Our Daily Bread Devotionals

[Dazzal]

Trust In His Name By: Karen Huang

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Those who know your name trust in you.
Psalm 9:10

Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 9:7–12
As a child, there was a time I dreaded going to school. Some girls were bullying me by subjecting me to cruel pranks. So during breaktime, I’d take refuge in the library, where I read a series of Christian storybooks. I remember the first time I read the name “Jesus.” Somehow, I knew that this was the name of someone who loved me. In the months that followed, whenever I’d enter school fearful of the torment that lay ahead, I’d pray, “Jesus, protect me.” I’d feel stronger and calmer, knowing He was watching over me. In time, the girls simply grew tired of bullying me and stopped.

Many years have passed, and trusting His name continues to sustain me through difficult times. Trusting His name is believing that what He says about His character is true, allowing me to rest in Him.

David, too, knew the security of trusting in God’s name. When he wrote Psalm 9, he'd already experienced God as the all-powerful ruler who is just and faithful (vv. 7–8, 10, 16). David thus showed his trust in God’s name by going into battle against his enemies, trusting not his weapons or military skill, but in God ultimately coming through for him as “a refuge for the oppressed” (v. 9).

As a little girl, I called on His name and experienced how He lived up to it. May we always trust His name—Jesus—the name of the One that loves us.

Reflect & Pray
What challenges have been troubling you? How does meditating on Jesus’ name build your trust in Him?

Heavenly Father, teach me who You are, so that I never have reason to doubt You in any circumstance I face.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The word shem is translated “name” in English translations of the Old Testament more than eight hundred times. While attaching an appellation to a person (or other entities) is certainly in view, often there’s more. The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia comments: “In Scripture a name is often an expression of the nature of its bearer, describing his character, position, function, some circumstance affecting him, or some hope or sorrow concerning him.” This is especially true of God. The “name” of God is a reference to His person. The parallelism in Psalm 9:2 supports this: “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.” The greatness of God as seen in Psalm 9 is affirmed in Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Arthur Jackson
Psalm 9:7-12
King James Version
7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.

8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.

9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.

11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.

12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
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[Dazzal]

Just started this over for Les.
We miss him and hope he is doing well and his wife!!

[Foxy]

Prayers for our dear friend Les and his beloved wife.

[Dazzal]

Oct 18, 2022 21:37:29 GMT -7 Foxy said:

Prayers for our dear friend Les and his beloved wife.

Definitely Prayers!

[Les]

Hi everyone. Just to say thank-you for your kind thoughts and your prayers.

The past month or so has been very challenging for us both - After a huge assessment for my wife and her disability last year, we were asked to look into a one level bungalow rather than a house with stairs. After a year of waiting a bungalow did come up, but we only had 4 weeks to move out of the old house and that alone for one person was very difficult, particularly of being a full time carer as well.

We have been at the new address now for two weeks but as we have got a property of around 60 per cent smaller than the older property, much has been given to charity, but things are getting easier for us.

Please keep us in prayer...

[Les]

Choosing Compassion By: Karen Pimpo







Click here for the Audio Message



You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.
Obadiah 1:12




Today's Scripture & Insight:
Obadiah 1:8–15
A five-minute montage of snow-related mishaps was the central piece to one episode of a TV show. Home videos of people skiing off rooftops, crashing into objects and slipping on ice brought laughter and applause from the studio audience and people watching at home. The laughter seemed to be loudest when it appeared that the people landed in a mishap because of their own foolish behaviour.

Funny home videos aren’t a bad thing, but they can reveal something about ourselves: we can be prone to laugh at or take advantage of the hardships of others. One such story is recorded in Obadiah about two rival nations, Israel and Edom. When God saw it was right to punish Israel for their sin, Edom rejoiced. They took advantage of the Israelites, looted their cities, thwarted their escape and supported their enemies (Obadiah 1:13–14). A word of warning came through the prophet Obadiah to Edom: “You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune,” for “the day of the Lord is near for all nations” (vv. 12, 15).

When we see the challenges or suffering of others, even if it seems they’ve brought it upon themselves, we must choose compassion over pride. We’re not in a position to judge others. Only God can do that. The kingdom of this world belongs to Him (v. 21)—He alone holds the power of justice and mercy.





Reflect & Pray
How do you react to the hardships others face? What does a loving, merciful response look like?

Merciful God, forgive me for my feelings of self-righteousness. Thank You for Your justice and mercy.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The nation of Edom descended from Jacob’s brother Esau, who “despised” his rights as firstborn son of Isaac (Genesis 25:34). Even so, God told the Israelites, “Do not despise an Edomite, for the Edomites are related to you” (Deuteronomy 23:7). But Edom had a history of incivility toward Israel. During the exodus from Egypt, the Edomites denied the Israelites the right to pass peacefully through their land. And in the terrible story recorded in 1 Samuel, it was “Doeg the Edomite” who killed eighty-five of God’s priests when they assisted David during his flight from King Saul ( 1 Samuel 22:18–19). Their antagonistic and murderous treatment of the people of Israel had a long history.

Tim Gustafson




Obadiah 8-15
King James Version
8 Shall I not in that day, saith the Lord, even destroy the wise men out of Edom, and understanding out of the mount of Esau?

9 And thy mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that every one of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.

10 For thy violence against thy brother Jacob shame shall cover thee, and thou shalt be cut off for ever.

11 In the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them.

12 But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.

13 Thou shouldest not have entered into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity; yea, thou shouldest not have looked on their affliction in the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their substance in the day of their calamity;

14 Neither shouldest thou have stood in the crossway, to cut off those of his that did escape; neither shouldest thou have delivered up those of his that did remain in the day of distress.

