Sunday, June 30, 2013

Late Arrivals Welcome by Randy Kilgore (Our Daily Bread)

I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. —Matthew 20:14 (Our Daily Bread)

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Matthew 20:1-16

New International Version (NIV)

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

20 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. ²He agreed to pay them a denarius^[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard.

³“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. ⁴He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ ⁵So they went.
“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. ⁶About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’
⁷“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.
“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’
⁸“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’
⁹“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. ¹⁰So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. ¹¹When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. ¹²‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’
¹³“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? ¹⁴Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. ¹⁵Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
¹⁶“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

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Late Arrivals Welcome

June 30, 2013 — by Randy Kilgore

from: http://odb.org/

One night when I visited a nursing home, a resident named Tom slipped out quietly from his room, hoping to catch me to chat. After we talked awhile, he asked, “Won’t God be insulted if I become a Christian this late in life?” Tom’s question wasn’t a surprise. As a chaplain, I often hear it in varying forms from the elderly, from those who struggle with addictions, from former prisoners. They think they have a legitimate reason to believe it’s too late for them to know God or to be used by Him.

Tom and I spent time exploring people in Scripture who, because of their past, could have thought it was too late for them to know God. But Rahab, a prostitute (Josh. 2:12-14; Heb. 11:31), and Zacchaeus, a tax collector (Luke 19:1-8), chose faith in God despite their past.

We also looked at Jesus’ parable of workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16). The earlier the hire, the more labor they were able to give the vineyard owner (vv.2-7), but those hired later discovered they had equal value in the owner’s eyes and would be rewarded equally (vv.8-16). The vineyard owner chose to be gracious to them all.

No matter our past or present, God longs to show us His grace and bring us into relationship with Him.

Father, we are amazed at Your grace! Thank You that
we can come to You at any time for forgiveness and be
restored to relationship with You. Thank You that we
can now be used by You to touch the lives of others.

To give your life to Christ now is to keep it forever.

Bible Reading

Love and Prayer by David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread)

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. —Psalm 92:14 (Our Daily Bread)

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Psalm 92

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 92^[a]

A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.

¹It is good to praise the Lord
    and make music to your name, O Most High,
²proclaiming your love in the morning
    and your faithfulness at night,
³to the music of the ten-stringed lyre
    and the melody of the harp.

⁴For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
    I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
⁵How great are your works, Lord,
    how profound your thoughts!
⁶Senseless people do not know,
    fools do not understand,
⁷that though the wicked spring up like grass
    and all evildoers flourish,
    they will be destroyed forever.

⁸But you, Lord, are forever exalted.

⁹For surely your enemies, Lord,
    surely your enemies will perish;
    all evildoers will be scattered.
¹⁰You have exalted my horn^[b] like that of a wild ox;
    fine oils have been poured on me.
¹¹My eyes have seen the defeat of my adversaries;
    my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes.

¹²The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,
    they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon;
¹³planted in the house of the Lord,
    they will flourish in the courts of our God.
¹⁴They will still bear fruit in old age,
    they will stay fresh and green,
¹⁵proclaiming, “The Lord is upright;
    he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

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Love And Prayer

June 29, 2013 — by David H. Roper

from: http://odb.org/

In a popular children’s book, Winnie the Pooh watches Kanga bound away. I wish I could jump like that, he thinks. Some can and some can’t. That’s how it is.

We see younger or more able men and women doing extraordinary things that we cannot do. They can; we can’t. That’s how it is. It’s easy to feel useless when we can’t do the things we were once capable of doing.

It’s true that we may not be able to “jump” like we once did, but we can love and we can pray. These are the works that time and experience have prepared us to do well.

Love is the very best gift we have to give to God and to others. It is no small matter, for love is the means by which we fulfill our whole duty to God and our neighbor. Our love for one person may seem to be a small action, but love is the greatest gift of all (1 Cor. 13:13).

