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Post by Dazzal on Oct 14, 2022 14:08:00 GMT -7
Trust In His Name By: Karen Huang
Click here for the Audio Message 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. ____________________________________________________________________________________
LINK TO THE DEVOTIONALS: www.odb.org/
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Post by Les on Jan 14, 2024 8:13:44 GMT -7
Absorbing the Evil By: Winn Collier
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Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering. Isaiah 53:4
Today's Scripture & Insight : Isaiah 53:1-6 The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, caused by an earthquake, released massive amounts of toxins and forced more than 150,000 residents to evacuate. One local said, “It is as if an invisible snow had fallen on Fukushima and continued to fall, covering the area.” High radiation showed up in crops, meat and “hot spots” miles and miles away from the plant. To combat the poisons, locals began planting sunflowers, flora known to absorb radiation. They planted more than two hundred thousand seeds, and millions of sunflowers now bloom in Fukushima.
The sunflower, operating through God’s design, acts similarly in some small way to Jesus’ own cosmic act aimed at healing the entire world. Christ “took up our pain” into His own body and “bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53:4). He absorbed into His very being all the evil, violence and toxins of our world—all the ways we humans destroy ourselves. He absorbed all our wrongs. On the cross, Jesus “was pierced”—not for His wrongdoing but rather for “our transgressions” (v. 5). And since He died for our sins, we can be made whole. It’s “by his wounds [that] we are healed” (v. 5).
Christ doesn’t merely forgive us from afar, He takes on Himself all our toxic evil. Jesus absorbs it all. And then He spiritually heals us.
Reflect & Pray What evil has Jesus forgiven for you? How does His absorbing evil alter how you understand His forgiveness?
Dear God, You’ve defended me, protected me and come alongside me. Help me to act on behalf of others.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Isaiah 53 is part of a “servant song” that includes Isaiah 52:13–53:12 and focuses primarily on the Servant’s suffering, which would be fulfilled in the crucifixion of Jesus. The Old Testament provides several foreshadowings of that suffering, and each brings its own perspective. In the Passover (Exodus 12), we see the cross from the Father’s perspective as Christ becomes our Passover Lamb. In Psalm 22 , we see the cross from the perspective of Jesus Himself as David describes Christ’s suffering experience. Isaiah 53, however, describes the cross from the perspective of humanity. It tells us what they saw, what they failed to see, and what they desperately needed to see—the depth and passion of God’s rescuing love.
Bill Crowder
Isaiah 53:1-6 King James Version 53 Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
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Post by Les on Jan 15, 2024 4:05:42 GMT -7
Flourishing or Floundering By: Anne Le Tissier
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Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
Today's Scripture & Insight : Ephesians 5:1-11 It was our first biology experiment. Chattering with typical eleven-year-old excitement, we set to work, wrapped in our bright blue laboratory coats. Lining two jars with damp blotting paper, we inserted a broad bean half-way down each one, between paper and glass. One jar we placed on a sunny windowsill, the other in a dark cupboard. The bean in the light grew strong white roots and a stem crowned with green leaves. The one in the darkness attempted to grow, but its frail roots, limp yellow stem and shrivelled leaves predicted it would fail unless someone moved it into the light.
Light, we learned, is essential for plants to grow and bear fruit. But light in the Bible is also synonymous with spiritual life. Jesus is called the light of life (John 1:4), so Paul encourages us to “live as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Living in the light is to “walk in the way of love” (v. 2), and yield Christ’s fruit of “goodness, righteousness and truth” (v. 9). It is to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness” (v. 11) which means to have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of sin. It involves living ‘on the sunny windowsill’.
Christ’s life produces fruit: love in action and godly character in obedience to God’s Word. When we confess ungodly behaviour that belongs in the darkness, and choose instead to live in the life-giving light of Jesus’ lifestyle and commands, our spiritual lives will not only flourish, but nourish others also.