15 For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

[Dazzal]

I love this, Les,
When we see the challenges or suffering of others, even if it seems they’ve brought it upon themselves, we must choose compassion over pride. We’re not in a position to judge others. Only God can do that. The kingdom of this world belongs to Him (v. 21)—He alone holds the power of justice and mercy.

It's so true, leaving the judging to God. He sees everything when we do not.
___________________________________
Les, we looked around to down-size to keep it simple for us as well. The homes are still high priced, so it's getting to point we may update the inside of the home and stay here. Right now our yard is zero landscaping. Some artificial grass and rock in the back. All rock in the front. No more mowing and so glad about that.

The dogs love the backyard now, which really surprises us. lol

Continued prayers for your wife and you. I am my husband's caretaker, too.

[Les]

Heart of Anger By: Bill Crowder






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Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement.
Matthew 5:22



Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 5:21–26
Guernica, Pablo Picasso’s most important political painting, was a modernist portrayal of the 1937 destruction of a small Spanish town by that name. During the Spanish revolution and the ramp-up to World War II, Nazi Germany’s planes were permitted by Spain’s Nationalist forces to use the town for bombing practice. These controversial bombings took scores of lives, drawing the attention of a global community concerned over the immorality of bombing civilian targets. Picasso’s painting captured the imaginations of the watching world and became a catalyst for debate about humanity’s capacity to destroy one another.

For those of us who feel confident that we would never intentionally shed blood, we should remember Jesus’ words, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement” (Matthew 5:21–22). The heart can be murderous without ever actually committing murder.

When unchecked anger towards others threatens to consume us, we desperately need the Holy Spirit to fill and control our hearts so that our human tendencies can be replaced by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:19–23). Then, love, joy and peace can mark our relationships.





Reflect & Pray
How healthy are your relationships? How can you allow the Spirit to produce fruit that enables healthier relationships?

Father, help me when I want to strike back at those who hurt me. Please help me to respond with love.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Matthew 5:22 cautions us against anger. But anger as a human response to people or situations isn’t necessarily wrong. The psalmist wisely warned us, “Be angry, and do not sin” (Psalm 4:4 ESV). Jesus was angry at the Jewish merchants who desecrated the temple (John 2:13–16) and at the unbelief of the Jews (Mark 3:5). The apostle Paul was angry at the idolatry he saw in Athens ( Acts 17:16). But it’s sinful when we let anger control us: “ ‘Don’t sin by letting anger control you.’ Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26–27 NLT). Paul said to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (4:31). James cautioned us to be “slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” ( James 1:19–20).

K. T. Sim



Matthew 5:21-26
King James Version
21 Ye have heard that it was said of them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:

22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.

23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;

24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

26 Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

[Les]

Fleeing from Turkeys By: Mike Wittmer






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David ran quickly towards the battle line to meet him.
1 Samuel 17:48




Today's Scripture & Insight:
Two wild turkeys stood in the country lane ahead. How close could I get? I wondered. I slowed my jog to a walk, then stopped. It worked. The turkeys walked towards me . . . and kept coming. In seconds, their heads were bobbing at my waist, then behind me. How sharp were those beaks? I ran away. They waddled after me before giving up the chase.

How quickly the tables had turned! The hunted had become the hunter when the turkeys seized the initiative. Foolishly, I had wondered if they were too dumb to be scared. I wasn’t about to be carelessly wounded by a bird, so I fled. From turkeys.

David didn’t seem dangerous, so Goliath taunted him to come near. “ ‘Come here,’ he said, ‘and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!’ ” (1 Samuel 17:44). David flipped the script when he seized the initiative. He ran towards Goliath, not because he was foolish but because he had confidence in God. He shouted, “This very day . . . the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel” (v. 46). Goliath was puzzled by this aggressive boy. What’s going on? he must have thought. Then it hit him. Right between the eyes.

It’s natural for small animals to run from people and shepherds to avoid giants. It’s natural for us to hide from our problems. Why settle for natural? Is there a God in Israel? Then, in His power, run towards the fight.




Reflect & Pray
What problem or person are you avoiding? How might you express confidence in God?

Father, whenever I’m afraid, remind me that Your Spirit is in me. Help me run in Your strength.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Goliath considered it an insult to have David fight him because David was “little more than a boy” (1 Samuel 17:42). The Hebrew word translated “boy” means “a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence.” It also has the connotation of status, one who was a lowly servant. Goliath was a highly respected warrior. King Saul highlighted this disparity when he told David, “You’re only a boy, and [Goliath has] been a man of war since his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33 NLT). Scholars estimate David would have been about fourteen or fifteen years old.

K. T. Sim




1 Samuel 17:32 - the 40-50
New International Version
32 David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”



40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.

41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”

45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.

50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.

[Les]

Trusting God’s Foresight By: Patricia Raybon






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They returned to their country by another route.
Matthew 2:12



Today's Scripture & Insight:
Matthew 2:1–2, 7–12
While driving us to an unfamiliar location, my husband noticed that the GPS directions suddenly seemed wrong. After entering a reliable four-lane motorway, we were advised to exit and travel along a one-lane road running parallel to us. “I’ll just trust it,” Dan said, despite seeing no delays. After about ten miles, however, the traffic on the motorway next to us slowed to a near standstill. The trouble? Major construction. And the one-lane road? With little traffic, it provided a clear path to our destination. “I couldn’t see ahead,” Dan said, “but the GPS could.” Or, as we agreed, “just like God can.”