And we can pray. Paul encouraged the Colossians to “continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving” (Col. 4:2). Our prayers are a powerful force in the universe!

Love and prayer are mighty works indeed, the mightiest works for any of us. Why? Because our God, who wants to use us, is an all-loving and all-powerful God.

Begin the day with God;
Kneel down to Him in prayer;
Lift up thy heart to His abode,
And seek His love to share. —Dann

God pours His love into our hearts

that it might flow out to others.

Bible Reading

Miserable Success by David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread)

If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. —Luke 9:23 (Our Daily Bread)

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Luke 9:18-27

New International Version (NIV)

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

¹⁸Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?”
¹⁹They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.”
²⁰“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”
Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.”

Jesus Predicts His Death

²¹Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. ²²And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
²³Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. ²⁵What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? ²⁶Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
²⁷“Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”

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Miserable Success

June 28, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

from: http://odb.org/

“In whatever a man does without God, he must fail miserably—or succeed more miserably,” wrote George MacDonald (1824–1905), a Scottish novelist, poet, and Christian minister. This intriguing statement is often cited by modern speakers and writers and appears in MacDonald’s book Unspoken Sermons.

MacDonald was dealing with the difficult subject of a Christian’s self-denial and how we are to apply this teaching of Jesus: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

Rather than merely trying to suppress our natural desires, MacDonald said that true self-denial means “we must see things as [Christ] saw them, regard them as He regarded them; we must take the will of God as the very life of our being . . . . We are no more to think, ‘What should I like to do?’ but ‘What would the Living One have me do?’”

Getting only what we want is succeeding miserably. True success is found in “losing” our lives for Jesus’ sake and finding them again full and free in His will.

More like the Master I would live and grow,
More of His love to others I would show;
More self-denial, like His in Galilee,
More like the Master I long to ever be. —Gabriel

The spirit of humility and self-denial precedes

a deeper and closer walk with God.

Bible Reading

Let's Stick Together by Joe Stowell (Our Daily Bread)

For in fact the body is not one member but many. —1 Corinthians 12:14 (Our Daily Bread)

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1 Corinthians 12:12-27

New International Version (NIV)

Unity and Diversity in the Body

¹²Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ¹³For we were all baptized by^[a] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
¹⁵Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁶And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. ¹⁷If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. ¹⁹If they were all one part, where would the body be? ²⁰As it is, there are many parts, but one body.
²¹The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²²On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, ²⁴while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, ²⁵so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
²⁷Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.

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Let’s Stick Together

June 27, 2013 — by Joe Stowell

from: http://odb.org/

Most regions of the world are familiar with the amazing phenomenon of snow. Snowflakes are beautiful, uniquely crafted ice crystals. Individual snowflakes are fragile, and they quickly melt if they land on your hand. Yet, en masse they create a force to be reckoned with. They can shut down major cities while creating beautiful landscapes of snow-laden trees whose pictures decorate calendars and become the subject of artwork. They provide pleasure on the ski slopes and joy for children as they make snowmen and ammunition for snowball fights. All because they stick together.

So it is with those of us who follow Christ. Each of us has been uniquely gifted with the capacity to make a contribution to the work of Christ. We were never intended to live in isolation but to work together to become a great force for God and the advance of His cause. As Paul reminds us, the body of Christ “is not one member but many” (1 Cor. 12:14). All of us are to use our gifts to serve one another so that together we can make a significant difference in our world.

Put your giftedness to work, joyfully cooperate with the giftedness of those around you, and let the wind of the Spirit use you for His glory!

Lord, teach us to use our strengths in cooperation with
the strengths of others. Help us to serve as one so that
we might know the joy of the power of our togetherness
for Your name’s sake and the advance of Your kingdom.

We can accomplish more together than we can alone.

