bethsaida, they too found themselves in a ferocious storm—experiencing turbulent, deep waters and a dark night. They struggled to sail through pounding waves and shrieking winds. Though they could not see Jesus, Jesus could see them (Mark 6:48). He saw their exhaustion, desperation, and even their lack of progress. Not only did He see them, He came to them in an unexpected and powerful way, walking on the water (vv.48-49). When Jesus walked on the water, He gave them a glimpse of the unlimited power of God. Though they couldn’t speak, Jesus spoke to them: “Don’t be afraid. . . . Take courage! I am here!” (v.50). His words and presence gave them courage. If you’re experiencing deep waters and dark nights, remember three things: (1) When you can’t see Jesus, Jesus sees you. He sees your hard work, exhaustion, sorrow, fear, and your lack of progress, and He cares deeply for you. (2) When you can’t come to Jesus, Jesus comes to you—in unexpected and powerful ways. His coming is not always to deliver us, but to remind us that He’s still in control and will not let us be overwhelmed. (3) When we can’t speak to Jesus, Jesus speaks to us. He speaks powerful words of assurance: “I am here!” —Marvin Williams

Our Daily Journey CLICK HERE to visit OurDailyJourney.org

DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Our chief task

2009-10-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 8TH

Posted to Matthew 7:14 on Oct 5, 2009 at 09:50 AM

Matthew 7:14

“For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

“Our chief task”

What’s so funny ’bout peace, love, and understanding?” sang Nick Lowe and Elvis Costello a generation ago. That ageless rhetorical question still lacks a satisfactory answer in the 21st century.

A religion scholar suggests, “The chief task of our time is to build a global society where people of all persuasions can live together in peace and harmony.” She claims that since all the major religions share a belief in the Golden Rule, this provides a solid basis for unity.

Sounds great. Jesus used the Golden Rule in His Sermon on the Mount: “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you” (Matthew 7:12).

But there is a dangerous implication inherent in any appeal for religious unity. Jesus called His followers to be unified (John 17:20-21), but in the very context of His restatement of the Golden Rule, He also warned us against false prophets and teachers (Matt. 7:15-20). He spoke of the limited number of people who would actually find the right way. “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate,” He said. “The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way” (Matt. 7:13).

Jesus never calls us to make war against other religions. Yet, neither does He promise us peace among the nations in our time. That peace will come later, when Messiah sets all things in order.

For now, Christ offers a deep, abiding, personal peace of heart and mind (John 14:27). He instructs us to forgive readily, to lovingly work through our personal injustices, and to acknowledge our own faults first. Our chief task is to take up our cross daily and follow Him (Luke 9:23). That’s a solid basis for unity that is sure to draw the attention of a searching world. —Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The Power of Gratitiude

2009-10-06T09:17:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to 1 Thessalonians 5:18 on Oct 5, 2009 at 09:43 AM

1 Thessalonians 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

“The power of gratitude”

Recent studies have shown that practicing gratitude leads to a healthier, more fulfilling, others-centered life. People who focus on what they are thankful for (versus those who dwell on hassles and frustrations) are in a better place than those who don’t. They are less likely to get sick and are more active, hopeful, and thoughtful of other people.

God desires that those who follow Him exhibit a grateful heart. For example, the Psalms tell us, “It is good to give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 92:1). In the New Testament, Paul encouraged his fellow Christians to be “thankful in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Could it be that one of the reasons the pages of Scripture lift up the importance of thankfulness is for the mutual benefit of others and us? It definitely appears that way! Apparently, being thankful is better for all concerned. In the end, gratitude produces enriched people who want to spread the love and joy of God to others.

Don’t misunderstand. Incorporating gratitude into our lives is not about walking around with a cheesy grin on our face, denying the heartaches or injustices of life. We don’t have to sacrifice reality to be grateful. We simply need to adopt a gratitude focus that affects every moment of each day (Ephesians 5:20).

Like everything else in life that’s meaningful, practicing gratefulness takes work. For some who have a habit of focusing on the negative, it may take a lot of effort to change their tune. But everyone is capable of being thankful. And when we live it out, we are showing the world that our awesome God is worthy of all our praise and thanks (Psalm 75:1). He is glorified and others are blessed by our gratitude attitude.