Knowing what was ahead, God in a dream gave a similar change in directions to the wise men who’d come from the east to worship Jesus, “born king of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). King Herod, disturbed by the news of a ‘rival’ king, lied to the magi, sending them to Bethlehem, saying: “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him” (v. 8). Warned in a dream “not to go back to Herod,” however, “they returned to their country by another route” (v. 12).

God will guide our steps too. As we travel life’s roads, we can trust that He sees ahead and remain confident that “he will make [our] paths straight” as we submit to His directions (Proverbs 3:6).




Reflect & Pray
Recall a time when God presented you with a change in your life’s direction? As you trusted Him, what was the outcome?

I can’t see the road ahead, God, as You can. Please give me discernment to know when a change in direction is coming from You.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the New Testament, dreams are found only in Matthew. The first five revolve around the divine care and protection of baby Jesus (chs. 1–2). The other was given to Pilate’s wife (27:19).

During the time of the biblical patriarchs, however, God often spoke through dreams. In the first recorded dream, God appeared to King Abimelek. After Abraham lied to the king, Abimelek took Sarah into his harem (Genesis 20:1–7), but God intervened and prevented the king from touching her and endangering His covenant with Abraham. God used dreams in the Old Testament to protect His servants (above), to reveal Himself in a special way (28:12), to provide guidance (31:10–13), to forewarn about future events ( 37:5–20), and to predict the history of nations (chs. 40–41). Others who had dreams (or visions) included Daniel (see Daniel 2, 4, 7–12), Gideon (Judges 7), and Solomon (1 Kings 3).

Alyson Kieda



Matthew 2:1-2
King James Version
2 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.




Matthew 2:7-12
King James Version
7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young child; and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.

9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

[Les]

Our Eyes Are On You By: Chris Wale






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We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.
2 Chronicles 20:12



Today's Scripture & Insight:
2 Chronicles 20:2–15
“We do not know what will happen tomorrow. All our hope is in God.” A staff member from Our Daily Bread Ministries in Belarus made this comment during the early days of the war in Ukraine. Along with millions of others in Eastern Europe, she had no idea what new trauma and grief each “tomorrow” might hold.

When we’re overwhelmed by loss, problems, illness or anything that makes the future uncertain, we know only too well this type of fear. Suddenly, we have no idea what to do, or say—even in our prayers.

Long ago, God’s people felt the same way. When messengers told King Jehoshaphat, “A vast army is coming against you from Edom”, he was terrified (2 Chronicles 20:2-3). In his fear and lostness, Jehoshaphat turned humbly and honestly to God: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).

The king had no idea how to handle the overwhelming problem, but he knew the One who did. God’s answer was clear: keep trusting, for “the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15). God’s provision was startling (vv. 22-24), but it would lead to “rest on every side” (v. 30).

King Jehoshaphat’s example teaches us a simple but powerful approach to fear and uncertainty: turn to our all-powerful God. He always knows what to do, and He always provides for His people. He won’t let us down.




Reflect & Pray
What stops you from fixing your eyes on God when you’re afraid? How can you imitate King Jehoshaphat’s example in your prayers today?

Heavenly Father, there are many situations today where I don’t know what to do or how things will work out. But my eyes are on You.





SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When the Jews were militarily threatened by a large enemy coalition (2 Chronicles 20:1–2), King Jehoshaphat prayed for God’s help. God assured him, “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (v. 15).

Around 160 years later, a similar situation arose. Judah was threatened militarily by the world power of the ancient world, Assyria (ch. 32). Gearing his army to fight the invaders, King Hezekiah of Judah reminded the Jews that God would fight for them: “With us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles” (vv. 7–8).

“The Lord will fight for you” is a promise given the Jews soon after God delivered them from Egypt. With the Egyptian army hot on their heels, Moses reminded them, “Do not be afraid. . . . The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13–14). But God’s promise was contingent on their obedience and faithfulness. The Jews were reminded to “be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses . . . . Be very careful to love the Lord your God” (Joshua 23:6, 11; see also Deuteronomy 11:22–23).

K. T. Sim



2 Chronicles 20:2-15
King James Version
2 Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side Syria; and, behold, they be in Hazazontamar, which is Engedi.

3 And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

4 And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the Lord: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord.

5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, before the new court,

6 And said, O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?

7 Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

8 And they dwelt therein, and have built thee a sanctuary therein for thy name, saying,

9 If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.

10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir, whom thou wouldest not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them, and destroyed them not;

11 Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit.

12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children.

14 Then upon Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph, came the Spirit of the Lord in the midst of the congregation;

15 And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the Lord unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

[Spice]

I get that in my email every day. So enjoy it.

[Les]

Hope in God By: Kimya Loder






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I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.”
Lamentations 3:24


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Lamentations 3:22–26
As the holiday season approached, package shipments were delayed due to an unprecedented influx of online orders. I can remember a time when my family preferred to simply go to the shop and purchase items because we knew we had very little control over the speed of postal deliveries. However, when my mother signed up for an account that included expedited shipping, this expectation changed. Now with a two-day guaranteed delivery, we’re accustomed to receiving things quickly, and we become frustrated by delays.