Bible Reading

Her Worst Day Ever by Anne Cetas (Our Daily Bread)

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. —Job 7:11 (Our Daily Bread)

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Job 7:11-21

New International Version (NIV)

¹¹“Therefore I will not keep silent;
    I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit,
    I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
¹²Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep,
    that you put me under guard?
¹³When I think my bed will comfort me
    and my couch will ease my complaint,
¹⁴even then you frighten me with dreams
    and terrify me with visions,
¹⁵so that I prefer strangling and death,
    rather than this body of mine.
¹⁶I despise my life; I would not live forever.
    Let me alone; my days have no meaning.

¹⁷“What is mankind that you make so much of them,
    that you give them so much attention,
¹⁸that you examine them every morning
    and test them every moment?
¹⁹Will you never look away from me,
    or let me alone even for an instant?
²⁰If I have sinned, what have I done to you,
    you who see everything we do?
Why have you made me your target?
    Have I become a burden to you?^[a]
²¹Why do you not pardon my offenses
    and forgive my sins?
For I will soon lie down in the dust;
    you will search for me, but I will be no more.”

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Her Worst Day Ever

June 26, 2013 — by Anne Cetas

from: http://odb.org/

In May 2011, a young woman took cover in a bathtub during a tornado that devastated her city of Joplin, Missouri. Her husband covered her body with his and took the blows from flying debris. He died, and she survived because of his heroism. She naturally wrestles with the question, “Why?” But a year after the tornado, she said that she finds comfort because even on her worst day ever, she was loved.

When I think about “worst days ever,” I think of Job right away. A man who loved God, he lost his animals, his servants, and his 10 children in one day! (Job 1:13-19). Job mourned deeply, and he also asked the “Why?” questions. He cried out, “Have I sinned? What have I done to You . . . ? Why have You set me as Your target?” (7:20). Job’s friends accused him of sinning and thought he deserved his difficulties, but God said of his friends: “You have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has” (42:7). God did not give him the reasons for his suffering, but He listened to Job and did not fault him for his questions. God assured him of His control over everything, and Job trusted Him (42:1-6).

The Lord may not give us the reasons for our trials. But, thankfully, even on our worst day ever, we can know for sure we are loved by Him (Rom. 8:35-39).

We’re grateful, Father, that You know our hearts
with our pain and joy. Thank You that You never
leave us nor forsake us, as Your Word tells us.
Please hold us close during our trials.

God’s love does not keep us from trials,

but sees us through them.

Bible Reading

Country Doctor by Dennis Fisher (Our Daily Bread)

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3 (Our Daily Bread)

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Philippians 2:1-11

New International Version (NIV)

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, ²then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. ³Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

⁶Who, being in very nature^[a] God,
    did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
⁷rather, he made himself nothing
    by taking the very nature^[b] of a servant,
    being made in human likeness.
⁸And being found in appearance as a man,
    he humbled himself
    by becoming obedient to death—
        even death on a cross!

⁹Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
¹⁰that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
¹¹and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.

New International Version (NIV)

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Country Doctor

June 25, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher

from: http://odb.org/

Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country doctor. She feels superior to others in her new small-town environment. But her husband’s response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm, which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant attitude challenges Carol’s prideful mindset.

In all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think we’re superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle, tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

We can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we focus on Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself up for us (vv.5-8). When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows us the humble, better way.

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel

Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own.

Bible Reading

Flight Simulator by Bill Crowder (Our Daily Bread)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. —John 16:33 (Our Daily Bread)

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John 16:25-33

New International Version (NIV)

²⁵“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. ²⁶In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ²⁷No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”
²⁹Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. ³⁰Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”
³¹“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. ³²“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
³³“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

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Flight Simulator

June 24, 2013 — by Bill Crowder

from: http://odb.org/

When airplane pilots are training, they spend many hours in flight simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can calmly walk away.

Simulators are tremendous teaching tools—helpful in preparing the aspiring pilot to take command of an actual aircraft. The devices, however, have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the full-blown pressures of handling a real cockpit cannot be fully replicated.

