Friday, March 30, 2013: Donkey Mentality

A minister referred to Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and asked: “What if the donkey on which Jesus was riding had thought all the cheering was for him? What if that small animal had believed that the hosannas and the branches were in his honor?”

The minister then pointed to himself and said: “I’m a donkey. The longer I’m here the more you’ll come to realize that. I am only a Christ-bearer and not the object of praise.”

In recording Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, Matthew referred to the prophecy of Zechariah: “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, lowly, and sitting on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey’” (Matthew 21:5; see Zechariah 9:9).

On Palm Sunday, the donkey was merely a Christ-bearer, bringing the Son of God into the city where He would give His life for the sins of the world.

If we could develop a healthy “donkey mentality,” what an asset that would be as we travel the road of life. Instead of wondering what people think of us, our concern would be, “Can they see Christ Jesus, the King?” Rather than seeking credit for service rendered, we would be content to lift up the Lord.

- David C. McCasland. June19, 2006. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Thursday, March 28, 2013: Pack Up Your Sorrows

During the turbulent years of the 1960s, popular music in America was a strange mixture of protest and patriotism. Some songs lashed out against war, greed, and injustice in society, while others affirmed duty to country and traditional values. But “Pack Up Your Sorrows,” written by Richard Farina and Pauline Baez Marden, seemed to fit all of the categories with its focus on the quest for personal peace. The refrain said the following:

Well, if somehow you could pack up your sorrows,
And give them all to me
You would lose them, I know how to use them,
Give them all to me.

Perhaps everyone hoped that someone really could bring them peace.

The good news is that there is Someone who can! Isaiah 53 is a prophetic picture of Israel’s promised Messiah. Christians see its fulfillment in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. “Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows . . . . He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed” (vv.4-5).

Jesus took our sins and sorrows on Himself so that we could be forgiven and have peace with God. Will you give Him your sorrows today?

- David C. McCasland. February 28, 2013. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Wednesday, March 27, 2013: Savor the Flavor

In a fast-paced culture of “eat and run,” few people make time to enjoy a leisurely meal in the company of friends. Someone has even remarked that the only way to enjoy a seven-course meal today is to get it all between two pieces of bread!

After many of the Israelite exiles in Babylon returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and the walls of the city, they gathered to hear Ezra read from the Book of the Law given by God through Moses (Neh. 8:1). They listened to God’s Word for hours, while teachers among them “gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading” (v.8).

When they wept because of their shortcomings, Ezra, along with Nehemiah the governor, told them this was not a time for sorrow but a time for rejoicing. The people were told to prepare a feast and share it with those who had nothing, “for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v.10). Then “all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that were declared to them” (v.12).

The spiritual banquet God has prepared for us in His Word is a cause for great joy. It is worth taking time to savor.

 - David C. McCasland. February 3, 2013. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Tuesday, March 26, 2013: The Tale Of Two Goats

Two goats without blemish stood before the high priest in the bright Middle Eastern sun. Lots were cast, and the priest slowly led one to the altar to be killed as a sin offering for the people. Its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat. That goat was a sacrifice.

The other goat, known as the scapegoat, portrays another truth. The priest placed both his hands on its forehead and confessed the sins of Israel. Then the goat was led out into the desert and turned loose. As it wandered away, never to be seen again, it symbolically took Israel’s sins along with it. They were gone. The people were reconciled to God. That goat was a substitute.

Both of these goats were pictures of what Christ would do for us. The cross became an upright altar, where the Lamb of God gave His life as a sacrifice for sin. And what the scapegoat symbolically portrayed for Israel—the removal of their sins—Jesus fulfilled in reality. He became our substitute. Because of our identification with Him as believers, our sins have been taken away completely.

Two goats representing two truths: sacrifice and substitution. Both were fulfilled in Christ when He died on the cross and made full atonement for our sins.

 - David C. Egnar. March 29, 2001. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Monday, March 24, 2013: Surprise!