We live in a world accustomed to instant gratification, and waiting can be difficult. But in the spiritual realm, patience is still rewarded. When the book of Lamentations was written, the Israelites were mourning the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonian army, and they faced a series of challenges. However, in the midst of chaos, the writer boldly affirmed that because he was confident that God would meet his needs, he would wait on Him (Lamentations 3:24). God knows we’re inclined to become anxious when answers to our prayers are delayed. Scripture encourages us by reminding us to wait on God. We don’t have to be consumed or worried because “his compassions never fail” (v. 22). Instead, with God’s help we can “be still . . . and wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). May we wait on God, trusting in His love and faithfulness even as we wrestle with longings and unanswered prayers.




Reflect & Pray
How have you been waiting for God? How might you trust His timing?

Heavenly Father, sometimes it can be difficult to wait on You. Please give me the strength to continue hoping in You.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The book of Lamentations (unique in biblical literature) is a collection of funeral songs or dirges (laments). The first four of the five chapters are arranged acrostically using the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet. Chapter 3, which includes sixty-six verses, is arranged acrostically in sequences of three verses each beginning with the same alphabet letter. The book’s tone is heavy. God’s judgement had come on Jerusalem (1:1) and the nation (v. 3). Though the literary tour of the city is heart-wrenching, verses 22–25 of chapter 3 are heart-warming and hope-inspiring. Similar encouragement is expressed in verses 31–32: “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.”

Arthur Jackson



Lamentations 3:22-26
King James Version
22 It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.

23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.

24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

25 The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him.

26 It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.

[Les]

Better Together By: Xochitl Dixon






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All the believers were together and had everything in common.
Acts 2:44




Today's Scripture & Insight:
Acts 2:42–47
Marie, a single working mum, rarely missed church or Bible study. Each week, she rode the bus to and from church with her five children and helped with set up and clean up.

One Sunday, the pastor told Marie that some church members had donated gifts for the family. One couple provided the family with a house with reduced rent. Another couple offered her a job with benefits at their coffee shop. A young man gave her an old car he’d rebuilt and promised to serve as her personal mechanic. Marie thanked God for the joy of living in a community devoted to serving God and each other.

Though we may not all be able to give as generously as Marie’s church family, God’s people are designed to help each other. The gospel writer Luke described believers in Jesus as “devoted” to the “apostles’ teaching and to fellowship” (Acts 2:42). When we combine our resources, we can work together to help those in need like the first believers in Jesus did (vv. 44–45). As we grow closer to God and each other, we can care for one another. Witnessing God’s love demonstrated through His people’s actions can lead others to a saving relationship with Jesus (vv. 46–47).

We can serve others with a smile or a kind deed. We can offer a financial gift or a prayer. As God works in and through us, we’re simply better together.






Reflect & Pray
Why is it important to experience a community devoted to serving God and each other? How can you serve someone selflessly and generously this week?

Loving Father, please help me see those in need and serve You by serving others.






SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
After writing an account of the life and ministry of Jesus (Luke 1:1–4), Luke wrote the book of Acts, an account of the life and ministry of His disciples. Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would indwell them and empower them to share the gospel (Acts 1:8). Luke documented the acts of the disciples and early believers in bringing the gospel to those “in Jerusalem” (chs. 1–7), “in all Judea and Samaria” (chs. 8–12), and “to the ends of the earth” (chs. 13–28). He described the first church in Jerusalem as growing and generous. The believers had “fellowship” ( 2:42) with one another. The Greek word for “fellowship” (koinonia) means “close relationships, participating in and sharing the common among them.” Together they worshipped, learned spiritual truths, depended on God, and cared for one another (vv. 43–44). They especially cared for the needy and poor in their midst, showing extravagant acts of generosity (v. 45).

K. T. Sim



Acts 2:42-47
King James Version
42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

[Les]

Hearing Christ, Not Chaos By: Patricia Raybon







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My sheep listen to my voice.
John 10:27




Today's Scripture & Insight:
John 10:1–6, 27
After watching TV news for hours each day, the elderly man grew agitated and anxious—worried the world was falling apart and taking him with it. “Please turn it off,” his grown daughter begged him. “Just stop listening.” But the man continued to spend an excessive amount of time on social media and other news sources.

What we listen to matters deeply. We see this in Jesus’ encounter with Pontius Pilate. Responding to criminal charges brought against Jesus by religious leaders, Pilate summoned Him and asked, “Are you the king of the Jews?” (John 18:33). Jesus replied with a stunning question: “Is that your own idea . . . or did others talk to you about me?” (v. 34).

The same question tests us. In a world of panic, are we listening to chaos or to Christ? Indeed, “my sheep listen to my voice,” He said. “I know them, and they follow me” (10:27). Jesus “used this figure of speech” (v. 6) to explain Himself to doubting religious leaders. As with a good shepherd, He said that “his sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognise a stranger’s voice” (vv. 4–5).

As our Good Shepherd, Jesus bids us to hear Him above all. May we listen well and find His peace.






Reflect & Pray
What do you hear on the news or social media that makes you feel anxious? How can you give more time to hearing the voice of God?

Loving God, in a noisy world, when You speak to my heart, mind and spirit in and through the Scriptures, may I hear You over all.





SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In the Bible, leaders were considered “shepherds of [their] people” (Psalm 78:70–72). These leaders were to provide for, protect, and guide the sheep under their care. God is called the “Shepherd of Israel . . . who [leads] Joseph like a flock” (80:1). Psalm 23 expresses this beautifully. And Isaiah 40:11 says, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.” In Ezekiel 34, we see both a stern warning against the wicked “shepherds of Israel” (v. 2) and a rich depiction of God as our perfect Shepherd. In the New Testament, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who “lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). He has “compassion on” (Mark 6:34 ) and cares for His wandering and lost sheep (Matthew 18:12–14).