Real life is like that, isn’t it? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable. That’s why the words of Jesus are so reassuring. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.

Outward troubles may not cease,
But this your joy will be:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee.” —Anon.

No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God.

Bible Reading

Water Problems by Dave Branon (Our Daily Bread)

There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. —Romans 13:1 (Our Daily Bread)

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Romans 13:1-7

New International Version (NIV)

Submission to Governing Authorities

13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. ⁴For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

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Water Problems

June 23, 2013 — by Dave Branon

from: http://odb.org/

Our church family was excited to see work begin on our new sanctuary. Each Sunday we eagerly looked at the big hole in the ground. But progress seemed slow.

It all came down to water. Too much in one place and not enough in another. An underground spring was one problem. Construction could not continue until inspectors were satisfied that water was being directed away from the site. At the same time, city officials said we didn’t have enough water coming into the building for a sprinkler system—so new lines for water had to be added. None of us wanted the project to be slowed down by these rulings, but we realized that if codes weren’t followed, we would face serious problems in the future.

Sometimes we grumble about government and other officials. But a proper respect for authority honors God. Paul, who had his own problems with those in charge, wrote, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1). And later, “Do what is good, and you will have praise from [the authorities]” (v.3).

As we let God’s Spirit teach us, we can have a healthy attitude toward government. It’s for our good, the testimony of our faith, and most of all for God’s honor.

Thank You, Lord, for people who are willing to serve in
our local, state, and national governments. We pray that
they will seek righteousness and justice and that You
will help us to respect those You have placed over us.

Respect for authority brings glory to God.

Bible Reading

Hanging on Nothing by David C. McCasland (Our Daily Bread)

He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing. —Job 26:7 (Our Daily Bread)

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Job 26:5-14

New International Version (NIV)

⁵“The dead are in deep anguish,
    those beneath the waters and all that live in them.
⁶The realm of the dead is naked before God;
    Destruction^[a] lies uncovered.
⁷He spreads out the northern skies over empty space;
    he suspends the earth over nothing.
⁸He wraps up the waters in his clouds,
    yet the clouds do not burst under their weight.
⁹He covers the face of the full moon,
    spreading his clouds over it.
¹⁰He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters
    for a boundary between light and darkness.
¹¹The pillars of the heavens quake,
    aghast at his rebuke.
¹²By his power he churned up the sea;
    by his wisdom he cut Rahab to pieces.
¹³By his breath the skies became fair;
    his hand pierced the gliding serpent.
¹⁴And these are but the outer fringe of his works;
    how faint the whisper we hear of him!
    Who then can understand the thunder of his power?”

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Hanging On Nothing

June 22, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

from: http://odb.org/

A world map published by the National Geographic Society has this notation: “Earth’s mass is 6.6 sextillion tons.” And what supports all that weight? Nothing. The planet we inhabit spins on its axis at 1,000 miles per hour as it hurtles through space in its orbit around the sun. But it’s easy for that to remain unnoticed in the midst of our daily concerns about health, relationships, and how to pay the bills.

The Old Testament character Job repeatedly considered God’s creation in his struggle to make sense of the numbing loss of his health, his wealth, and his children. “[God] stretches out the north over empty space,” Job said. “He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7). Job marveled at the clouds that did not break under the heavy water inside them (v.8) and the horizon “at the boundary of light and darkness” (v.10), but called them “the mere edges of His ways” (v.14).

Creation itself did not answer Job’s questions, but the heavens and the earth pointed him to God the Creator, who alone could respond with help and hope.

The Lord who upholds the universe by the “word of His power” (Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:17) is in control of our everyday lives. Experiences that seem “empty places” are all undergirded by our heavenly Father’s power and love.

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your infinite power.
You created the world out of nothing and uphold
it by Your word. Help me to remember that You
are also in control of every part of my life.

When we reflect on the power of God’s creation,

we see the power of His care for us.