Reflect & Pray Are there any “fruitless deeds of darkness” holding back your growth in your relationship with God? How might picturing yourself flourishing on a sunny windowsill help you to resist temptation in the future?
Thank You, loving God, that I can turn to You in confession at any moment, and receive Your life-giving light to help me flourish and grow in You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Paul often writes of what our new life in Christ is to look like. We’re new creations from which the old has gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). In Ephesians 5:3–7, he lists specific characteristics or actions that should have no place in the lives of believers in Jesus.
But the focus of this section lies in the reason Paul gives for leaving these things behind. The word for at the beginning of verse 8 signals that what follows is causal. We leave these things behind because we’re no longer darkness but light. Paul doesn’t say that we inhabited these areas, but rather that we were these things. We were darkness, but now we’re light. The actions left behind belong to darkness and have no place in light.
JR Hudberg
Ephesians 5:1-11 King James Version 5 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.
7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.
8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)
10 Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
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Post by Les on Jan 16, 2024 7:47:11 GMT -7
Learning from Mistakes By: Marvin Williams
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These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us. 1 Corinthians 10:11
Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 10:1–11 To help avoid future financial mistakes, such as those in 1929 and 2008 that brought down the world’s economy, the Library of Mistakes was founded in Edinburgh, Scotland. It features a collection of more than two thousand books that can help educate the next generation of economists. And it serves as a perfect example of how, according to the library’s curators, “smart people keep doing stupid things”. The curators believe that the only way to build a strong economy is to learn from prior mistakes.
Paul reminded the Corinthians that one way to avoid yielding to temptation and to have a strong spiritual life is to learn from the mistakes of God’s people in the past. So to make sure they wouldn’t become overconfident with their spiritual privilege, the apostle used ancient Israel’s failures as an example from which to gain wisdom. The Israelites engaged in idolatry, chose to “commit sexual immorality”, grumbled about the plans and purposes of God, and rebelled against His leaders. Due to their sin, they experienced His discipline (1 Corinthians 10:7–10). Paul presented these historical ‘examples’ from Scripture to help believers in Jesus avoid repeating Israel’s mistakes (v. 11).
As God helps us, let’s learn from our mistakes and those made by others so that we might gain a heart of obedience for Him.
Reflect & Pray What warning should we recall when tempted to sin? How can we learn from our mistakes as well as the mistakes of others?
Dear God, please help me learn from failures so that I might be more obedient to You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT It’s appropriate that in writing to the Corinthians Paul would talk about the mistakes of Israel’s past being recorded “as warnings for us” (1 Corinthians 10:11). Why? Because the first fourteen chapters of this letter are also corrective—addressing problems within the life of the church at Corinth. From personality cults to lawsuits to immoral relationships to problems in marriages to abuse of liberty in Christ—the problems in Corinth ran deep. Therefore, examples of spiritual failure from Israel’s past provided warnings to a church very much in need of correction. In this case, perhaps the key is 1 Corinthians 10:8 : “We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died.” Given the depths of the problems at Corinth, the call to learn from the mistakes of others is valuable wisdom.
Bill Crowder
1 Corinthians 10:1-11 King James Version 10 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea;
3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat;
4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.
5 But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
7 Neither be ye idolaters, as were some of them; as it is written, The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.
8 Neither let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and fell in one day three and twenty thousand.
9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.
10 Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.
11 Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
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Post by Les on Jan 17, 2024 9:45:53 GMT -7
Choosing to Follow God By: Bill Crowder
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Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:15
Today's Scripture & Insight : Joshua 24:14–18 “The average person will make 773,618 decisions over a lifetime,” claims the Daily Mirror. The newspaper goes on to assert that we “will come to regret 143,262 of them”. I have no idea how the paper arrived at these numbers, but it’s clear that we face countless decisions throughout our lifetime. The sheer quantity of them might become paralysing, especially when we consider that all our choices have consequences, some far more momentous than others.