A writer for The Washington Post conducted an experiment to test people’s perception. He asked a famous violinist to perform incognito at a train station in the nation’s capital one January morning. Thousands of people walked by as he played, but only a few stopped to listen. After 45 minutes, just $32 had been dropped into the virtuoso’s open violin case. Two days earlier, this man—Joshua Bell—had used the same $3.5 million Stradivarius for a sold-out concert where people paid $100 a seat to hear him perform.

The idea of a person not being recognized for his greatness isn’t new. It happened to Jesus. “He was in the world,” John said, “. . . and the world did not know Him” (John 1:10). Why did people who had been expecting the Messiah give Jesus such a cold reception? One reason is that they were surprised. Just as people today don’t expect famous musicians to play in railway stations, the people in Jesus’ day didn’t expect Messiah to be born in a stable. They also expected Him to be a political king—not the head of a spiritual kingdom.

The people in the first century were blinded to God’s purpose in sending Jesus to this world. He came to save people from their sins (John 1:29). Receive God’s surprising gift of salvation that He offers freely to you today.

- C.P. Hia. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

The Bible Miniseries Week Four Discussion Questions

Today's discussions come from John 15:1-17, which is a part of the Upper Room conversation Jesus had with his disciples on the evening of his last supper.

1) Have you ever rescued anyone? Have you ever been rescued by anyone?

2) As you watched the portion of the video that showed the last night of Jesus earthly life, what sorts of things were you thinking and feeling?

Read John 15:17

3) Would you describe Jesus' words in the passage as "relational" or "religious"? Why?

4) Jesus talks repeatedly about the followers "remaining" ("abiding" in the KJV) in Him. What do you think he means by that? What are some practical ways we can "remain" in Him?

5) What did Jesus mean by saying, "Apart from me, you can do nothing?"

6) Are you "remaining" in Jesus, like He says in these verses?

7) Are you "bearing fruit" like Jesus says in these verses? If so, how? If not, why?

8) Are you loving your fellow disciples, like Jesus tells his followers to do in these verses?

Friday, March 22, 2013: Promised Peace

I wouldn’t want to pick a fight with a sky full of angels, but I must admit that I’ve always wondered about the promise of peace the angelic host made to the shepherds in the fields outside Bethlehem. For the last 2,000 years, peace on our planet has been at best a rare commodity. Wars continue to ravage innocent lives, domestic violence is a growing calamity, divorce rates soar, churches split, and peace in our restless and wayward hearts seems to be an elusive dream.

Where is the promised peace? Actually, on reflection, we can see that Jesus brought all that is needed for peace in our world. He taught the principles of peace, calling for people to love their neighbors as they love themselves. And as He was leaving this planet, He promised, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). He told us to turn the other cheek, go the extra mile, forgive offenses, reject greed, tolerate each other’s weaknesses, live to serve and love one another as He has loved us.

It seems that in large part, peace is up to us. Paul verifies that in Romans 12:18, “As much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.”

The angelic announcement of the birth of Christ promised peace! May you experience the peace of God today.

- Joe Stowell. December 24, 2010. Our Daily Bread, www.odb.org

Thursday, March 21, 2013: Accusations

In 1985, Frederick Holliday, the superintendent of Cleveland’s public schools, shot himself through the heart with a .357 magnum. In a suicide note he said that although he had achieved great success, he could not tolerate being stripped of his dignity by the unfair and vicious accusations leveled against him by his opponents.

Taking his own life, though, left family and friends heartbroken. I wish that Holliday would have chosen instead to follow the example of the apostle Paul. Although subjected to indignities and insulting accusations, Paul was so conscious of living in the presence of God that His verdict was all that really mattered to him. I am sure the accusations of fellow humans hurt him, and the approval of his own conscience helped him, but his overriding conviction is found in his words, “He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:4).

Others’ unfair opinions of you may be hurting you deeply and causing you to think more unfavorably about yourself than you should. But if you have placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior and Lord, and you’re trying to do what is right, don’t despair. God, who provided for your salvation and has accepted you as His child, sees you and approves of you. And that is what matters most.

Like Daniel, when falsely accused, we can have confidence that God is for us. If you are convinced that God is for you, it doesn't matter who is against you.