Bible Reading

Greedy Birds by Julie Ackerman Link (Our Daily Bread)

God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you...may have an abundance for every good work. —2 Corinthians 9:8 (Our Daily Bread)

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2 Corinthians 9:6-15

New International Version (NIV)

Generosity Encouraged

⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. ⁹As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”^[a]

¹⁰Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. ¹¹You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

¹²This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

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Greedy Birds

June 21, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

from: http://odb.org/

Every year when I put out the hummingbird feeder, the busy little birds start battling for position. Even though there are four places at the “table,” the birds fight for whatever place one of their neighbors is using. The source of food at each place is the same—a reservoir of syrup in the bottom of the feeder. Knowing that all the feeding stations are equal, I shake my head at their greediness.

But then I wonder, Why is it so much easier to see the greed of the birds than it is to see my own? I often want the place at “God’s table” that someone else has, even though I know all good things come from the same source—God—and that His supply will never run out. Since God can prepare a table for us even in the presence of our enemies (Ps. 23:5), why be concerned that someone else might have the station in life that we want?

The Lord is able to give us “all sufficiency in all things” so that we will have “an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8). When we recognize the importance of our work as ministers of the grace of God (1 Peter 4:10), we’ll stop fighting to take over someone else’s position and be grateful for the place God has given us to serve others on His behalf.

Thank You for the privilege we have to serve You by
serving others, Lord. Help us to be content to fill
the place where You have put us, so that
You might be glorified through us.

Resentment comes from looking at others;

contentment comes from looking at God.

Bible Reading

Rock of Refuge by Jennifer Benson Schuldt (Our Daily Bread)

The Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge. —Psalm 94:22 (Our Daily Bread)

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Psalm 94:3-23

New International Version (NIV)

³How long, Lord, will the wicked,
how long will the wicked be jubilant?

⁴They pour out arrogant words;
    all the evildoers are full of boasting.
⁵They crush your people, Lord;
    they oppress your inheritance.
⁶They slay the widow and the foreigner;
    they murder the fatherless.
⁷They say, “The Lord does not see;
    the God of Jacob takes no notice.”

⁸Take notice, you senseless ones among the people;
    you fools, when will you become wise?
⁹Does he who fashioned the ear not hear?
    Does he who formed the eye not see?
¹⁰Does he who disciplines nations not punish?
    Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge?
¹¹The Lord knows all human plans;
    he knows that they are futile.

¹²Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord,
    the one you teach from your law;
¹³you grant them relief from days of trouble,
    till a pit is dug for the wicked.
¹⁴For the Lord will not reject his people;
    he will never forsake his inheritance.
¹⁵Judgment will again be founded on righteousness,
    and all the upright in heart will follow it.

¹⁶Who will rise up for me against the wicked?
    Who will take a stand for me against evildoers?
¹⁷Unless the Lord had given me help,
    I would soon have dwelt in the silence of death.
¹⁸When I said, “My foot is slipping,”
    your unfailing love, Lord, supported me.
¹⁹When anxiety was great within me,
    your consolation brought me joy.

²⁰Can a corrupt throne be allied with you—
    a throne that brings on misery by its decrees?
²¹The wicked band together against the righteous
    and condemn the innocent to death.
²²But the Lord has become my fortress,
    and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.
²³He will repay them for their sins
    and destroy them for their wickedness;
    the Lord our God will destroy them.

New International Version (NIV)

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Rock Of Refuge

June 20, 2013 — by Jennifer Benson Schuldt

from: http://odb.org/

One year during my vacation, I walked along the shoreline of a large lake. As I approached a pile of boulders, I noticed a small alcove between the rocks and observed that a tiny plant had taken root there. The plant appeared to be absorbing the right amount of sunlight and water, and it was also getting something else: protection. No downpour or windstorm would ruffle its tender leaves.

