WISDOM BY GRACE
|
Posted:Apr 4, 2016 4:09 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 15606 Views
|
Read: James 1:1-8
Bible in a Year: Ruth 1–4; Luke 8:1-56
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. James 1:5
On April 4, 1968, American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated, leaving millions angry and disillusioned. In Indianapolis, a largely African-American crowd had gathered to hear Robert F. Kennedy speak. Many had not yet heard of Dr. King’s death, so Kennedy had to share the tragic news. He appealed for calm by acknowledging not only their pain but his own abiding grief over the murder of his brother, President John F. Kennedy.
In life’s darkest times, we find what we need in Him.
Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.
“Wisdom through the awful grace of God” is a remarkable statement. It means that God’s grace fills us with awe and gives us the opportunity to grow in wisdom during life’s most difficult moments.
James wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). James says that this wisdom is grown in the soil of hardship (vv. 2-4), for there we not only learn from the wisdom of God, we rest in the grace of God.
Father, in the face of life’s sometimes awful circumstances, may we find Your grace to be a source of awe and wonder. Instruct us in our trials, and carry us in Your arms when we are overwhelmed.
Has the Lord ed you through a crisis? Tell us about His faithfulness on Facebook.com/ourdailybread
The darkness of trials only makes God’s grace shine brighter.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
THE GALLERY OF GOD
|
Posted:Apr 1, 2016 3:05 am
Last Updated:Apr 2, 2016 10:32 am 15609 Views
|
Read: Psalm 100
Bible in a Year: Judges 13–15; Luke 6:27-49
The Lord is good and his love endures forever. Psalm 100:5
Psalm 100 is like a work of art that helps us celebrate our unseen God. While the focus of our worship is beyond view, His people make Him known.
Imagine the artist with brush and palette working the colorful words of this psalm onto a canvas. What emerges before our eyes is a world—“all the earth”—shouting for joy to the Lord (v. 1). Joy. Because it is the delight of our God to redeem us from death. “For the joy that was set before Him,” Jesus endured the cross (Heb. 12:2
Our heavenly Father’s heart is pleased when His people worship Him.
As our eyes move across the canvas we see an all-world choir of countless members singing “with gladness” and “joyful songs” (Ps. 100:2). Our heavenly Father’s heart is pleased when His people worship Him for who He is and what He has done.
Then we see images of ourselves, fashioned from dust in the hands of our Creator, and led like sheep into green pastures (v. 3). We, His people, have a loving Shepherd.
Finally, we see God’s great and glorious dwelling place—and the gates through which His rescued people enter His unseen presence, while giving Him thanks and praise (v. 4).
What a picture, inspired by our God. Our good, loving, and faithful God. No wonder it will take forever to enjoy His greatness!
Great God of heaven, thank You for life, for joy, for protection, and for promising us a future with You forever. Help us to live with thoughts of Your greatness always on our hearts and minds.
Nothing is more awesome than to know God.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
FALLOW ME
|
Posted:Mar 31, 2016 3:08 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 15662 Views
|
Read: Mark 2:13-17
Bible in a Year: Judges 11–12; Luke 6:1-26
It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
Mark 2:17
Health clubs offer many different programs for those who want to lose weight and stay healthy. One fitness center caters only to those who want to lose at least 50 pounds and develop a healthy lifestyle. One member says that she quit her previous fitness club because she felt the slim and fit people were staring at her and judging her out-of-shape body. She now works out 5 days a week and is achieving healthy weight loss in a positive and welcoming environment.
Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to call the spiritually unfit to follow Him. Levi was one such person. Jesus saw him sitting in his tax collector’s booth and said, “Follow me” (Mark 2:14). His words captured Levi’s heart, and he followed Jesus. Tax collectors were often greedy and dishonest in their dealings and were considered religiously unclean. When the religious leaders saw Jesus having dinner at Levi’s house with other tax collectors, they asked, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” (2:16). Jesus replied, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (2:17).
Jesus came to save sinners, which includes all of us.
Jesus came to save sinners, which includes all of us. He loves us, welcomes us into His presence, and calls us to follow Him. As we walk with Him, we grow more and more spiritually fit.
Read Acts 9:10-19 and see how one man obeyed God and welcomed someone who was considered spiritually unfit. What were the results? How can you reach out to those who need the Savior? How can you help your church become a more welcoming place for the spiritually unfit?
Jesus’ arms of welcome are always open.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
SURPRISED BY GRACE
|
Posted:Mar 30, 2016 4:00 am
Last Updated:Mar 31, 2016 3:09 am 15626 Views
|
Read: Acts 9:1-19
Bible in a Year: Judges 9–10; Luke 5:17-39
I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace.