Alyson Kieda




John 10:1-6
King James Version
10 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

4 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

5 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

6 This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them.


John 10:27
King James Version
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

[Les]

God Redeems Our Pain By: Karen Huang






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The Lord bless him! . . . That man is our close relative.
Ruth 2:20




Today's Scripture & Insight:
#Ruth 2:20–22; 4:13–17
Olive watched her friend loading her dental equipment into his car. A fellow dentist, he’d bought the brand-new supplies from her. Having her own practice had been Olive’s dream for years, but when her son Kyle was born with cerebral palsy, she realised she had to stop working to care for him.

“If I had a million lifetimes, I’d make the same choice,” my friend told me. “But giving up dentistry was difficult. It was the death of a dream.”

We often go through difficulties we can’t understand. For Olive, it was the heartache of her child’s unexpected medical condition and relinquishing her own ambitions. For Naomi, it was the heartache of losing her entire family. In Ruth 1:21 she lamented, “The Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

But there was more to Naomi’s story than what she could see. God didn’t abandon her; He brought restoration by providing her with a grandson, Obed (Ruth 4:17). Obed would not only carry on the name of Naomi’s husband and son, but through him, she would be a relative of an ancestor (Boaz) of Jesus Himself (Matthew 1:5, 16).

God redeemed Naomi’s pain. He also redeemed Olive’s pain by helping her begin a ministry for children with neurological conditions. We may experience seasons of heartache, but we can trust that as we obey and follow God, He can redeem our pain. In His love and wisdom, He can make good come out of it.





How has God redeemed your trials in the past? How is He encouraging you in your present difficulties?

Dear God, thank You that You’re redeeming the painful stories of my life.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Naomi described Boaz as a “close relative; . . . one of our guardian-redeemers” (Ruth 2:20). The newborn son of Ruth and Boaz is also referred to as a “guardian-redeemer” (4:14). The “guardian-redeemer” is the central focus of the book of Ruth (see also 3:9, 12; 4:1, 3, 6, 8). The Hebrew word go’el can also be translated “family redeemer,” “kinsman-redeemer,” or “family protector” and refers to the nearest relative with the responsibility of rescuing the family in trouble (see Leviticus 25:23–55; Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Boaz, though not the nearest relative (Ruth 4:2–4), willingly assumed guardian-redeemer obligations; he bought back Elimelek’s land (vv. 3–4) and married the childless widow (Ruth) of a deceased relative (Mahlon) to carry on his family line (v. 5).

K. T. Sim




Ruth 2:20-22
King James Version
20 And Naomi said unto her daughter in law, Blessed be he of the Lord, who hath not left off his kindness to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said unto her, The man is near of kin unto us, one of our next kinsmen.

21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, He said unto me also, Thou shalt keep fast by my young men, until they have ended all my harvest.

22 And Naomi said unto Ruth her daughter in law, It is good, my daughter, that thou go out with his maidens, that they meet thee not in any other field.



Ruth 4:13-17
King James Version
13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and she bare a son.

14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the Lord, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel.

15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him.

16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it.

17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.

[Les]

Thankful for Monday By: Poh Fang Chia






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A person can do nothing better than to . . . find satisfaction in their own toil.
Ecclesiastes 2:24


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ecclesiastes 2:17–25
I used to dread Mondays. Sometimes, when I got off the train to head to a previous job, I'd sit at the station for a while, trying to delay reaching the building, if only for a few minutes. My heart would beat fast as I worried over meeting the deadlines and managing the moods of a temperamental boss.

For some of us, it can be especially difficult to start another dreary workweek. We may be feeling overwhelmed or underappreciated in our job. King Solomon described the toil of work when he wrote: “What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labour under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain” (Ecclesiastes 2:22–23).

While the wise king didn’t give us a cure-all for making work less stressful or more rewarding, he did offer us a change in perspective. No matter how difficult our work is, he encourages us to “find satisfaction” in it with God’s help (v. 24). Perhaps it will come as the Holy Spirit enables us to display Christ-like character. Or as we hear from someone who’s been blessed through our service. Or as we remember the wisdom God provided to deal with a difficult situation. Though our work may be difficult, our faithful God is there with us. His presence and power can light up even gloomy days. With His help, we can be thankful for Monday.





Reflect & Pray
What gives you the Monday blues? How will you lean on God’s help to find satisfaction in your work today?

Faithful God, help me to see the good You’re enabling me to accomplish through my work today!



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Ecclesiastes has been described as “perhaps the most perplexing and confusing book of the Bible to the average reader” (The New Unger’s Bible Handbook), but it also includes musings and lessons that help us to sharpen our perspective as to what really matters in life. The phrase under the sun is used nearly thirty times and describes life in an imperfect, complex world in which life’s anomalies are many. Another repeated word is meaningless (or vanity), which is used more than thirty-five times. This term expresses frustration. At the same time, this Wisdom book encourages perspective beyond the horizontal plane of our limited vision and helps us to see that the best posture for earth-dwellers is to “fear God and keep his commandments” (12:13).

Arthur Jackson





Ecclesiastes 2:17-25
King James Version
17 Therefore I hated life; because the work that is wrought under the sun is grievous unto me: for all is vanity and vexation of spirit.

18 Yea, I hated all my labour which I had taken under the sun: because I should leave it unto the man that shall be after me.

19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.