The plant’s secure habitat reminded me of these familiar hymn lyrics: “Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee.” Those words express what many of us want when we encounter people with evil intentions—people characterized by pride, cruelty, and a lack of regard for God (Ps. 94:4-7). When we are the target of someone’s wrongdoing, we can remember the testimony of the psalmist: “The Lord has been my defense, and my God the rock of my refuge” (v.22).

As our rock, God is dependable and strong. As our refuge, He can provide safety until problems pass. The psalmist reminds us: “Under His wings you shall take refuge” (Ps. 91:4). With God as our defender, we don’t have to fear what others will do. We can trust that God will support us when trouble comes.

Thank You, God, for Your stable and unchanging
nature. Help us to hide ourselves in You
when trouble comes our way. Remind us that we
don’t have to fight our own battles.

Refuge can be found in the Rock of Ages.

Bible Reading

Play In Pain by David C. Egner (Our Daily Bread)

Though He causes grief, yet He will show compassion. —Lamentations 3:32 (Our Daily Bread)

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Lamentations 3:1-3

New International Version (NIV)

3 ^[a]I am the man who has seen affliction
    by the rod of the Lord’s wrath.
²He has driven me away and made me walk
    in darkness rather than light;
³indeed, he has turned his hand against me
    again and again, all day long.

Lamentations 3:25-33

New International Version (NIV)

²⁵The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
²⁶it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.
²⁷It is good for a man to bear the yoke
    while he is young.

²⁸Let him sit alone in silence,
    for the Lord has laid it on him.
²⁹Let him bury his face in the dust—
    there may yet be hope.
³⁰Let him offer his cheek to one who would strike him,
    and let him be filled with disgrace.

³¹For no one is cast off
    by the Lord forever.
³²Though he brings grief, he will show compassion,
    so great is his unfailing love.
³³For he does not willingly bring affliction
    or grief to anyone.

New International Version (NIV)

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Play In Pain

June 19, 2013 — by David C. Egner

from: http://odb.org/

Baseball Hall-of-Fame catcher Gary Carter was a follower of Jesus. During his 19-year career, he drew strength and endurance from his faith in God to compete day after day. In an article that appeared in the Wall Street Journal shortly after Carter died of brain cancer at age 57, writer Andrew Klavan told how Carter had influenced his life.

In the late 1980s, Klavan had sunk to a low point in his life. His mind dwelt on suicide. Then he heard Carter interviewed after a game. His team, the New York Mets, had won, and the aging catcher had helped by running hard at a critical point in the game. Carter was asked how he could do that with his aching knees. Klavan heard him say something like this: “Sometimes you just have to play in pain.” That simple statement helped draw Klavan out of his depression. “I can do that!” he declared. Encouraged, he found hope—and later became a believer in Christ.

The comforting truth behind Carter’s statement comes from Lamentations. We may face sorrow, pain, and hardship, but we don’t have to sink into self-pity. The same God who allows our suffering also showers us with His compassion (Lam. 3:32). With God’s love lifting us up, we can—if we have to—“play” in pain.

Along life’s pathway troubles come
That God will help us bear;
Then we can look beyond the pain
To those who need our care. —Branon

God will either spare you from suffering or give you the grace to bear it.

Bible Reading

Every Word Matters by Marvin Williams (Our Daily Bread)

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God. —Deuteronomy 4:2 (Our Daily Bread)

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Deuteronomy 4:1-10

New International Version (NIV)

Obedience Commanded

4 Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ²Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you.

³You saw with your own eyes what the Lord did at Baal Peor. The Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, ⁴but all of you who held fast to the Lord your God are still alive today.
⁵See, I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. ⁶Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” ⁷What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? ⁸And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today?
⁹Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. ¹⁰Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”

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Every Word Matters

June 18, 2013 — by Marvin Williams

from: http://odb.org/

Kim Peek was a savant (a person with extraordinary memory) who memorized all of Shakespeare’s plays. During a performance of Twelfth Night, Peek noticed that the actor had skipped a word from one of the lines. Peek suddenly stood up and shouted, “Stop!” The actor apologized and said he didn’t think anyone would mind. Peek replied, “Shakespeare would.”