After forty years wandering in the wilderness, the children of Israel stood at the threshold of their new homeland. Later, after entering the land, Joshua, their leader, issued to them a challenging choice: “Fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness,” he said. “Throw away the gods your ancestors worshipped” (Joshua 24:14). Joshua told them, “If serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve . . . . But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (v. 15).
As we begin each new day, possibilities stretch before us, leading to scores of decisions. Taking the time to ask God to guide us will influence the choices we make. By the power of the Spirit, we can choose to follow Him every day.
Reflect & Pray What choices have you regretted making? How might you have handled those situations more wisely?
Father, sometimes life can feel overwhelming—and so can the many choices that confront me. Please guide my steps and my decision-making so that I honour You in the choices I make.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The challenge from Joshua to the people of Israel who are about to take possession of the promised land (Joshua 24:14-15) gives us insight into their religious history during their time of slavery in Egypt. While some continued to worship Yahweh during their captivity, as seen in the fear of God displayed by the midwives Shiphrah and Puah (Exodus 1:15-17), today’s passage indicates that worship of Yahweh was only one form of their worship.
To the second generation that had come out of slavery (the first generation had died in the wilderness), Joshua proclaimed these words: “Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. . . . Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:14-15). This shows that the descendants of Jacob who were in slavery in Egypt had adopted various religious practices.
JR Hudberg
Joshua 24:14-18 King James Version 14 Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the Lord, to serve other gods;
17 For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed:
18 And the Lord drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the Lord; for he is our God.
Q
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Post by Les on Jan 18, 2024 7:16:53 GMT -7
Washing Feet . . . and Dishes By: Cindy Hess Kasper
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I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:15
Today's Scripture & Insight : John 13:6–17 On Charley and Jan’s fiftieth wedding anniversary, they shared breakfast at a café with their son Jon. That day, the restaurant was understaffed with just a manager, cook and one teenage girl who was working as hostess and waitress. As they finished their breakfast, Charley turned to his wife and son and said, “Do you have anything important going on in the next few hours?” They didn’t.
So, with permission from the manager, Charley and Jan began washing dishes in the back of the restaurant while Jon started clearing the cluttered tables. According to Jon, what happened that day wasn’t really that unusual. His parents had always set an example of Jesus who “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).
In John 13, we read about the last meal Christ shared with His disciples. That night, the Teacher taught them the principle of humble service by washing their dirty feet (vv. 14–15). If He was willing to do the lowly job of washing a dozen men’s feet, they too should joyfully serve others.
Every avenue of service we encounter may look different, but one thing’s the same: there’s great joy in serving. The purpose behind acts of service isn’t to bring praise to the ones performing them, but to lovingly serve others while directing all praise to our humble, self-sacrificing God.
Reflect & Pray When has someone unexpectedly offered to help you with a difficult task? Why is humility such an important aspect of serving others?
Loving Saviour, thank You for showing me how to be a servant.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Peter often misunderstood Jesus. He misunderstood what Christ was doing when He began to wash the disciples’ feet (John 13:6-9). Earlier in John, he confessed that only Jesus had the words of life (6:68-69), but he often failed to take Him at His word. He was convinced he could follow Jesus on the path of suffering (13:36-37). He assumed Christ’s goal was military conquest and started swinging a sword (18:10-11). And he ultimately denied his teacher and friend ( vv. 15-27).
In every instance, however, Jesus gently showed love to his friend Peter. In the end, He called him to restoration and hope (21:15-19).
Jed Ostoich
John 13:6-17 King James Version 6 Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.
10 Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
11 For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.
12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
17 If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.
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Post by Les on Jan 19, 2024 11:58:13 GMT -7
God’s Protective Love By: Patricia Raybon
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Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. Matthew 7:15
Today's Scripture & Insight : Matthew 7:13-23 One summer night, the birds near our home suddenly erupted into chaotic cawing. The squawking intensified as the songbirds sent piercing calls from the trees. We finally realised why. As the sun set, a large hawk swooped from a treetop, sending the birds scattering in a screeching frenzy, sounding the alarm as they flew from danger.
