Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Romans 5:1-11
We all know people who love to hog the spotlight. Even when we are more modest, we like to recognized for our accomplishments. As our reading in Romans makes clear, we have nothing to boast about save Christ. Our achievements pale in comparison with the great work that Jesus undertook on our behalf.
From an early age, Jesus understood that his ultimate destiny was betrayal, suffering and death on a cross. He gave up His position in Heaven, at the right hand of the Father, to take on the form on a man and enter into time and space. He gave up His life willingly so that we could be brought back into a right relationship with God.
Our sins (and anyone who says they have no sin is blind and foolish) separated us from God in this life and they result in eternal separation from God in the next life.
Yet, even while we were still lost in our sins, Christ died in our place.
This Easter, let's put the spotlight off ourselves and back on Christ. "Behold the man," our redeemer and friend. When Christ arose from the tomb he brought life and light into a dark, lost world.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Thursday, April 17, 2014
All Kinds of Help
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Genesis 41:46-57
As Joseph's story illustrates, God often puts us in circumstances to help other people. Joseph endured years of imprisonment before Pharaoh learned of his abilities and put him in a position to save many lives during a severe famine.
So to, God prepares us to be able to help others. Sometimes we are born with certain talents or abilities: compassion, hospitality, artistic and creative capability, intellect or organizing powers. All of these can be used to help others.
Sometimes, however, we go through some type of difficult trial: pain and sickness, addictions, financial ruin. After God brings us through these challenges, we are better prepared to help those who face similar situations.
If you haven't already, sit down today and make a list of all your God-given extraordinary talents and abilities. Then search for ways to put those special gifts to good use. Find a ministry or organization that would benefit from your experiences. Be ready to give all kinds of help.
Bible reading: Genesis 41:46-57
As Joseph's story illustrates, God often puts us in circumstances to help other people. Joseph endured years of imprisonment before Pharaoh learned of his abilities and put him in a position to save many lives during a severe famine.
So to, God prepares us to be able to help others. Sometimes we are born with certain talents or abilities: compassion, hospitality, artistic and creative capability, intellect or organizing powers. All of these can be used to help others.
Sometimes, however, we go through some type of difficult trial: pain and sickness, addictions, financial ruin. After God brings us through these challenges, we are better prepared to help those who face similar situations.
If you haven't already, sit down today and make a list of all your God-given extraordinary talents and abilities. Then search for ways to put those special gifts to good use. Find a ministry or organization that would benefit from your experiences. Be ready to give all kinds of help.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Joining the Family
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Galatians 3:36-4:7
At age 11 months I was adopted. As my parent's adopted daughter, I received all the love and attention that a natural child would have gotten. When my parents died, I was entitled to an inheritance.
In a similar way, when we accept Christ as our savior, are 'born again' in the waters of baptism, we become members of the family of God. All other Christians become our 'brothers and sisters in Christ.'
As today's scripture in Galatians makes clear: "You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus." We then receive an eternal inheritance. Jesus' Spirit allows us to pray, using the name "Abba, Father" or Daddy.
As children, we experience all the love, care and attention that God our Father gives to the Son and to all His children. We have a home with God.
Because I was an only child and never had children of my own, I often feel that my Church family is my true family. I give and receive love; I share my life with my Christian family. I've heard some say that they are closer to their brothers and sisters in Christ than they are to their natural siblings.
You have the same opportunity to join the family. Then you can rejoice because you are a child of God.
Bible reading: Galatians 3:36-4:7
At age 11 months I was adopted. As my parent's adopted daughter, I received all the love and attention that a natural child would have gotten. When my parents died, I was entitled to an inheritance.
In a similar way, when we accept Christ as our savior, are 'born again' in the waters of baptism, we become members of the family of God. All other Christians become our 'brothers and sisters in Christ.'
As today's scripture in Galatians makes clear: "You are all sons (and daughters) of God through faith in Christ Jesus." We then receive an eternal inheritance. Jesus' Spirit allows us to pray, using the name "Abba, Father" or Daddy.
As children, we experience all the love, care and attention that God our Father gives to the Son and to all His children. We have a home with God.
Because I was an only child and never had children of my own, I often feel that my Church family is my true family. I give and receive love; I share my life with my Christian family. I've heard some say that they are closer to their brothers and sisters in Christ than they are to their natural siblings.
You have the same opportunity to join the family. Then you can rejoice because you are a child of God.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Spoonful of Sugar
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Psalm 19:7-14
Today's devotion speaks of "realistically optimistic" people. Aren't those the people to whom we are drawn? We like being around those who see the positive side of every situation. Those who are creative and full of joy.
David's Psalm tells us that God's judgements ... His truth ... is "sweeter also than honey." Truth doesn't have to be bitter or harsh. When we are following God's truth, life itself becomes sweeter.
As Julie Ackerman Link says in today's devotion, "Pure truth, untainted by pride, is the sweetest, most refreshing taste to all those who hunger for spiritual sustenance. And we have the privilege of serving it to a starving world."
As you share God's Truth, don't forget to add a spoonful of sugar.
Bible reading: Psalm 19:7-14
Today's devotion speaks of "realistically optimistic" people. Aren't those the people to whom we are drawn? We like being around those who see the positive side of every situation. Those who are creative and full of joy.
David's Psalm tells us that God's judgements ... His truth ... is "sweeter also than honey." Truth doesn't have to be bitter or harsh. When we are following God's truth, life itself becomes sweeter.