20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labour which I took under the sun.

21 For there is a man whose labour is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity; yet to a man that hath not laboured therein shall he leave it for his portion. This also is vanity and a great evil.

22 For what hath man of all his labour, and of the vexation of his heart, wherein he hath laboured under the sun?

23 For all his days are sorrows, and his travail grief; yea, his heart taketh not rest in the night. This is also vanity.

24 There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.

25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten hereunto, more than I?

[Les]

Loving Our Neighbours By: Amy Boucher Pye







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Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbour as yourself.
Leviticus 19:18



Today's Scripture & Insight:
Leviticus 19:15–18
In the days of self-isolation and lockdown during the coronavirus pandemic, I came across some words by Martin Luther King Jr. which rang true. Speaking about injustice, he remarked how he couldn’t sit idly in one city and not be concerned about what happens in another. “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,” he said, “tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects us all indirectly.”

Likewise, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted our connectedness as around the world cities and countries closed to stop the spread of the virus. What affected one city could soon affect another.

Many centuries ago, God instructed His people how to show concern for others. Through Moses, He gave the Israelites the law to guide them and help them live together. He told them to “not do anything that endangers your neighbour’s life” (Leviticus 19:16); and to not seek revenge or bear a grudge against others, but to “love your neighbour as yourself” (v. 18). God knew that communities would start to unravel if people didn’t look out for others, valuing their lives as much as they did their own.

We too can embrace the wisdom of God’s instructions. As we go about our daily activities, we can remember how interconnected we are with others as we ask Him how to love and serve them well.




Reflect & Pray
Why do you think Jesus echoed God’s law when He told the religious leaders to love their neighbours as themselves? How could you put this instruction into action today?

Loving Creator, help me to share Your love and grace today.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Bible commentator Gordon J. Wenham points out how easy it may be for modern readers to miss the connection between verses 15 and 16 of Leviticus 19. A key concept here is neighbour . In the community life of Israel, legal proceedings didn’t take place at distant seats of judgment; they occurred within the community, often in the same neighbourhood. Hence, gossip, slander, or jumping to conclusions about a person you knew well and who faced legal proceedings could be a very real temptation. This naturally leads in to verse 17, in which the people are exhorted not to harbour grudges against a “fellow Israelite” but rather to take disputes to them openly, even before such a conflict requires legal intervention. And this, in turn, leads to the well-known command to “love your neighbour as yourself” (v. 18).

Tim Gustafson



Leviticus 19:15-18
King James Version
15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.

16 Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people: neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour; I am the Lord.

17 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

18 Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.

[Les]

Wise or Unwise? By: Glenn Packiam







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Understand what the Lord’s will is.
Ephesians 5:17



Today's Scripture & Insight:
Ephesians 5:15–17
When I was ten, I brought home a cassette tape from a friend at youth group that contained the music of a contemporary Christian band. My dad, who had been raised in a Hindu home but had received salvation in Jesus, didn’t approve. He only wanted worship music played in our home. I explained it was a Christian band, but that didn’t change his mind. After a while, he suggested that I listen to the songs for a week and then decide if they brought me closer to God or pushed me further away from Him. There was some helpful wisdom in that advice.

There are things in life that are clearly right or wrong, but many times we wrestle with disputable matters (Romans 14:1–19). In deciding what to do, we can seek the wisdom found in Scripture. Paul encouraged the Ephesian believers to “be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise” (Ephesians 5:15). Like a good parent, Paul knew that he couldn’t possibly be there or give instructions for every situation. If they were going to “[make] the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil,” they were going to have to discern for themselves and “understand what the Lord’s will is” (vv. 16–17). A life of wisdom is an invitation to pursue discernment and good decisions as God guides us even when we wrestle with what might be disputable.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
To live a meaningful and purposeful life, “a life worthy of the calling” (Ephesians 4:1), Paul told believers to be careful, wise, and make “the most of every opportunity” to do good (5:15–17). Being careful is being wise, for an unwise person or a fool is both careless and reckless (Proverbs 12:15; 14:16). Careful living means living as “children of light” and striving to do “what pleases the Lord” ( Ephesians 5:8, 10). In another letter, Paul said, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” to share the gospel (Colossians 4:5). To the Galatian believers he said, “Let us not become weary in doing good . . . . As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:9–10).

K. T. Sim



Ephesians 5:15-17
King James Version
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

[Les]

Mercy Triumphs By: Chris Wale





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Mercy triumphs over judgement.
James 2:13


Today's Scripture & Insight:
James 2:1–13
The Liverpool Homeless Football Club has helped hundreds of people since it began in 2007. “Without LHFC I would not be alive today,” says a girl who was forced into homelessness. A man suffering with PTSD shares, “They are my family; thanks to them my life is getting better.”

One of the founders explains that the football club makes such a difference because no matter who comes for help—or what addictions, troubles or backstory they bring with them—“we see them all as footballers first.” Their football pitch gives everyone equal value, purpose and opportunity to grow.

In the New Testament, James emphasised this kind of mindset when he wrote that believers in Jesus should treat everyone in the same way. Concerned that the rich were being favoured over the poor (James 2:1–3), he warned, “have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (v. 4).

For us in church, we should see everyone as needing mercy first, for as James says, “mercy triumphs over judgement” (v. 13). If we focus on the differences and problems that arise in community life, we can be tempted to judge and discriminate. But when, with God’s help, we view others from a perspective of mercy, we recognise that everyone needs compassion; we look at them through the eyes of Jesus. And then we can give hope and provide a place of welcome to whoever crosses our threshold.