- Herbert Vander Lugt. July 13, 2002, Our Daily Bread. www.odg.org

Wednesday, March 20, 2013: Faithful, Responsible, and Trustworthy

Who is the most faithful person you know? The most dependable? The one person who can be trusted to do the right thing in every circumstance?

In the kingdom of Nebuchadnezzar, that person was Daniel. When Belshazzar became king of Babylon, that person was still Daniel. When Darius, the Mede took over, that person was, you guessed it, Daniel.

But such faithfulness sometimes arouses opposition, jealousy, and even hatred. And such was the case with Daniel. The Bible says in Daniel 6:3-5: "Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire. Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.”

 Daniel was so blameless that his enemies figured the only way they could ever attack him would be to concoct charges against his faith. Bible scholar, Matthew Henry, said, "It is an excellent thing, and much for the glory of God, when whose who profess religion conduct themselves so inoffensively in their conversation that their watchful, spiteful enemies may not have occasion of blaming them, save only in matters of their God, in which they walk according to their consciences."

But in those moments, Jesus will be there. Walking in the fiery furnace with you, just as he was for Daniel.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013: Standing In The Fire

Wrapped in blankets in my grandparents’ pickup, I watched as fire consumed our home. My father says I slept soundly as he carried my brother and me and our puppies out to safety. When I woke up and saw the huge blaze, I was already safe. I was too curious and too young to be scared.

I remember several things from that night. Even inside the truck, the heat was intense and the fire was mesmerizing. I remember too the fear on the faces of everyone else, checking and re-checking to see if loved ones were safe. Later I learned that in the chaos my father raced into the fire to look for my grandfather, which prompted my grandfather (who was not inside the house) to race in to get my father. Their courage affected all who saw it that night.

I’m reminded of that fire every time I read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. When challenged with the decree to bow to the king or face execution (Dan. 3:10-12), these three bravely faced the fire for the One they loved (vv.16-18). And the Lord stood with them in the flames (v.25).

When life’s “flames” test us, may those who observe our choices recognize our love for each other and for our God.

- Randy Kilgore, September 19, 2012,. Our Daily Bread, www.odb.org

Monday, March 18, 2013: A Living Testimony

Watchman Nee was arrested for his faith in Christ in 1952, and he spent the rest of his life in prison. He died in his jail cell on May 30, 1972. When his niece came to collect his few possessions, she was given a scrap of paper that a guard had found by his bed. On it was written his life’s testimony:

“Christ is the Son of God who died for the redemption of sinners and was resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ—Watchman Nee.”

Tradition says that the apostle Paul also was martyred for his faith in Christ. In a letter written shortly before his death, Paul exhorted his readers: “Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, for which I suffer trouble . . . ; but the Word of God is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:8-9).

We may not be called upon to be martyred as witnesses to the reality of Christ—as millions of His followers through the centuries have been—but we are all called to be a living testament of Jesus’ work on our behalf. No matter the outcome, from a heart of gratitude for God’s gracious gift we can tell others what Jesus has done for us.

The Christ of God to glorify,

His grace in us to magnify;

His Word of life to all make known—

Be this our work, and this alone. —Whittle

Let your life as well as your lips speak for Christ.

- Dennis Fisher, March 13, 2013, Our Daily Bread, www.odb.org

The Bible Miniseries Week Three Discussion Questions

This week we are going to drill down on the section of the broadcast that dealt with Daniel. Daniel and his friends were downtrodden, unfortunate, and even persecuted. He was an educated teenager from a noble family in Jerusalem. His city was destroyed and who knows what happened to his family. He was marched off in Babylon. A future was derailed. So much potential wasted.

Maybe you know similar times. Times when you were downtrodden, unfortunate or even persecuted. It is only natural at such times to feel like a victim. But from all indications, Daniel never felt that way. Though it would have been perfectly understandable in such circumstances, his situation did not produce a victim. Instead, Daniel remained faithful, and became a victor.

1.  As you watched the portion of the broadcast about Daniel being in the Lion's den, who came across as a victim to you? Who came across as victorious?