In our lives, spiritual warnings can be heard throughout Scripture—cautions against false teachings, for example. We may doubt that’s what we’re hearing. Because of His love for us, however, our heavenly Father provides the clarity of Scripture to make such spiritual dangers plain to us.
Jesus taught, “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves” (Matthew 7:15). He continued, “By their fruit you will recognise them. . . . Every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” Then He warned us, “By their fruit you will recognise them” (vv. 16–17, 20).
“The prudent see danger and take refuge,” Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, “but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Embedded in such warnings is God’s protective love, revealed in His words to us.
As the birds warned each other of physical danger, may we heed the Bible’s warnings to fly from spiritual danger and into God’s arms of refuge.
Reflect & Pray What spiritual warning has been speaking to your heart? How has Scripture confirmed a warning to you?
The Scriptures warn with love, dear God, and we thank You. May we heed those words today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In Matthew 7, Jesus teaches His disciples using a series of comparisons: narrow and wide gates (vv. 13-14), true and false prophets (vv. 15-20), true and false disciples (vv. 21-23), and wise and foolish builders (vv. 24-27 ). Craig Blomberg notes: “Jesus makes plain that there are ultimately only two categories of people in the world, despite the endless gradations we might otherwise perceive.” The contrast that Christ presents to His hearers seems at first to be a commonsense decision. Not many people would willingly choose to be foolish. However, in the explanation of the final contrast, Jesus gives a clear picture of why some might be foolish and others wise. Those who are true and wise are those who listen to and obey His words (v. 26).
JR Hudberg
Matthew 7:13-23 King James Version 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
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Post by Les on Jan 20, 2024 7:31:00 GMT -7
Calling Out to God By: John Blase
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Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Psalm 25:16
Today's Scripture & Insight : Psalm 25:16–22 In his book Adopted for Life, Dr. Russell Moore describes his family’s trip to an orphanage to adopt a child. As they entered the nursery, the silence was startling. The babies in the cribs never cried, and it wasn’t because they never needed anything but because they’d learned that no one cared enough to answer.
My heart ached as I read those words. I remember countless nights when our children were small. My wife and I would be sound asleep only to be startled awake by their cries: “Daddy, I’m sick!” or “Mummy, I’m scared!” One of us would spring into action and make our way to their bedroom to do our best to comfort and care for them. Our love for our children gave them reason to call for our help.
An overwhelming number of the psalms are cries, or laments, to God. Israel brought their laments to Him on the basis of His personal relationship with them. These were a people God had called His “firstborn” (Exodus 4:22) and they were asking their Father to act accordingly. Such honest trust is seen in Psalm 25: “Turn to me and be gracious to me, . . . free me from my anguish” (vv. 16–17). Children who are confident of the love of a carer do cry. As believers in Jesus—children of God—He’s given us reason to call on Him. He hears and cares because of His great love.
Reflect & Pray How comfortable are you taking your cries to God? Why? How might you offer up a lament to Him today?
Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your faithfulness to hear my cry and to act.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In the superscription of Psalm 25, the only information provided is that David is the author. Unlike some of his psalms (see Psalm 51), there’s no hint as to the events that triggered its writing. Based on the lyrical content, some scholars suggest that it may refer to the times when David was pursued either by Saul or Absalom, but due to the penitent nature of the psalm, others see it as perhaps following David’s sin with Bathsheba. Either way, Psalm 25 is an individual lament (as opposed to a national lament). Its main feature is that it’s an acrostic—each verse begins with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This feature is a Hebrew poetic device that’s likely intended to make the psalm easier to memorize. That same characteristic is found in Psalms 34, 37, 111, 112, 119, and 145.
Bill Crowder
Psalm 25:16-22 King James Version 16 Turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me; for I am desolate and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses.
18 Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider mine enemies; for they are many; and they hate me with cruel hatred.