Reflect & Pray
When are you most likely to be judgemental? How can you ensure you exhibit mercy in your attitude and actions?

Merciful God, I praise You for the grace You have shown me. Help me to be welcoming and compassionate towards those I meet.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
When James accuses believers who show favouritism of being “judges with evil thoughts” (2:4), he’s likely alluding to the common tendency for courts to favour the rich. Judges were of higher social status and often didn’t hold persons of lower economic class in high esteem. Legal preference for the rich was even often written into the laws. Biblical law condemned such preferential treatment (Leviticus 19:15 ), however, and even Greek philosophers called out bias against the poor as immoral. But James pointed to the common tendency of people to instinctively show favouritism towards persons of elevated social status, perhaps out of a desire to benefit from their wealth. He suggested that trying to curry favour with the wealthy and powerful makes people no better than blatantly biased judges. Instead, he called believers to align with God’s high regard for society’s poor and marginalised (James 2:5).

Monica La Rose




James 2:1-13
King James Version
2 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

[Les]

The Source By: Tim Gustafson





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Create in me a pure heart, O God.
Psalm 51:10


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Mark 7:14–23
It was 1854, and something was killing thousands of people in London. It must be the bad air, people thought. And indeed, as unseasonable heat baked the sewage-fouled River Thames, the smell grew so bad it became known as “The Great Stink.”

But the worst problem wasn’t the air. Research by Dr. John Snow would show that contaminated water was the cause of the cholera epidemic.

We humans have long been aware of another crisis—one that stinks to high heaven. We live in a broken world—and we’re prone to misidentify the source of this problem, treating symptoms instead. Wise social programmes and policies do some good, but they’re powerless to stop the root cause of society’s ills—our sinful hearts!

When Jesus said, “Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them,” He wasn’t referring to physical diseases (Mark 7:15). Rather, He was diagnosing the spiritual condition of every one of us. “It is what comes out of a person that defiles them,” He said (v. 15), listing a litany of evils lurking inside us (vv. 21–22).

“Surely I was sinful at birth,” David wrote (Psalm 51:5). His lament is one we can all voice. We’re broken from the beginning. That’s why David prayed, “Create in me a pure heart, O God” (v. 10). Every day, we need that new heart, created by Jesus through His Spirit.

Instead of treating the symptoms, we must let Jesus purify the source.




Reflect & Pray
In what ways might you be treating symptoms instead of letting Jesus clean up the source? How can you share the good news of what Jesus did for you?

Heavenly Father, guard my heart and help me be attentive to Your Spirit within me.




SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Mark 7:13–17, we encounter three groups of people. In verse 13, Jesus directed a pointed message at a narrow subset of people—the teachers of the law. Christ plainly saw the gigantic loopholes these experts had created through which they could violate the spirit of God’s law and said, “You nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down.” Having established His case, Jesus turned to the crowd and said within hearing of the teachers of the law, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles them” (v. 15). Beginning with verse 17, Christ’s disciples approached Him privately and asked about His teaching. He reiterated His point that what goes into the stomach isn’t what defiles a person. Mark then notes parenthetically, “In saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean” (v. 19).

Tim Gustafson



Mark 7:14-23
King James Version
14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:

15 There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

16 If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.

17 And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.

18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

19 Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

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

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.

[Les]

Both Are True By: Kirsten Holmberg






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It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.
Genesis 45:5


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 45:3–11
After three decades, Feng Lulu was reunited with her birth family. As a toddler, she was kidnapped while playing outside her house, but through the help of All-China Women’s Federation, she was finally located. Because she was so young when she was abducted, Feng Lulu doesn’t remember it. She grew up believing she’d been sold because her parents couldn’t afford to keep her, so learning the truth brought forth many questions and emotions.

When Joseph was reunited with his brothers, he probably experienced some complex emotions too. He’d been sold by his brothers into slavery in Egypt as a young man. Despite a series of painful twists and turns, God propelled Joseph to a position of authority. When his brothers came to Egypt to buy food during a famine, they—unwittingly—sought it from him.

Joseph acknowledged that God redeemed their wrongdoing, saying He used it to “save [their] lives by a great deliverance” (Genesis 45:7). Yet Joseph didn't redefine their hurtful actions towards him—he described them accurately as “selling [him]” (v. 5).

We sometimes try to put an overly positive spin on difficult situations, focusing on the good God brings from them without acknowledging the emotional struggle. Let’s take care not to redefine a wrong as being good simply because God redeemed it: we can look for Him to bring good from it while still recognising the pain wrongdoing causes. Both are true.






Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced hardship as a result of another’s wrongdoing? How have you seen God bring good from it?

Father God, thank You for lovingly tending to my wounds.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Joseph was betrayed by his jealous brothers, sold into slavery, unjustly imprisoned, and forgotten by the people he helped. But God was with him and made him the second most powerful man in Egypt (Genesis 41:39–40; Acts 7:9–10). When reconciling with his estranged brothers, Joseph acknowledged God’s sovereign plans in his life (Genesis 45:5–7). He later affirmed again that God ultimately overrules human sin for His glory and our good (50:20 ). The apostle Paul also acknowledged His sovereignty: “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

K. T. Sim




Genesis 45:3-11
King James Version
3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.

4 And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I am Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

5 Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.

6 For these two years hath the famine been in the land: and yet there are five years, in the which there shall neither be earing nor harvest.