2. How do you think you would have acted similarly or differently from Daniel's reaction to the lions' den?

Read Daniel 6:1-24

3.  By the time of the incidents depicted in the broadcast, Daniel would have been an exile in Babylon for decades. Yet verse 10 says that when he prayed, he opened the windows that faced Jerusalem. What do you think that indicates about Daniel?

4.  Who did Daniel credit for his deliverance in verse 22?

5.  How does verse 24 counter any suspicion that Daniel's deliverance could have been from natural causes?

6.  Throughout this incident was Daniel a victim? a victor? First one, then the other?

7.  Do you see any parallels between your situation and Daniel's?

8.  Is there any obstacle or threat you face right now? If so, how can you apply Daniel's story to your circumstances?

Friday, March 18, 2013: He Guards Me Well

During the quiet moments before a Sunday morning service, the organist played a hymn that was new to me. I turned to the page noted in the hymnal and read the words of the song “The Lord My Shepherd Guards Me Well,” a beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 23:

The Lord my Shepherd guards me well,
And all my wants are fed:
Amid green pastures made to lie,
Beside still waters led.
My care-worn soul grows strong and whole
When God’s true path I tread.

No matter how often we read or hear the familiar 23rd Psalm, it seems to come with a fresh message of God’s care for us.

Though I should walk in darkest ways
Through valleys like the grave,
No evil shall I ever fear;
Your presence makes me brave.
On my behalf Your rod and staff
Assure me You will save. (© Hope Publishing Co.)

This image was familiar to the people who heard Jesus say, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep” (John 10:11). Unlike a hired person who runs away from danger, the true shepherd stays with the sheep to protect them. “But a hireling, he who is not the shepherd . . . sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees . . . . I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep” (vv.12-14).

No matter what you’re facing today, Jesus knows your name, He knows the danger, and He will not leave your side. You can say with confidence: The Lord my Shepherd guards me well!

The Lamb who died to save us is the Shepherd who lives to lead us.

 - David C. McCasland, October 23, 2011, Our Daily Bread, www.odb.org

Thursday, March 14: The Anointing

After viewing the six other sons of Jesse, Samuel heard the voice of the Lord tell him to anoint the youngest, David. God told Samuel, "The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7).

So Samuel obeyed and in front of all of his brothers, Samuel anointed David as the king of Israel. And the Bible adds in 1 samuel 16:13: "from that day on, the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David."

The ritual of anointing is practiced in almost every religion and among all races. Although application of oil may sometimes be done for medicinal reasons, frequently it is also thought to imbue a person with certain desired qualities or powers. Some people in East Africa, for example, pour lion oil on themselves, hoping to gain courage and strength for some great task.

The Bible speaks of an anointing that enables a person to take on the characteristics of another, but it is not with the oil of lions. Instead, it is the coming of the Holy Spirit into a person’s life (2 Cor. 1:21-22).

This divine anointing is performed by God Himself on all who have the wonderful privilege of becoming His children. It accompanies the conversion of those who trust in Christ. Paul said that the Spirit indwells every believer, and His presence is the guarantee of our future glory in heaven (v.22). As a result of His indwelling presence, we have the ability to become more like Christ (3:17-18).

We who are born of God have no excuse for remaining as we are. We can be increasingly conformed to the image of Christ by yielding ourselves to God’s anointing—the Holy Spirit who dwells in our hearts.

 - Mart De Haan. May 17, 1995. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Wednesday, March 13, 2012: Ordinary People Can Become Extraordinary Heroes

The book of Judges is an account of God’s people descending into spiritual indifference and rebellion. After the death of Joshua and his peers, the next generation “forsook the Lord God of their fathers, . . . and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them” (Judg. 2:12).

This dismal record of wavering allegiance hardly seems the place to find spiritual heroes, yet four people from Judges—Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah (chs. 4–16)—are named in the New Testament book of Hebrews (11:32). Along with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and other notables, they are commended for their faith.

Judges, however, presents these men as flawed people who nevertheless responded to God’s call during a time of spiritual darkness in their culture. The Bible honors them for their faith, not for their perfection. They were recipients of God’s grace as surely as we are.