20 O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.
21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee.
22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.
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Post by Les on Jan 21, 2024 8:08:14 GMT -7
Saved by Grace By: Amy Boucher Pye
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But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. 1 Corinthians 15:10
Today's Scripture & Insight : 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 Gareth, a staunch atheist, was adamant: “There is no God.” But then he attended church and his belief system was “rocked”. He shared how, being Welsh, he “enjoys a good sing-song”. And although he wouldn’t normally consider the meaning of the words, this time he cried as he sang, “the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives”. Imagine! He who hadn’t shed tears after the death of his father or his son stood in the chapel and wept.
Then the congregation sang the hymn “Amazing Grace”. “I knew I was toast,” Gareth admitted. He suddenly realised that the “catastrophic” things he had done—including ongoing drug and alcohol use—hadn’t resulted for him in death, illness or prison. Rather, that grace had operated in his life. In that moment, “I realised that I knew Jesus, and I had to accept him.”
In his conversion experience, Gareth followed the apostle Paul, who considered himself “the least of the apostles” because he had previously persecuted the church (1 Corinthians 15:9). Yet Paul recognised God’s grace changing him: “But by the grace of God I am what I am” (v. 10), and he became a “new creation”, as he wrote to this church elsewhere (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When we accept God’s grace, we too receive a full pardon. God releases us from our sin and welcomes us into a relationship with Him. What amazing grace!
Reflect & Pray How can you trace God’s grace working in your life? How has God changed you, making you more like Jesus?
Saving God, thank You for sending Your Son to live and die for me. Help me to share the gospel of grace with those I meet today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT At the heart of the gospel is the atoning death and resurrection of Jesus. “Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4; cf. Matthew 1:21). God validated His sacrifice for our sins by raising Him from the dead (Romans 4:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:14-18). The resurrection confirms the sufficiency and efficacy of His death. (Romans 6:4-11; 1 Peter 3:21-22).
Our Daily Bread
1 Corinthians 15:1-11 King James Version 15 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
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Post by Les on Jan 22, 2024 11:11:12 GMT -7
The Right Focus By: Kirsten Holmberg
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Rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:20
Today's Scripture & Insight : Luke 10:17–20 We’d known Kha for more than a year. He was part of our small group from church that met weekly to discuss what we’d been learning about God. One evening during our regular meeting, he made a reference to having competed at the Olympics. The mention was so casual that it almost escaped my notice. Almost. Lo and behold, I learned I knew an Olympian who had competed in the bronze medal match! I couldn’t fathom that he’d not mentioned it before, but for Kha, while his athletic achievement was a special part of his story, more important things were central to his identity: his family, his community and his faith.
The story in Luke 10:1–23 describes what should be central to our identity. When the seventy-two people Jesus sent out to tell others about the kingdom of God returned from their journeys, they reported to Him that “even the demons submit to us in your name” (v. 17). While Jesus acknowledged that He’d equipped them with tremendous power and protection, He said they were focused on the wrong thing. He insisted that their cause for rejoicing should be because their “names are written in heaven” (v. 20).
Whatever achievements or abilities God has granted us, our greatest cause for rejoicing is that if we’ve entrusted ourselves to Jesus, our names are written in heaven, and we enjoy His daily presence in our lives.
Reflect & Pray What are you focused on? How can you shift your focus to more of an eternal perspective?
Heavenly Father, thank You for writing my name in heaven. I rejoice in knowing You.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT In Luke 10:20, Jesus isn’t chastising His disciples for casting out demons, for it’s to God’s glory when they’re cast out. Instead, He says they should take joy that their “names are written in heaven.” Other passages referring to this record use the words “book of life” or “book.” Commentator William Hendriksen writes: “Casting out demons ceases when life on earth ends. But right standing with God, resulting in everlasting salvation to his glory, never ends.” Daniel says, in the end times “everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered” (Daniel 12:1 ). Those who are “victorious,” or who stand firm in their faith, will never be blotted out from “the book of life” (Revelation 3:5). But those whose names aren’t written in the “Lamb’s book of life,” the apostle John says, “will worship the beast” (13:8) in the last days. And when Christ returns, “anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life [will be] thrown into the lake of fire” (20:15).