Give gratitude a shot. It will change how you view God, others, and yourself. —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Never Alone

2009-10-05T07:55:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Hebrews 13:5 on Sep 29, 2009 at 11:11 AM

Hebrews 13:5

Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU , NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU ,”

“Never alone”

Brianne Leckness sat on the steps of a church, abandoned by her mom and step-dad. Brianne was 3 years old. Her parents had pinned a note on her shirt: “Please take care of her. We can’t any longer.” Passed from foster home to foster home, Brianne grew up the best she could. Brianne remembers how, on her 18th birthday, her mother “blew into town [and] wanted us to go on The Montel Williams Show and say how she really never wanted to give me up.” But Brianne knew the obvious truth: Her mother hadn’t wanted her.

Such a story rips into our heart. It’s impossible to imagine such callous desertion. Thankfully, few of us have faced this kind of abusive abandonment. We have all, however, felt the sting of rejection. We have all, in our own way, been left alone. A divorce leaves us without a parent. A misunderstanding leaves us without a friend. An economic downturn leaves us without a job. Whatever the trouble, the result is the same: We feel alone.

When we’re in this place, God’s bold words echo with hope and perfect clarity: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (v.5). This straightforward assertion does not mean that our human pain immediately dissolves or that we downplay the seriousness of others’ neglect. What it does mean, however, is that God’s presence can heal our most lonely places (v.6). God’s love is the love we are most desperate for, and God’s love will never wane. It will never run thin. God’s love will always—always—be with us.

When God says He will not “fail” us, He promises that He will never abandon or neglect those He loves. God’s love will never let us go, never leave us to ourselves. —Winn Collier, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - The Lord is King

2009-10-02T08:48:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL, OCTOBER 2ND

Posted to Psalms 93:1 on Sep 29, 2009 at 11:07 AM

Psalms 93:1

The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved.

“The Lord is King”

The systems of our world are appearing more and more vulnerable. Mortgage and bank crises have undercut consumer confidence. Terrorist attacks around the world have sparked new fears. Corrupt politicians and religious leaders have continued to breed cynicism. And the struggling economy around the globe has caused many to become fearful and stressed. These feelings of vulnerability and doubt have some Jesus- followers wondering if God is still the King of all.

Many years ago, when the effectiveness of God’s reign was doubtful in the minds of His people, the psalmist penned a royal psalm to reassure them that they could feel secure because the Lord was still king. He began the psalm with, “The Lord (Yahweh) is king!” (Psalm 93:1). He used God’s personal and covenant name to indicate who was reigning. It was a name that communicated to God’s people that He would reign forever and would always keep His people safe. The psalmist was also declaring that there was no other god who qualified to be king besides the Lord.

The Hebrew text actually reads, “The Lord is becoming king.” Wait! Was he saying that there was a time when He was not king? Absolutely not! With this pronouncement, the psalmist was stating that the effectiveness and the assertion of the Lord’s rule had once again become real to His people. After their view of Him had been temporarily clouded by turmoil, chaos, and uncertainty, they were renewing and accepting His reign and enthroning Him in their hearts (v.2).

Although we think it doesn’t seem like it at times, the Lord does reign over creation and chaos in the world (vv.3-5). Even more, He desires to dwell in and reign over the hearts of His people. Let’s enthrone Him anew today and yield to His kingly rule over all aspects of our lives. —Marvin Williams, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Approved

2009-10-01T08:07:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Romans 14:18 on Sep 29, 2009 at 10:59 AM

Romans 14:18

For he who in this way serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.

“Approved”

In his iconic classic The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald details Jay Gatsby’s desperate attempts to gain the approval of his beloved Daisy. Creating a world worthy of Daisy’s desires, Gatsby makes his life a stage in hopes of regaining her love. While not strictly autobiographical, the novel bears shadows of Fitzgerald’s struggles to be the man who would gain the approval of those whose opinions he valued most—his own and his wife Zelda’s. Fiction and real life collide when the expectations of those around both Gatsby and Fitzgerald eclipse their reality.

God remained a distant figure in Fitzgerald’s novel and life. But his temptation to live for others’ approval is a struggle most people face—even believers in Jesus. Few would choose to live in fear of others’ opinions. Instead, this unhealthy concern for what others will think springs from our fear of rejection.