In every generation, God raises up people who are true to Him and to His Word. The measure of their lives and of ours is not the absence of failure but the presence of God’s gracious forgiveness and the faith to obey His call. All of God’s champions are unlikely heroes.

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name

On marbled columns built for earthly fame;

They build instead a legacy that springs

Out of a life lived for the King of kings. —Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

David C. McCasland. March 27, 2007. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Tuesday, March 12, 2013: A Winning Strategy

During my days as a high school basketball coach, I made a huge mistake. I sent some of my players to scout an opponent. They returned with this report: We can take those guys easily. Overconfident, we lost to that team. Does that sound familiar? To me, it sounds like the situation at Ai when Joshua sent out his scouts, who misjudged their opponent’s strength.

But there was more to the defeat at Ai than bad scouting. Israel lost the battle and 36 soldiers for several reasons that I think we can learn from.

Shortly before the loss at Ai, Joshua led his army successfully against Jericho because he knew God’s plan of attack. But there is no mention of Joshua consulting God before Ai. Prior to the battle of Jericho, the men had consecrated themselves to God (Josh. 5:2-8). Before Ai—nothing is said about Joshua’s men preparing themselves spiritually. The reason the Bible gives for the Israelites’ loss is sin in the camp. Achan had stolen from the spoils of Jericho (7:1). They could not defeat Ai until the sin was confessed and the people had consecrated themselves (7:16-26). Then God gave them a plan for victory (8:1-7).

A winning strategy for our daily battles: confessing our sin and living in the power that God provides.

Dear Lord, before I go off into the battle today,

forgive me of my sin and lead me in the path You

want me to go. I want to serve You. Empower me

to live for You and Your will. Amen.

Purity in the heart produces power in the life.

Dave Branon. December 27, 2012. Our Daily Bread. www.odb.org

Monday, March 11, 2013: Even Her

Imagine looking through your family tree and finding this description of your ancestor: “A prostitute, she harbored enemies of the government in her house. When she was confronted by the authorities, she lied about it.”

What would you do about her? Hide her story from anyone inquiring about your family? Or spotlight and praise her in the legends of your family’s story?

Meet Rahab. If what we read about her in Joshua 2 were all we knew, we might lump her in with all of the other renegades and bad examples in the Bible. But her story doesn’t stop there. Matthew 1:5-6 reveals that she was King David’s great-great grandmother—and that she was in the lineage of our Savior, Jesus. And there’s more. Hebrews 11:31 names Rahab as a woman of faith who was saved from the fall of Jericho (see Josh. 6:17). And in James 2:25, her works of rescue were given as evidence of her righteous faith.

God’s love is amazing that way. He can take people with a bad reputation, transform their lives, and turn them into examples of His love and forgiveness. If you think you’re too bad to be forgiven or if you know someone else who feels that way, read about Rahab and rejoice. If God can turn her into a beacon of righteousness, there’s hope for all of us.

Redemption’s price our Savior paid

When all our sins on Him were laid;

He took our guilt, He bore our shame

That we may glorify His name. —D. DeHaan

Whether our sins are great or small, Jesus is able to forgive them all.

 - Dave Branon.  October 26, 2012.  www.odb.org

The Bible Miniseries: Week Two Discussion Questions

This week we are going to focus on the part of the broadcast that dealt with David's battle with the giant, Goliath.

1) As you watched the story about David and Goliath today, what did you find most interesting or inspiring?

2) If you had been there that day hearing Goliath taunt the soldiers of Israel, what do you think you would have thought?

Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 32-51

3) Look back at the terms of the battle given by Goliath in verse 9. While David's victory made him a hero, what did his victory mean for the nation of Israel?

4) David saved Israel from slavery to the Philistines. Jesus saves us from slavery to sin. In practical terms, how do you think that truth can be applied to your life?

5) What giants are you facing today?

6) How can this story be applicable to your giants?

Friday, March 8, 2013: Sacrifice Saves the Life of Orphaned Lamb

If you go over to Scotland, or anywhere there are lots of sheep, sooner or later you're going to see a very unusual sight. You'll see a little lamb running around the field, and you'll notice this lamb has what looks like an extra fleece tied around its back. In fact, you'll see there are little holes in the fleece for its four legs and usually a hole for its head. If you see a little lamb running around like that, that usually means its mother has died.