As Julie Ackerman Link says in today's devotion, "Pure truth, untainted by pride, is the sweetest, most refreshing taste to all those who hunger for spiritual sustenance. And we have the privilege of serving it to a starving world."
As you share God's Truth, don't forget to add a spoonful of sugar.
Saturday, April 12, 2014
New Beginnings
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading:Isaiah 43:14-21
God offers you, as he did the people of Israel, an opportunity to start over. In Isaiah 43:19 God says, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" Any time we choose, we can put the failures and mistakes of the past behind us and begin over again. Every day God gives us new life, new opportunities, new beginnings.
Think of what you'd like to change: your spending habits, your overeating, your overspending, your lack of friends, a disappointing relationship, (your failure here). You can begin anew ... forgetting your past mistakes ... working toward real change. Your life is a Tabla Rosa ... a clean slate. This time you have God at your side, helping you make better choices, helping you succeed.
Whatever your need, seize this offer of a new beginning. Thank God that he forgives all that you regret. Forgive yourself for the times you've failed. Make some new plans and set new goals. It's Spring: a great time to clean out the deadwood and let your life bloom in fresh, new ways.
Bible reading:Isaiah 43:14-21
God offers you, as he did the people of Israel, an opportunity to start over. In Isaiah 43:19 God says, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?" Any time we choose, we can put the failures and mistakes of the past behind us and begin over again. Every day God gives us new life, new opportunities, new beginnings.
Think of what you'd like to change: your spending habits, your overeating, your overspending, your lack of friends, a disappointing relationship, (your failure here). You can begin anew ... forgetting your past mistakes ... working toward real change. Your life is a Tabla Rosa ... a clean slate. This time you have God at your side, helping you make better choices, helping you succeed.
Whatever your need, seize this offer of a new beginning. Thank God that he forgives all that you regret. Forgive yourself for the times you've failed. Make some new plans and set new goals. It's Spring: a great time to clean out the deadwood and let your life bloom in fresh, new ways.
Friday, April 11, 2014
"Isn't God Powerful!"
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Psalm 29
How big is the god you worship? Did your god make light out of no-light? Did your god create life out of no-life? Did your god bring into being the entire universe? Does your god know the names of each of the billions and billions and stars? Does your god hold the foundations of the world in his control? Can your god tell you the number of hairs on your head?
The God of the Bible does all these things ... and more. His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. We try to limit this God. We treat Him like some cosmic ATM machine: insert our prayers (demands) and out pop the answers we were expecting. Are we too busy working ... working even in churches ... to stop to contemplate the glory and mystery of God?
Are you worshiping a convenient god you made up to suit your own needs? Or do you fall prostrate before the Master of the Universe?
Bible reading: Psalm 29
How big is the god you worship? Did your god make light out of no-light? Did your god create life out of no-life? Did your god bring into being the entire universe? Does your god know the names of each of the billions and billions and stars? Does your god hold the foundations of the world in his control? Can your god tell you the number of hairs on your head?
The God of the Bible does all these things ... and more. His power and majesty are beyond our comprehension. We try to limit this God. We treat Him like some cosmic ATM machine: insert our prayers (demands) and out pop the answers we were expecting. Are we too busy working ... working even in churches ... to stop to contemplate the glory and mystery of God?
Are you worshiping a convenient god you made up to suit your own needs? Or do you fall prostrate before the Master of the Universe?
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Left Side of the Road
Read or listen to today's devotion at http://odb.org
Bible reading: Galatians 5:1-14
God's laws are for our protection and happiness. Break them and disaster ensues, just as breaking the rules of the road with have dire consequences. However as Galatians 5:14 says, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
In the Church at Galatia, there were those that said that new Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians should be circumcised ... a practice that reverted back to the old covenant between God and the Jews. Paul warns that there is danger of "falling from grace" by teaching that new converts must keep the old Hebrew law. In Christ, we are free from the power of law and death. When we try to set up more "rules" to follow, we are just as bad off as we were when we were sin's captive.
Paul also writes in this passage that we have been "called to liberty" in Christ. We have been set free from both the bondage of the old law and the bondage of sin. But Christ's liberty should not result in our returning to a life of sin ... and becoming slaves again. Our lives are to be lived in a perfect balance between sin and law. We have such liberty that the only "law" we need obey is to love others. When we do that, we will naturally follow all that the Ten Commandments required.
We are free to live by the rule of love. Join Christ in a perfectly balanced life: a life filled with liberty, love, joy and peace.
Bible reading: Galatians 5:1-14
God's laws are for our protection and happiness. Break them and disaster ensues, just as breaking the rules of the road with have dire consequences. However as Galatians 5:14 says, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."
In the Church at Galatia, there were those that said that new Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians should be circumcised ... a practice that reverted back to the old covenant between God and the Jews. Paul warns that there is danger of "falling from grace" by teaching that new converts must keep the old Hebrew law. In Christ, we are free from the power of law and death. When we try to set up more "rules" to follow, we are just as bad off as we were when we were sin's captive.
Paul also writes in this passage that we have been "called to liberty" in Christ. We have been set free from both the bondage of the old law and the bondage of sin. But Christ's liberty should not result in our returning to a life of sin ... and becoming slaves again. Our lives are to be lived in a perfect balance between sin and law. We have such liberty that the only "law" we need obey is to love others. When we do that, we will naturally follow all that the Ten Commandments required.
We are free to live by the rule of love. Join Christ in a perfectly balanced life: a life filled with liberty, love, joy and peace.
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