Gaining the approval of other people, however, is not a sin. Luke 2:52 tells us that Jesus grew in favor with God and with others. Likewise, Paul sought “to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people” (Acts 24:16). The problem comes when we make the approval of others our goal.

Even the most godly will fail at times. And our opinions are often shadowed by our sin nature. Anytime we put our focus on fulfilling others’ expectations, we exalt their opinion over God’s (John 12:42-43). What matters is God’s evaluation of us (2 Corinthians 10:18).

Living a life to please others—even with the best of motives—is a false quest. Becoming a workman approved by God (2 Timothy 2:15) means living to please Him and assessing our motives and actions by the Word (Hebrews 4:12).

Only one opinion ultimately matters in life: God’s. His expectations of us do not change due to emotions or circumstances; He remains consistent and true. —Regina Franklin, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Stay in your lane

2009-10-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to 2 Chronicles 26:16 on Sep 28, 2009 at 03:20 PM

2 Chronicles 26:16

But when he became strong, his heart was so proud that he acted corruptly, and he was unfaithful to the LORD his God, for he entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense on the altar of incense.

“Stay in your lane”

Stay in your lane!” bellowed the sergeant at the trainee. “You’ve got help. Trust your buddies!” The brash young private liked to take charge and do things by himself. And now he had turned from his assigned position on the patrol’s right flank to help defend against an ambush from the left. But the sergeant knew what the trainee didn’t: The “enemy” would attack from the right. The ambush was merely a planned ruse in the exercise.

Military training humbles individuals, breaking them down to rebuild them as part of a team. Life has a way of doing that as well.

Long ago, a great military leader learned that lesson when he tried to take on too much. And the real tragedy was that it brought him down after a lifetime of solid service.

Uzziah was an excellent king who implemented badly needed reforms in Judah. Under the tutelage of the prophet Zechariah, he followed God and enjoyed military victories against his enemies. “But when he had become powerful, he also became proud, which led to his downfall” (2 Chronicles 26:16).

One day, Uzziah entered the sanctuary to usurp the priestly duties. When the high priest Azariah and 80 priests confronted the arrogant king, Uzziah became enraged. Yet as he railed against the priests, “leprosy suddenly broke out on his forehead” (v.19). Uzziah lived the rest of his days in quarantine, unable to lead his people.

Many who claim to love Jesus don’t show it by serving Him. But others— perhaps trying to pick up the slack—take too much on themselves. They want to fix the world’s problems in their own strength.

Both approaches are wrong. But as we “stay in our lane,” relying on the Lord each day for strength and wisdom, He can use us for His glory—not ours. —Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Why break the pencil?

2009-09-29T07:08:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Posted to 2 Samuel 9:7 on Sep 28, 2009 at 03:16 PM
2 Samuel 9:7
David said to him, “Do not fear, for I will surely show kindness to you for the sake of your father Jonathan, and will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul; and you shall eat at my table regularly.”
“Why break the pencil?”

I was listening to a radio call-in program that was discussing the making and breaking of promises. One presenter summed up the consensus when he said, “Most of us break promises as often as we break pencils. That’s just the way of life, and it’s what people expect today.”

King David didn’t see it that way. In 2 Samuel 9 we see his commitment to promises he made some 15 years earlier to Jonathan (1 Samuel 20:14-17). His actions would have astounded the people at that time. For when a new king came to power he usually treated the old royal family as the enemy—totally wiping them out.

In contrast, we see David showing them the “kindness of God” (v.3). How? In verse 7 we see that David offers Mephibosheth protection, provision, and position. David didn’t just show him mercy and protect his life, he restored his inheritance. He not only saved him from the shadow of death, but also prepared a place for him at the king’s table and treated him like a son.

We see the depth of God’s kindness in His promises under the new covenant He made with us. He offers us protection, provision, and position much beyond what David could offer Mephibosheth. He assures us of our salvation when we come in repentance and faith to Jesus Christ—promising to never leave us or forsake us. His provisions for us are Jesus, the Holy Spirit, His Word, His church, and the meeting of our physical and spiritual needs. In His grace He gives us the position of being His children and heirs of eternal life.

David showed extreme grace and mercy—in the eyes of the world—to Mephibosheth, but it is only a faint reflection of the grace and mercy that God shows to us each day. —Kevin Gregory, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Dying for life

2009-09-23T09:17:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Acts 9:36 on Sep 21, 2009 at 12:36 PM

Acts 9:36

Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity which she continually did.