And without the protection and nourishment of a mother, any orphaned lamb will die. If you take the orphaned lamb and try to introduce it to another mother, the new mother will butt it away. She won't recognize the lamb's scent and will know the new baby is not one of her own lambs.

But thankfully, most flocks are large enough that there is a ewe that has recently lost a lamb. The shepherd will skin the dead lamb and make its fleece into a covering for the orphaned lamb, then he'll take the orphaned lamb to the mother whose baby just died. Now, when she sniffs the orphaned lamb, she will smell the fleece of her own lamb. Instead of butting the lamb away, she will accept it as one of her own.

In a similar way, we have become acceptable to God by being clothed with Christ.

From Peter Grant's sermon, "In What Way Is Jesus Christ Different?"

Thursday, March 7, 2013: Interceding For Others

Many of us think that a lot of things happen because we pray to God. We take credit for praying. And God, in fact, gives it to us. He asks us to pray. He wants us to pray. (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And he does things based on our prayer.

God instructs his people to pray for cities and cities are saved from destruction. He instructs people to pray for specific persons and God does things for those people. People have prayed for revival and revival has come. Souls have been saved. Sick healed. Miracles, signs and wonders have taken place – because someone prayed.

Abraham was told of what would happen to Sodom and Gomorrah (his nephew, Lot was there). “So the Lord told Abraham, “I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant. I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know”” (Genesis 18: 20). Abraham knew Sodom and Gomorrah didn’t stand a chance. He feared for his brother and family there.

So in the following conversation, we hear him try and cut a deal with God (verses 22 – 32). In my opinion, he got himself a very bad deal. He made the assumption that there would be at least ten righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah. There may have been only one. Abraham never spoke about Lot to God specifically. He never mentioned his nephew but he prayed for the city.

Fast-forward to Genesis 19 and you find there really is nobody who seeks God in that place. Verses 3 – 17 looks like a scene from those zombie movies, only in this case, these people were not really the living dead.

But I love verse 29 – “But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain.” Wait a minute! Abraham’s request to keep Lot safe? I didn’t read anything like that in Abraham’s prayer in Genesis 18. But God saved Lot anyways and He did it because of Abraham. God saved Lot and his family because of somebody else’s prayers. Abraham’s prayer did not even cover Lot specifically. But God knew Abraham was worried about them. God showed favor on Lot because of Abraham.

Lord, help me pray. Help me stand in the gap for the peoples and for this nation. In Jesus’ name.

© Copyright 2013 Simply Him. www.http://simplyhim.com/tag/intercession 

Wednesday, March 6: 2013: Called From

One of the smartest people I know is a college friend who became a Christian while studying at a state university. He graduated with honors and went on to study at a respected seminary. He served a small church as pastor for several years and then accepted a call to another small church far from family and friends. After 12 years at that church, he sensed that the congregation needed new leadership, so he stepped down. He hadn’t been offered a job at a bigger church or a teaching position at a college or seminary. In fact, he didn’t even have another job. He just knew that God was leading him in a different direction, so he followed.

When we discussed it, my friend said, “A lot of people talk about being called to something, but I don’t hear much about being called from something.”

In many ways, my friend’s obedience was like that of Israel’s patriarch Abraham, who went out, not knowing where God was leading (Heb. 11:8-10). Difficulties like famine (Gen. 12:10), fear (vv.11-20), and family disputes (13:8) gave reason for doubt, but Abraham persevered and because of his faith God counted him as righteous (Gal. 3:6).

A life of obedience may not be easy, but it will be blessed (Luke 11:28).

As Abraham went out,
Not knowing where he was going;
Now, Lord, keep me from doubt,
To go the way You are showing. —Hess

You don’t need to know where you’re going if you know God is leading.

 Julie Ackerman Link,  January 10, 2011,  Our Daily Bread,  www.odb.org

Tuesday, March 5, 2013: "I Don't Do Boats"

In his book The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell observes that struggling businesses are often turned around by one key decision. Many once-foundering companies are now thriving and successful because of a choice that became the tipping point.