Ephesians 3.7
A woman from Grand Rapids, Michigan, fell asleep on the couch after her husband had gone to bed. An intruder sneaked in through the sliding door, which the couple had forgotten to lock, and crept through the house. He entered the bedroom where the husband was sleeping and picked up the television set. The sleeping man woke up, saw a figure standing there, and whispered, "Honey, come to bed." The burglar panicked, put down the TV, grabbed a stack of money from the dresser, and ran out.
The thief was in for a big surprise! The money turned out to be a stack of Christian pamphlets with a likeness of a $20 bill on one side and an explanation of the love and forgiveness God offers to people on the other side. Instead of the cash he expected, the intruder got the story of God’s love for him.
God’s gift of grace shows us His love and forgiveness.
I wonder what Saul expected when he realized it was Jesus appearing to him on the road to Damascus, since he had been persecuting and even killing Jesus’ followers? (Acts 9:1-9). Saul, later called Paul, must have been surprised by God’s grace toward him, which he called “a gift”:
“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power” (Eph. 3.7.
Have you been surprised by God’s gift of grace in your life as He shows you His love and forgiveness?
Lord, Your grace is amazing to me. I’m grateful that in spite of my sinfulness, You offer Your love to me.
Never measure God’s unlimited power by your limited expectations.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
GOD OF MY STRENGTH
|
Posted:Mar 29, 2016 4:32 am
Last Updated:May 1, 2024 4:54 pm 15811 Views
|
Read: Judges 7:1-8
Bible in a Year: Judges 7–8; Luke 5:1-16
I will strengthen you and help you.
Isaiah 41:10
No one could have mistaken the ancient Babylonian soldiers for gentlemen. They were ruthless, resilient, and vicious, and they attacked other nations the way an eagle overtakes its prey. Not only were they powerful, they were prideful as well. They practically worshiped their own combat abilities. In fact, the Bible says that their “strength [was] their god” (Hab. 1:11).
God did not want this kind of self-reliance to infect Israel’s forces as they prepared to battle the Midianites. So He told Gideon, Israel’s army commander, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me’ ” (Judg. 7:2). As a result, Gideon discharged anyone who was fearful. Twenty-two thousand men hightailed it home, while 10,000 fighters stayed. God continued to downsize the army until only 300 men remained (vv. 3-7).
I will strengthen you and help you. (Isaiah 41:10)
Having fewer troops meant that Israel was dramatically outnumbered—their enemies, who populated a nearby valley, were as “thick as locusts” (v. 12). Despite this, God gave Gideon’s forces victory.
At times, God may allow our resources to dwindle so that we rely on His strength to keep going. Our needs showcase His power, but He is the One who says, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).
Dear God, I am thankful for Your strength. You carry me when I am weak. Help me to give You the credit for every victory in life.
God wants us to depend on His strength, not our own.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
SURPRISED!
|
Posted:Mar 28, 2016 1:44 am
Last Updated:Mar 29, 2016 4:32 am 16103 Views
|
Read: Luke 24:13-35
Bible in a Year: Judges 4–6; Luke 4:31-44
Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him.
Luke 24:31
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571–1610), an Italian artist, was known for his fiery temperament and unconventional technique. He used ordinary working people as models for his saints and was able to make viewers of his paintings feel they were a part of the scene. The Supper at Emmaus shows an innkeeper standing while Jesus and two of His followers are seated at a table when they recognize Him as the risen Lord (Luke 24:31). One disciple is pushing himself to a standing position while the other’s arms are outstretched and his hands open in astonishment.
Luke, who records these events in his gospel, tells us that the two men immediately returned to Jerusalem where they found the eleven disciples and others assembled together and saying, “ ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread” (vv. 33-35).
Oswald Chambers said, “Jesus rarely comes where we expect Him; He appears where we least expect Him, and always in the most illogical connections. The only way a worker can keep true to God is by being ready for the Lord’s surprise visits.”
Whatever road we are on today, may we be ready for Jesus to make Himself known to us in new and surprising ways.
Lord Jesus, open our eyes to see You, the risen Christ, alongside us and at work in the circumstances of our lives today.
To find the Lord Jesus Christ we must be willing to seek Him.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
THE OLIVA PRESS
|
Posted:Mar 24, 2016 5:19 am
Last Updated:Mar 28, 2016 1:44 am 16139 Views
|
Read: Mark 14:32-39
Bible in a Year: Joshua 16–18; Luke 2:1-24
They went to a place called Gethsemane.
Mark 14:32
If you visit the village of Capernaum beside the Sea of Galilee, you will find an exhibit of ancient olive presses. Formed from basalt rock, the olive press consists of two parts: a base and a grinding wheel. The base is large, round, and has a trough carved out of it. The olives were placed in this trough, and then the wheel, also made from heavy stone, was rolled over the olives to extract the oil.
On the night before His death, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives overlooking the city of Jerusalem. There, in the garden called Gethsemane, He prayed to the Father, knowing what lay ahead of Him.
By His wounds we are healed.