“Dying for life”

Recently, I saw a poster with these words: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” —Indian (Cherokee) Proverb

The story of Tabitha (Dorcas in Greek) is a sad one. Tabitha was a devout follower of Christ. Not much else is said about her. But this one- sentence description says a lot: “She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor” (Acts 5:36).

Tabitha was a good person. But, sadly, sometimes the good die early. Even so, it seemed so tragic, wasteful even, that a useful, beloved, kind, and untiring worker like her should die so suddenly and unexpectedly (v.37). It shows us that death can come suddenly, even in the midst of a fruitful ministry.

Up until that time, Peter had performed just a couple of healings (3:6 and 9:34), but he had not done anything so dramatic or difficult as raising the dead. So it was an act of faith on Peter’s part for him to respond and to go to Joppa to see Tabitha (vv.39-41).

Upon his arrival, we are told that “the room was filled with widows who were weeping and showing [Peter] the coats and other clothes Dorcas had made for them” (v.39). What a testimony of a life well lived. When Peter prayed and Tabitha came back to life, there must have been great rejoicing.

When you’re gone, will you be missed? Will there be many people who weep for you? What testimony of good works will you leave behind? Will there be coats and other clothes to show? When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. But when you die, will the world cry as you rejoice? —K.T. Sim, Our Daily Jounrey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL- Copernican moment

2009-09-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Psalms 33:11 on Sep 14, 2009 at 02:50 PM

Psalms 33:11

The counsel of the LORD stands forever, The plans of His heart from generation to generation.

“Copernican moment”

In 1543, Nicolaus Copernicus published a theory that marked one of the starting points for the scientific revolution of the 16th century. His hypothesis was: The earth is not at the center of the universe.

Recently, I had what for me was a “Copernican moment.” I was reminded that I am not at the center of the universe. The world doesn’t revolve around me. When I’m busy, work still piles in. There are still needs to be met and family matters to attend to. In short, I say anew that the world doesn’t move at my pace, in my terms, nor in accord with my preferences.

Though we might wish it to be otherwise, life is not all about us. For the world was created to revolve around God, not people. In Psalm 33, we read that:

All nature revolves around the Lord (vv.6-9). He assigned the sea its boundaries and locked the ocean in vast reservoirs. He spoke and the world began. It appeared at His command. It operates in accordance to the laws He has set.

All nations revolve around the Lord (vv.10-12). All plans and schemes cannot stand up against God’s. Ultimately, it is the Lord’s plan that will stand forever. His intentions can never be shaken.

All lives revolve around the Lord (vv.13-19). God sees the whole human race. He made our hearts, and He understands everything we do. And He has the power to intervene in our lives and deliver us from situations spinning out of control.

We need to live a God-centered life, not a self-centered one. As we revolve around Him today, let’s submit to His commands and follow His ways. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL- Family Ties

2009-09-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Genesis 37:4

His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers; and so they hated him and could not speak to him on friendly terms.

“Family ties”

Thwack! The sound signaled trouble. With our parents gone, my sister and I had started a mashed potato fight instead of doing the dishes. Chasing her down the stairs with tinfoil box in hand, I was determined she wouldn’t win even though I was younger. The strains of victory died, however, when an unseen door met with her glasses. We were going to get it for sure.

Designed by God to give us a sense of our identity, family is one of the first places we discover what we like, what we’re good at, and how to relate to others. It’s also where we first experience conflict. Even in the strongest of families, we go through hurts that cause us to believe wrong things about ourselves.

In reading the story of Joseph, we often focus on what Joseph suffered because of his brothers’ jealousy. While this story is an important lesson in forgiveness (Genesis 50:20-21), it also demonstrates how family issues strike deep at the heart.

The firstborn of Jacob’s favorite wife (30:22-24), Joseph was the honored son, and his brothers knew it (v.4). It’s one thing to face a parent’s disapproval because you didn’t do your homework. Imagine feeling as if you’re a disappointment just because you were born to the wrong woman (v.2). Believing Jacob had rejected them in preferring Joseph, his brothers retaliated by stripping him of his coat and his dignity (vv.20-24).