Although targeted to those in business management, the principle also applies to those who are committed to advancing the cause of Christ. Sometimes we find ourselves up against a wall, struggling with a decision or situation that threatens to cripple our capacity for effective service to our King. It’s at those critical junctures that we can make a “tipping point” decision to turn things around.

The decision? Surrender your will and heart to God. James 4:7 says, “Submit to God,” and Romans 12:1 tells us, “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God.” Be willing to sacrifice your agenda for His greater purposes.

What if Noah had told God, “I don’t do boats!” What if Joseph had not forgiven his brothers and failed to protect them from the life-threatening famine? Or what if Jesus had refused to die on the cross?

Surrender is the tipping point. When we make that choice, God can use us to do great things for Him.

Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine; Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine.

Take all my will, my passion, self and pride; I now surrender, Lord—in me abide. —Orr © 1986 Word Music

Surrender becomes victory when we yield to God.

Joseph Stowell,  August 23, 2007, Our Daily Bread, www.odb.org

Monday, March 4, 2013: First Adam, Second Adam

1 Corinthians 15:44-49 states: "If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam, a life-giving spirit. The spiritual did not come first, but the natural, and after that the spiritual. The first man was of the dust of the earth; the second man is of heaven. As was the earthly man, so are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. And just as we have borne the image of the earthly man, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly man.

Manuel Gonzalez was the first rescue worker to reach the 33 miners trapped for 69 days in a Chilean mine explosion in 2010. At great risk to his own life, he went underground more than 2,000 feet to bring the trapped men back to the surface. The world watched in amazement as one by one each miner was rescued and transported to freedom.

The Bible tells us of an even more amazing rescue. Because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, all of mankind is trapped in sin (Gen. 2:17; 3:6,19; Rom. 5:12). Unable to break free, everyone faces certain death—physically and eternally. But God has provided a Rescuer—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Everyone who accepts the free gift of salvation offered through His death and resurrection is freed from sin’s grip and its resulting death penalty (Rom. 5:8-11; 10:9-11; Eph. 2:1-10).

Jesus Christ is the “firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Cor. 15:20). He was the first to be raised from the dead, never to die again. Likewise, all will be given life who put their faith in Christ (Rom. 8:11).

Are you still trapped in your sins? Accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and enjoy the freedom of life in Christ and eternity with Him (Acts 16:31; Eph. 2:1; Col. 2:13).

Thinking It Over

What keeps you from calling out to God for spiritual rescue? Do you fear that you are too bad for God’s grace? Read and think about Romans 3:23-26. Through His cross, Jesus rescues and redeems.

C.P. Hia, January  31, 2013, Our Daily Bread . www.odb.org

The Bible Miniseries: Week One Discussion Questions.

This week's broadcast focused on the early parts of Biblical history, with special emphasis on the reality that the introduction of sin into the human race brought death (literally, and spiritual death) to the human race. But the emphasis of the broadcast is not that we are a creation doomed to die, but that, even in the early days of our lineage, God began to take us on the journey from death, back to life.

It is best illustrated in the example of the story of Abraham and Isaac, where Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, Isaac, out of what seemed an strange command from God.

1) As you watched that part of the broadcast tonight, did you find yourself identifying with anyone? If so, whom? and why?

Take a moment to read Genesis 22:1-19 (you can click on the reference and read the scripture from the New Living Translation).

2) Why do you think God was so specific in verse 2 when he told Abraham, "Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much..."?

3) Read verses 9 and 10 again. How do you think Abraham was feeling in these verses? How do you think Isaac was feeling?

4) Read verses 10-13. How do you think Isaac was feeling as he watched the lamb being slaughtered in his place?

5) Hebrews 11:17-19 (NLT) says: "It was by faith that Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice when God was testing him. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, even though God had told him, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted.” Abraham reasoned that if Isaac died, God was able to bring him back to life again. And in a sense, Abraham did receive his son back from the dead." Isaac lived many years after this experience on Mount Moriah. How do you think this experience impacted his latter life?

6) Does this story reflect your experience in any way? If so, how?