7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

8 So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

9 Haste ye, and go up to my father, and say unto him, Thus saith thy son Joseph, God hath made me lord of all Egypt: come down unto me, tarry not:

10 And thou shalt dwell in the land of Goshen, and thou shalt be near unto me, thou, and thy children, and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all that thou hast:

11 And there will I nourish thee; for yet there are five years of famine; lest thou, and thy household, and all that thou hast, come to poverty.

[Les]

Small Kindnesses By: Alyson Kieda






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Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Colossians 3:12–17
Amanda works as a visiting nurse who rotates among several nursing homes—often bringing her eleven-year-old daughter Ruby to work. For something to do, Ruby began asking residents, “If you could have any three things, what would you want?” and recording their answers in her notebook. Surprisingly, many of their wishes were for little things—sausages, chocolate pie, cheese, avocados. So Ruby set up a GoFundMe to help her provide for their simple wishes. And when she delivers the goodies, she doles out hugs. She says, “It lifts you. It really does.”

When we show compassion and kindness like Ruby’s, we reflect our God who “is gracious and compassionate . . . and rich in love” (Psalm 145:8). That’s why the apostle Paul urged us, as God’s people, to “clothe [our]selves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). Because God has shown great compassion to us, we naturally long to share His compassion with others. And as we do so intentionally, we “clothe” ourselves in it.

Paul goes on to tell us: “over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14). And he reminds us that we are to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (v. 17), remembering that all good things come from God. When we're kind to others, our spirits are lifted.





Reflect & Pray
When have you been the benefactor of someone’s kindness? How can you show kindness to another?

Jesus, thank You for showing me overflowing, unlimited kindness. Help me to find joy in doing kind acts for others.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Colossians 3, Paul reminded his readers of their status as a people chosen by God (v. 12). Because we’re chosen, we have certain obligations that are relational in nature. Since we have a reconciled relationship to God, to whom we were once enemies (1:21), we’re to be in healthy relationship to each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, Paul instructed us to put on the virtues listed as we would put on literal garments ( 3:12–14). The characteristics he shared are critical to establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. Our restored relationship to God should lead us to extend compassion, kindness, and patience to our fellow believers. This, however, means that we’ll necessarily need to “bear with each other” when conflicts and misunderstandings arise (v. 13). We can’t put on these virtues without love, “which binds them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14).

Tim Gustafson


Colossians 3:12-17
King James Version

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

[Dazzal]

Reflect & Pray
When have you been the benefactor of someone’s kindness? How can you show kindness to another?

Jesus, thank You for showing me overflowing, unlimited kindness. Help me to find joy in doing kind acts for others.
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I was in the IHop restaurant about a year ago eating breakfast by myself. The waitress brought me a little card that said, "Pay It Forward." She said my meal was paid for by a gentleman that had left the restaurant. I was totally stunned that someone would do that. Just an example of kindness. There are many kindnesses in the world. It's nice to focus on them.

Today one of the pet stores is having a fundraiser for a woman that lost 3 golden retrievers in a fire at my groomer's. It was an old building that burned and unfortunately, some of the animals died from the smoke. She has one surviving golden. It's to pay for the Vet. bill. Another act of kindness.

[Les]

The Love of God By: Kenneth Petersen






Click here for the Audio Message



Great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Psalm 57:10


Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 57
In 1917, Frederick Lehman, a businessman beset by financial setbacks, wrote the lyrics to the hymn, “The Love of God.” His inspiration led him quickly to pen the first two stanzas, but he got stuck on the third. He recalled a poem that had been discovered years earlier, written on the walls of a prison. A prisoner had scratched it there into the stone, expressing a deep awareness of God’s love. The poem happened to have the same structure as Lehman’s hymn. He made it his third stanza.

There are times when we face difficult setbacks as did Lehman and the poet in the prison cell. In times of despair, we do well to echo the psalmist David’s words and “take refuge in the shadow of [God’s] wings” (Psalm 57:1). It’s okay to “cry out to God” with our troubles (v. 2), to speak to Him of our current ordeal and the fears we have when “in the midst of lions” (v. 4). We’re soon reminded of the reality of God’s provision in times past, and join David who says, “I will sing and make music. . . . I will awaken the dawn” (vv. 7–8).

“The love of God is greater far,” this hymn proclaims, adding “it goes beyond the highest star.” It’s precisely in our time of greatest need when we’re to embrace how great God’s love really is—indeed “reaching to the heavens” (v. 10).





Reflect & Pray
What are the difficulties you face today? How has God provided for you in times past?

Loving God, I am facing difficult matters, but I am reminded of Your love for me and Your provision throughout my life. Thank You.



SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
The scribal heading to this psalm connects the prayer with David’s experience hiding from Saul in a cave, something that happened two different times—first in the cave of Adullam (1 Samuel 22:1–2) and later in a cave in the desert of En Gedi (24:1–13). The dominant tone of Psalm 57 is one of deep trust, even though it’s set in a context of great danger (v. 6 ). This trust is rooted in the psalmist’s belief in the power of “God Most High” (v. 2). The title “God Most High” points to God’s glory and rule over all the nations and peoples of the world (47:2). Being anchored in His glory and confident that He’ll act (57:3) allows the psalmist to find refuge in Him and to even rejoice in the midst of danger (vv. 7–8).

Monica La Rose



Psalm 57
King James Version
57 Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast.

2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me.

3 He shall send from heaven, and save me from the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth.

4 My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah.

7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.

9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations.

10 For thy mercy is great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds.

11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: let thy glory be above all the earth.