Words matter. But especially when they are the very words of God. Moses warned Israel, “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God” (Deut. 4:2). Moses often reminded Israel of God’s mercy and faithfulness to them in the past. But he also stressed the importance of obedience to God’s commands as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. He told them that obedience would result in blessings of life and a rich inheritance (vv.39-40). Every command and regulation mattered to God. The value His people placed on God’s Word showed their view of Him.

Today, when we value God’s Word, handle it with great care, and obey what it says, we give God the reverence He truly deserves.

The Bible stands, and it will forever
When the world has passed away;
By inspiration it has been given—
All its precepts I will obey. —Lillenas

God’s Word needs no additions or subtractions.

Bible Reading

No Risk by Bill Crowder (Our Daily Bread)

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. —Ephesians 2:8 (Our Daily Bread)

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Ephesians 2:1-10

New International Version (NIV)

Made Alive in Christ

2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, ²in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. ³All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh^[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. ⁴But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. ⁶And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, ⁷in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. ⁸For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— ⁹not by works, so that no one can boast. ¹⁰For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

New International Version (NIV)

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No Risk

June 17, 2013 — by Bill Crowder

from: http://odb.org/

A colleague recently shared an experience I don’t intend to try personally—bungee jumping. I found his description of the event both fascinating and terrifying. To think of jumping headfirst from a bridge hundreds of feet in the air suspended only by a giant rubber band is not my idea of a good time. But his leap was not without support. He described not one, but two heavy-duty harnesses that secured him to his lifeline—and to safety. The careful design and proven testing of those harnesses gave him great confidence as he jumped into the air.

As I listened, it occurred to me that for the follower of Christ, living in a sinful world is not a blind “leap of faith.” We too have a pair of protections that can secure us in even the darkest times of life. In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul wrote these words, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

It’s in these twin harnesses—God’s grace and faith in the finished work of Jesus—that our relationship with God safely rests. In the strength of these provisions, salvation is not a risky leap into the void. It’s an exercise of confidence in God’s Word and His unfailing love and protection.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed! —Newton

We can expect God’s peace when we accept God’s grace.

Bible Reading

Strength of a Man by David H. Roper (Our Daily Bread)

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. —1 Corinthians 16:13 (Our Daily Bread)

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1 Corinthians 16:9-13

New International Version (NIV)

⁹because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
¹⁰When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am. ¹¹No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he may return to me. I am expecting him along with the brothers.
¹²Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
¹³Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

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Strength Of A Man

June 16, 2013 — by David H. Roper

from: http://odb.org/

Some years ago I found myself in an elevator with a couple of men. It was late at night, and we all looked weary. The elevator came to a stop, and a larger-than-life cowboy ambled in, wearing a battered hat, an old, stained sheepskin coat, and rundown logger boots. He looked us up and down, met our eyes, and growled, “Good evening, men.” All of us straightened up and squared our shoulders. We were trying to live up to the name.

On this day, which is given over to honoring guys, let’s talk about living up to the name man. We try to be strong and macho, but often it’s just a façade. For all our effort, we realize we don’t measure up. Underneath the bravado we harbor a host of fears, insecurities, and shortcomings. Much of our manliness is pure bluff.
Paul was man enough to admit it: “We also are weak,” he said (2 Cor. 13:4). That’s not pious chatter; it’s a humbling fact. Yet in what seems to be a contradiction, Paul insisted that we are to be “men of courage” (1 Cor. 16:13 niv).

How can we be the strong person that God meant for us to be? Only by putting ourselves in God’s hands and asking Him to make us that way through His power and enablement.

Come, Lord, and give me courage,
Thy conquering Spirit give;
Make me an overcomer—
In power within me live. —Anon.