Alyson Kieda
Luke 10:17-20 King James Version 17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.
18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
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Post by Les on Jan 23, 2024 9:27:42 GMT -7
Scraps to Beauty By: Winn Collier
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They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Micah 4:3
Today's Scripture & Insight : Micah 4:1–5 My wife, Miska, has a necklace and hoop earrings from Ethiopia. Their elegant simplicity reveals genuine artistry. What’s most astounding about these pieces, however, is their story. Due to decades of fierce conflict and a civil war that rages on, Ethiopia’s geography is littered with spent artillery shells and cartridges. As an act of hope, Ethiopians scour the torched earth, cleaning up the scraps. Then artisans craft jewellery out of what remains of the shells and cartridges.
When I heard this story, I heard echoes of Micah boldly declaring God’s promise. One day, the prophet announced, the people would “beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks” (4:3). Tools meant to kill and maim would, because of God’s powerful action, be transformed into tools meant to nurture life. In God’s coming day, the prophet insisted, “nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore” (v. 3).
Micah’s pronouncement was no harder to imagine in his day than ours. Like Israel of old, we face violence and war, and it seems impossible that the world could ever change. But God promises us that by His mercy and healing, this astounding day is coming. The thing for us, then, is to begin to live this truth now. God helps us to take on His work even now, turning scraps into beautiful things.
Reflect & Pray Where have you seen evil transformed by God’s love? How can you turn scraps into beauty?
Dear God, please change our world. Work through me to bring beauty here.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT The name Micah means “who is like God?” That phrase is a Hebrew expression used throughout the Old Testament to provide the opportunity to describe some unique aspect of God’s character. The prophet himself used that device in Micah 7:18: “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” God’s primary characteristic is His forgiving love and mercy, fuelled by His patient care for His own. This device is found particularly in the Psalms (see Psalm 71:19 ). The point is that Israel’s God is unique and distinct from the so-called gods of the nations who were capricious and unpredictable, sometimes even demanding human sacrifice (see 2 Kings 23:10).
Bill Crowder
Micah 4:1-5 King James Version 4 But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.
2 And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
3 And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.
5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.
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Post by Les on Jan 25, 2024 12:27:53 GMT -7
Hi everyone. Just to say that from next week, I will be taking some time out from here for a few weeks to get my wife through a very difficult surgery. As we are building up to the date, my time is very restricted and at the moment finding it challenging to get the devotionals out for you. As this is a hit or miss situation, I am leaving the following link to read the devotionals direct from the source. Simply follow this next link www.odb.org each day and continue to be encouraged with them.
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Post by Dazzal on Jan 25, 2024 14:29:10 GMT -7
Hi everyone. Just to say that from next week, I will be taking some time out from here for a few weeks to get my wife through a very difficult surgery. As we are building up to the date, my time is very restricted and at the moment finding it challenging to get the devotionals out for you. As this is a hit or miss situation, I am leaving the following link to read the devotionals direct from the source. Simply follow this next link www.odb.org each day and continue to be encouraged with them. Les, thank you for the link and we will surely read them. I'll be saying prayers for your wife, her surgery and for you to stay strong.
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Post by Les on Jan 25, 2024 16:43:20 GMT -7
Thanks Dazzal, that's very much appreciated.
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Post by Dazzal on Jan 25, 2024 16:50:57 GMT -7
Thanks Dazzal, that's very much appreciated. You are welcome, Les, I put your link in the very first post, so we don't have to look for it. Foxy MisterNostalgic
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Post by Foxy on Jan 25, 2024 17:08:09 GMT -7
Likewise Les, you and your dear wife will be in my prayers. God bless you both, and thank you for your valuable contributions to this and so many other forums.