From the beginning of creation, family relationships have been difficult (Genesis 4:8). Relational issues are inevitable. Working through the sin nature of man, the enemy pits family members against each other (Micah 7:6). Responding to the hurt by hurting others only continues the cycle. Putting our hearts in alignment with God’s, however, allows healing and restoration to begin (Luke 1:17). —Regina Franklin, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - Forgiveness

2009-09-17T08:23:00.001-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to Colossians 3:13 on Sep 14, 2009 at 02:37 PM

Colossians 3:13

bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

“Forgiveness”

We were shocked when a woman associated with a dark time in our past had the nerve to show up at a family reunion. She had broken up my father’s family when he was a young boy, and despite our attempts at reconciliation she had never confessed and asked forgiveness for the mess she had made. Yet here she was, butting in on our reunion and demanding to be treated like family!

We weren’t sure how to respond. Go too light—say “no problem” and warmly welcome her—and we risked trivializing her offense. Go too dark—nurse our grudge and fantasize about revenge—and we risked denying the grace that God has extended to us. We wondered what forgiveness meant in this situation (Colossians 3:13).

Here‘s what we realized: The goal of forgiveness is reconciliation. While not all broken relationships can be repaired in this life—for example, battered spouses and children must be protected from their abusers—we must work toward reconciliation between the offender and his victim.

This reconciliation requires that the offender repent, ask forgiveness, and, when appropriate, make restitution. For her part, the victim must release the offender from the need to pay for his sin. She chooses to absorb the cost herself and, rather than plot revenge, commits to love and seek his best.

This can be excruciatingly difficult. Many journeys of forgiveness are too arduous to complete on the spot. But we who have been forgiven by God must commit to forgiving others, and so, after catching our breath, we brace for another push in their direction (v.12).

C. S. Lewis wrote to a friend: “Last week, while at prayer, I suddenly discovered—or felt as if I did—that I had really forgiven someone I had been trying to forgive for over 30 years. Trying, and praying that I might.”

Sometimes the breakthrough comes unexpectedly. —Mike Wittmer, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - Against all odds!

2009-09-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Posted to 1 Samuel 14:6 on Sep 14, 2009 at 02:33 PM

1 Samuel 14:6

Then Jonathan said to the young man who was carrying his armor, “Come and let us cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; perhaps the LORD will work for us, for the LORD is not restrained to save by many or by few.”

“Against all odds”

When considering the many dramatic victories recorded in the Bible, many of us will immediately think of David and Goliath. I’m sure you remember that story of a bold, young shepherd who took down a huge Philistine warrior using a slingshot and a ton of confidence in God (1 Samuel 17:1-50). Most of us forget, however, that before David killed the giant, Jonathan (who would become one of David’s closest friends), displayed a similar level of courage and trust.

Here’s the setting: The army of Israel was in a dangerous bind. The Philistines had assembled a mighty military force that was armed to the teeth and ready to fight. Unarmed and outnumbered by thousands, the men of Israel fled to the hills and hid in caves (1 Samuel 13:6-7).

Eventually Jonathan, the son of Israel’s king, got tired of living in fear and decided to take action on his own. He and his armor bearer challenged a Philistine outpost that was strategically positioned high on a cliff. At first glance, it looked like a suicide mission. But Jonathan’s view was “nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!” (1 Samuel 14:6). Through a miraculous chain of events, Jonathan and his companion overtook the Philistine outpost (vv.8-14). Their victory triggered a major panic that swept through the entire Philistine army and led to their defeat (vv.15-20).

Against all odds, God rescued Israel that day. It may not be as obviously dramatic, but God will sometime call us into situations where the odds will seem to be stacked against us. Why all the drama and suspense? Perhaps to increase our awe and confidence in Him. For the one who wins the battle is God—not us. —Jeff Olson, Our Daily Journey

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL - How to treat your wife:)

2009-09-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her,

“Dying to me”

Over the last several weeks I’ve been dying— dying to me. My wife left her part-time teaching job at the community college to teach full-time at one of the local high schools. I was excited for her new opportunity and didn’t mind making some sacrifices for her success. But I hadn’t realized that sometimes she would have to leave early, stay late, and burn the midnight oil to write lesson plans and record grades. Her new schedule means I have to wake up the kids earlier, make breakfast, fix and pack lunches, drive them to and from school, and flex my schedule in cases of emergency.