True strength is the power of God in the soul.

Bible Reading

To God be the Glory by Julie Ackerman Link (Our Daily Bread)

Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of the music, because he was skillful. —1 Chronicles 15:22 (Our Daily Bread)

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1 Chronicles 25:1-8

New International Version (NIV)

The Musicians

25 David, together with the commanders of the army, set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals. Here is the list of the men who performed this service:

²From the sons of Asaph:

Zakkur, Joseph, Nethaniah and Asarelah. The sons of Asaph were under the supervision of Asaph, who prophesied under the king’s supervision.

³As for Jeduthun, from his sons:

Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei,^[a] Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six in all, under the supervision of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied, using the harp in thanking and praising the Lord.

⁴As for Heman, from his sons:

Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shubael and Jerimoth; Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti and Romamti-Ezer; Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir and Mahazioth. ⁵(All these were sons of Heman the king’s seer. They were given him through the promises of God to exalt him. God gave Heman fourteen sons and three daughters.)

⁶All these men were under the supervision of their father for the music of the temple of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres and harps, for the ministry at the house of God.

Asaph, Jeduthun and Heman were under the supervision of the king. ⁷Along with their relatives—all of them trained and skilled in music for the Lord—they numbered 288. ⁸Young and old alike, teacher as well as student, cast lots for their duties.

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To God Be The Glory

June 15, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

from: http://odb.org/

When Jason was asked to sing at a church he was visiting, he was delighted to participate even though he wasn’t asked until a few minutes before the service started. He chose a familiar hymn, “To God Be the Glory,” because it was a song that was especially meaningful to him. He practiced it a few times in the church basement and sang it without accompaniment in the church service.

Several weeks later, Jason learned that some people in the church didn’t appreciate his ministry. They thought he was showing off. Because they did not know him, they wrongly assumed that he was singing to impress them, not to honor the Lord.

From the Old Testament we learn that God appointed people with skill to be involved in temple worship. From construction workers to worship leaders—people were chosen based on their skill (1 Chron. 15:22; 25:1,7).

The Lord gave each of us different talents and spiritual gifts to be used for His glory (Col. 3:23-24). When we serve with that purpose, not to lift up ourselves, we don’t need to be concerned with what others think. God gave His very best to us—His Son Jesus—and we honor Him by giving our best to Him.

The Master needs what you have to offer,
No matter if you think it’s small;
His work on earth is done through His children,
So give Him your best, give your all. —Hess

We are at our best when we serve God from our hearts.

Bible Reading

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Matthew 20:1-16

The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard

Late Arrivals Welcome

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Psalm 92

Psalm 92[a]

A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day.

Love And Prayer

Friday, June 28, 2013

Luke 9:18-27

Peter Declares That Jesus Is the Messiah

Jesus Predicts His Death

Miserable Success

Thursday, June 27, 2013

1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Unity and Diversity in the Body

Let’s Stick Together

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Job 7:11-21

Her Worst Day Ever

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Philippians 2:1-11

Imitating Christ’s Humility

Country Doctor

Monday, June 24, 2013

John 16:25-33

Flight Simulator

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Romans 13:1-7

Submission to Governing Authorities

Water Problems

Saturday, June 22, 2013

Job 26:5-14

Hanging On Nothing

Friday, June 21, 2013

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Generosity Encouraged

Greedy Birds

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Psalm 94:3-23

Rock Of Refuge

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Lamentations 3:1-3

Lamentations 3:25-33

Play In Pain

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Deuteronomy 4:1-10

Obedience Commanded

Every Word Matters

Monday, June 17, 2013

Ephesians 2:1-10

Made Alive in Christ

No Risk

Sunday, June 16, 2013

1 Corinthians 16:9-13

Strength Of A Man

Saturday, June 15, 2013

1 Chronicles 25:1-8

The Musicians

To God Be The Glory

Psalm 92^[a]