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Post by Les on Jan 25, 2024 17:35:45 GMT -7
Likewise Les , you and your dear wife will be in my prayers. God bless you both, and thank you for your valuable contributions to this and so many other forums. Thanks Foxy, Lord bless you
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Post by MisterNostalgic on Jan 26, 2024 6:05:23 GMT -7
Sending prayers for you and your wife Les. I hope all goes well with your wife's surgery.
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Post by Les on Jan 26, 2024 7:05:19 GMT -7
Sending prayers for you and your wife Les . I hope all goes well with your wife's surgery. Many thanks MisterNostalgic.
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Post by MisterNostalgic on Jan 26, 2024 7:23:03 GMT -7
You are welcome Les.
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Post by Dazzal on Feb 5, 2024 10:58:48 GMT -7
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Post by Les on Feb 21, 2024 7:36:09 GMT -7
Which Way? God's Way By: Anne Le Tissier
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Stand at the crossroads and look . . .ask where the good way is . . .and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16
Today's Scripture & Insight : Jeremiah 6:10-16 When I lived in Guernsey, I often got stuck behind the hire cars of tourists pausing to check directions at junctions. The island’s signposts were minimal, so visitors struggled to navigate the complex network of narrow lanes. In fact, this problem became so common that one resident, living by a junction, decided to have some fun. They constructed a four-way signpost: “This Way. That Way. Other Way. Wrong Way.”
Amusing as it was, it reminded me of Jeremiah’s stern warning. Ignoring God’s directions in favour of the wrong way inevitably has consequences. The Israelites had closed their ears to God’s Word, which was denouncing their worldly ways (Jeremiah 6:10). Even leaders ignored the spiritual decay and made false promises of peace (v. 14). But God spoke through His prophet Jeremiah, urging them to “ask for the ancient paths”—the “good” ways of God’s Word, tried and proved by their ancestors. For if they walked in these, they would “find rest for [their] souls” (v. 16).
God longs for us to know wholeness and wellbeing by choosing to live in yielded response to His life-giving words. Other attractive paths may beckon, but they are destined for heartache or difficulty. Whatever choice we face, we can pause at the crossroads of options and ask God for His Word to direct us in His good way. As we walk that path, a clear conscience and His reassuring presence will strengthen our souls.
Reflect & Pray How has God guided your choices and responses in the past through His word? What options are you faced with today that you need His directions for?
Loving God, thank You that Your ways are the best directions for me to choose, even when the alternatives may appear more attractive. Please help me discern the guidance in Your Word that I need for today.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Jeremiah, often called the “weeping prophet,” brought a depressing message to Israel: “Behold, I will certainly bring calamity on this people” (6:19). God would bring the consequences of Israel’s choices on them. Calamity was coming (v.15) because Israel had forgotten the path given in the past (v.16). Yet Jeremiah also offered words of hope: One day God would bring “the remnant” back to Israel and raise up a “Branch of righteousness” ( 23:3-8).
Our Daily Bread
Jeremiah 6:10-16 King James Version 10 To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot hearken: behold, the word of the Lord is unto them a reproach; they have no delight in it.
11 Therefore I am full of the fury of the Lord; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.
12 And their houses shall be turned unto others, with their fields and wives together: for I will stretch out my hand upon the inhabitants of the land, saith the Lord.
13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.
14 They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.
15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among them that fall: at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, saith the Lord.
16 Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
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Post by Dazzal on Feb 21, 2024 7:52:08 GMT -7
Welcome back, Les, Thank you!
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Post by Les on Feb 21, 2024 9:56:25 GMT -7
Welcome back, Les , Thank you! Thanks Dazzal, it's really great to be back.
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Post by MisterNostalgic on Feb 21, 2024 18:31:20 GMT -7
Welcome back Les.
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Post by Les on Feb 21, 2024 18:53:57 GMT -7
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