I wonder if this is what Paul had in mind when he penned Ephesians 5:25. He commands husbands to model their behavior on the way Christ loved the church and demonstrated His love by dying on the cross. Such divine love goes far beyond sexual love or even love for friends. That kind of love leads to personal sacrifice for the one who is loved.

Christ sacrificed Himself for the church so that she could become pure and holy (vv.25-26). Husbands are to love their wives and treat them with the same care that they would their own bodies (v.28). Christ feeds and cares for His church because we are members of His body, and a husband is to show the same care for his wife (v.29).

The role of the husband in marriage can be fully understood in light of what Christ did and does for His bride, the church. We shouldn’t look to culture to understand our relationship and role in marriage, but to Christ’s example.

This example may mean that we have to die to our selfish ambition, our plans, and our schedules in order to demonstrate sacrificial love and care for our spouses. Join me in “dying to me”! —Marvin Williams, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - Who Cares?

2009-08-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: Daily Devotional, August 21st

Posted to Malachi 1:11 on Aug 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM

Malachi 1:11
“For from the rising of the sun even to its setting, My name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense is going to be offered to My name, and a grain offering that is pure; for My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of hosts.

“Who cares”

The book of Malachi was written around 420 BC as a warning to the nation of Israel. God accused the priests of offering “defiled” sacrifices (Malachi 1:7). Specifically, He was concerned with the nation’s direct disobedience in not giving Him their best (v.8), and for withholding the tithes He had commanded them to give for His work (3:8-14).

So what does this have to do with us? We don’t bring God animal sacrifices. The death and resurrection of His Son Jesus Christ was the one-time sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 10:1-18). Malachi doesn’t apply to us, right? Surely we’re not guilty of giving God blemished sacrifices! Or are we?

Let’s look at just a couple of areas where I give God “blemished sacrifices”:

Time. I get up in the morning and have a hundred things to do. So I race into my day planning to take time to pray and read God’s Word in a minute. All throughout the day, I sense a nagging urge to spend time with God. Eight or nine hundred minutes later I’m tired and ready for bed. Not only did I not give God second-best—I didn’t give Him anything!

Money. There are so many things I need! I tell myself I’ll give money to the Lord’s work next month, when I can afford it. But the biblical principle is clear: God wants our best in every area. He doesn’t need my money; He wants me to invest it in His work so that He’ll have my heart. “Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21).

Because of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice, we don’t sacrifice bulls and goats anymore. But God should still come first in every aspect of our lives—time, money, talent, friends, choices. What sacrifices do you need to make today? —Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Journey

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Daily Devotional - Freak Folk

2009-08-19T09:49:00.000-07:00

Online Bible - tangle.com: "Daily Devotional, August 19th

Posted to Psalms 73:28 on Aug 17, 2009 at 10:53 AM

Psalms 73:28
But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.

“Freak folk”

Freak folk, psych folk, and folk-pop are terms used to describe genres within folk music. Musically, freak folk features acoustic instruments, mostly guitar and occasionally violin or flute, accompanied by percussion instruments such as bongos. Psych folk is a blending of folk music and psychedelic rock or pop. The varieties of folk music just keep unfolding.

The Bible has its own kind of folk music. It’s found in the Psalms. These marvelous ancient “folk” songs recount the experiences of various men and women. They tell the tale of the emotional upsets, problems, and disturbances that believers in God endured.

Take Psalm 73, for example. It starts like some of the folk songs of our day, with the author (singer?) grousing about injustices in the world. The lyrics are striking in their brutal honesty. Asaph, David’s chief musician, was wondering if his pursuit of living for God had been worthless (vv.13-14). Self-centered, irreverent people were “enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply” (v.12). They mocked God and seemed to be getting away with it. Asaph wondered if he was a freak for keeping his heart pure. Was it worthwhile?

But as he went into the sanctuary of God, he found new perspective and understanding (v.16). Asaph was reminded that the wicked and their ways would come to an end. He sensed anew his need for a change of heart before God (v.21). And he understood that nothing in heaven or on earth was better than being near the Sovereign Lord (vv.23,28).

We learn from this timeless tune that when we turn our eyes to God, we gain His perspective. We see that life is not all bleak and dreary. And we see clearly that God is in control and that He does care for us—His Jesus freaks. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

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