The word Gethsemane means “place of the olive press”—and that perfectly describes those first crushing hours of Christ’s suffering on our behalf. There, “in anguish, he prayed . . . and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44).
Jesus the suffered and died to take away “the sin of the world”
(John 1:29) and restore our broken relationship with God the Father. “Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering . . . . He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isa. 53:4-5).
Our hearts cry out in worship and gratitude.
Father, help me understand what Your endured for me. Help me appreciate the depths of love that would allow my Lord and Christ to be crushed for my wrongs and my rescue.
Gone my transgressions, and now I am free—all because Jesus was wounded for me.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
STORIES IN A CABIN
|
Posted:Mar 23, 2016 1:45 am
Last Updated:Mar 24, 2016 8:22 am 16203 Views
|
Read: Hebrews 9:11-15
Bible in a Year: Joshua 13–15; Luke 1:57-80
[Christ] went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands.
Hebrews 9:11
The vintage cabin, expertly constructed from hand-hewn logs, was worthy of a magazine cover. But the structure itself was only half the treasure. Inside, family heirlooms clung to the walls, infusing the home with memories. On the table sat a hand-woven egg basket, an ancient biscuit board, and an oil lamp. A weathered pork pie hat perched over the front door. “There’s a story behind everything,” the proud owner said.
When God gave Moses instructions for constructing the tabernacle, there was a “story” behind everything (Ex. 25–27). The tabernacle had only one entrance, just as we have only one way to God (see Acts 4:12). The thick inner curtain separated the people from the Most Holy Place where God’s presence dwelt: Our sin separates us from God. Inside the Most Holy Place was the ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence. The high priest was a forerunner of the greater Priest to come—Jesus Himself. The blood of the sacrifices foreshadowed Christ’s perfect sacrifice: “He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (Heb. 9:12).
All these things told the story of Christ and the work He would accomplish on our behalf. He did it so that “those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance”
(v. 15). Jesus invites us to be a part of His story.
What items have special meaning for me and why? What stories do I tell about them? How can they help point people to Jesus?
Jesus took our sin that we might have salvation.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
THE BEST IS YET TO COME
|
Posted:Mar 22, 2016 4:25 am
Last Updated:Mar 23, 2016 1:45 am 16334 Views
|
Read: Colossians 3:1-11
Bible in a Year: Joshua 10–12; Luke 1:39-56
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:2
In our family, March means more than the end of winter. It means that the college basketball extravaganza called “March Madness” has arrived. As avid fans, we watch the tournament and enthusiastically root for our favorite teams. If we tune in early we get a chance to listen to the broadcasters talk about the upcoming game and to enjoy some of the pre-game drills where players shoot practice shots and warm up with teammates.
Our life on earth is like the pre-game in basketball. Life is interesting and full of promise, but it doesn’t compare to what lies ahead. Just think of the pleasure of knowing that even when life is good, the best is yet to come! Or that when we give cheerfully to those in need, it’s an investment in heavenly treasure. In times of suffering and sorrow, we can find hope as we reflect on the truth that a pain-free, tearless eternity awaits us. It’s no wonder that Paul exhorts: “Set your minds on things above” (Col. 3:2).
The future God has promised us enables us to see all of life in new dimensions. While this may be a great life, the best life is still to come. It is a wonderful privilege to live here in the light of there.
Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day; just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be! Eliza E. Hewitt
For more information on our hope for heaven, check out the Discovery Series, Life to Come.
Living for the future puts today in perspective.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
FULL SUN
|
Posted:Mar 21, 2016 5:22 am
Last Updated:Mar 22, 2016 5:39 pm 16217 Views
|
Read: Ephesians 5:1-16
Bible in a Year: Joshua 7–9; Luke 1:21-38
Live as of light.
Ephesians 5:8
I know better, but I still keep trying. The instructions on the label are clear: “Needs full sun.” Our yard has mostly shade. It is not suitable for plants that need full sun. But I like the plant. I like its color, the shape of the leaves, the size, the scent. So I buy it, bring it home, plant it, and take really good care of it. But the plant is not happy at my house. My care and attention are not enough. It needs sunlight, which I cannot provide. I thought I could make up for lack of light by giving the plant some other kind of attention. But it doesn’t work that way. Plants need what they need.
And so do people. Although we can survive for a while in less-than-ideal conditions, we can’t thrive. In addition to our basic physical needs, we also have spiritual needs that can’t be met by any substitute.
Jesus invites us to be a part of His story.
Scripture says that believers are of light. This means that we need to live in the full light of God’s presence to thrive (Ps. 89:15). If we try to live in darkness, we will produce nothing but “fruitless deeds” (see Eph. 5:3-4, 11). But if we are living in the light of Jesus, the Light of the world, we will produce the fruit of His light, which is good, faithful, and true.
Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving me new life. Help me to live as a of the Light.
of the Light walk in His light.
|
|
|
0
Comments
|
|
