Help in the Storm

From: Our Daily Journey

  Aug 31, 2018  

Read:

Isaiah 4:1-6
The Lord will provide . . . a hiding place from storms (Isaiah 4:5-6).

In 2017, when a hurricane leveled the island of Puerto Rico, millions were without electricity, clean water, medicine, and food. And since only a handful of the country’s cell towers were left standing, the majority of people had no way to communicate. However, a pharmacy owner discovered that her satellite, intended for transmitting prescriptions, was still receiving a signal. For days, the woman’s neighbors lined up to call their friends and loved ones to let them know they were okay. This working phone tucked behind a pharmacy counter provided a lifeline. The phone didn’t mean they avoided hardship, but it did provide help as they endured the devastation.

The prophet Isaiah spoke words both grave and comforting to Israel as they faced their own violent storm. In Israel’s case, however, the wreckage was not caused by ravaging hurricanes but rather by their own wrongdoing. Because of flagrant rebellion and persistent injustice, the nation was in ruins (Isaiah 1:7).

Even still, God refused to give up on His people. He never abandons us. Though distress would come, God would “provide a canopy of cloud during the day” as refuge from the heat (Isaiah 4:5). And when the fierce gales pounded, God would provide “a hiding place from storms and rain” (Isaiah 4:6). Over and over again, Scripture insists that God provides help and shelter in our most desperate hours. “God is our refuge and strength,” the psalmist says, “always ready to help in times of trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

While the Bible never promises that God will keep us from ravaging tempests, we do have a promise that God will always be with us in the midst of our troubles. He is our help in the storm.

A Time for Peace

From: Our Daily Journey

Aug 30, 2018

Read:

Philippians 4:1-7
Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement (Philippians 4:2).

The ceasefire began with the sound of singing on the battlefield. It was Christmas Eve 1914, along the Western Front of the fighting in WWI. German soldiers alternated singing Christmas carols with their enemies—British, Belgian, and French soldiers. This goodwill spilled into the next day, when fighters emerged from the trenches, unarmed. They introduced themselves and exchanged small gifts. Reflecting on that experience, one veteran said, “If we had been left to ourselves there would never have been another shot fired.” A short break in hostility allowed the soldiers to see their opponents as people, not merely enemies.

In his letter to the Philippians, Paul encouraged a ceasefire between two female leaders in the early church. By listing the women’s names—Euodia and Syntyche (Philippians 4:2)—Paul probably intended to not only grab their attention but remind them that they were both individuals made in God’s image, not merely two opposing sides.

Paul emphasized the spiritual and relational aspect of their problem: “Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement” (Philippians 4:2). These women shared something critical—faith in Christ. And they’d both worked hard and effectively to share the good news (Philippians 4:3). Because they had this common goal, they had great reason to work out their differences.

Disagreements often present us with two options: settle for ongoing conflict, or try to learn about and appreciate others’ differences. It’s in everyone’s best interest to pursue the better choice (Romans 12:18). Even when settling a conflict seems hopeless, opening ourselves to the possibility of peace can allow us to experience God’s work in the situation and in our hearts.

You Love Me?

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 29, 2018  

Read: Malachi 1:1–5 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 126–128; 1 Corinthians 10:19–33

 How have you loved us? Malachi 1:2

As a teenager, I went through the typical season of rebellion against my mother’s authority. My father died before I entered adolescence, so my mom had to navigate these turbulent parenting waters without his help.

I recall thinking that Mom didn’t want me to ever have any fun—and maybe didn’t even love me—because she frequently said no. I see now that she said no to activities that weren’t good for me precisely because she loves me.

The Israelites questioned how much God loved them because of their time in captivity in Babylon. But that captivity was God’s correction for their continued rebellion against Him. So now, God sent the prophet Malachi to them. His opening words from the Lord were, “I have loved you” (Malachi 1:2). Israel replied skeptically, inquiring as to how God has loved them, as if to say, “Really?” But God, through Malachi, reminded them of the way He had demonstrated that love: He had chosen them over the Edomites.

We all go through difficult seasons in life. We may be tempted to question God’s love for us during those times. Let’s recall the many ways He’s shown us His unfailing love. When we stop to consider His goodness, we find that He is indeed a loving Father.

Lord, You have shown tender care for me over the course of my life. You’ve been present with me in difficult seasons. Help me to always remember Your love.

Our heavenly Father corrects us and comforts us.

God Has the Answers

From: Our Daily Journey

 Aug 28, 2018

Read:

Acts 24:1-27
I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people (Acts 28:17).

“Let me warn you about systematic theology.” My friend started telling me of her struggles in studying biblical doctrines for the first time. “It’s hard . . . it can make you doubt, because you learn that we don’t have the answers to everything about God. Sometimes we can’t know the answers, and we have to trust that God knows them, and that that’s enough.”

My friend’s words can apply to any area of life. There are some things we don’t and won’t ever have answers to. But we can have peace, trusting that it’s okay if we don’t know the answer, because God does.

In the book of Acts, Paul faced many situations where he didn’t have all the answers. As an advocate for Christ, his preaching often got him into trouble and put him in positions where he was under trial while authorities debated whether he did something deserving punishment. In chapter 24, Paul was charged by Ananias the high priest and the Jewish elders in Caesarea. Hoping for a bribe, Governor Felix kept Paul in custody for two years (Acts 24:26-27). But even after he was succeeded as governor, he left Paul in prison (Acts 24:25-27).

The trials Paul faced didn’t end there. In the final chapters of Acts (Acts 25:1–28:30), we see him continuing to make his case to the new governor, the king, and finally traveling to Rome to make his case before Caesar. Paul went years without knowing what would happen next. In fact, Acts concludes without the final details of Paul’s life. But while he was under guard, he didn’t waste any opportunity to tell those around him about Jesus (Acts 26:28, 27:22-26, 28:23).

We won’t ever have all the answers about our situation, but God does. We can trust Him and know He’s always working in and through us!

A Peace in Pieces

From: Our Daily Journey

  Aug 27, 2018  

Read:

Jeremiah 8:8-15
We hoped for peace, but no peace came (Jeremiah 8:15).

“Do you still hope for peace?” a Rolling Stone interviewer asked singer-songwriter Bob Dylan in 1984. “There isn’t going to be any peace,” Dylan replied. His response drew criticism from certain quarters for being “fatalistic.” Dylan’s detractors aside, peace remains ever elusive.

Around 600 years before Jesus, most prophets were predicting peace. God’s prophet Jeremiah wasn’t one of them, and it made him rather unpopular. He reminded the people what God had said when they left Egypt centuries earlier: “Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people” (Jeremiah 7:23). Yet over the years they’d repeatedly ignored the Lord. Jeremiah observed how their “wise teachers” twisted the Lord’s words by “writing lies” (Jeremiah 8:8-9). He called these prophets “frauds” who “give assurances of peace when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 8:10-11). “I will surely consume them,” God said (Jeremiah 8:13). Jerusalem fell in 586 BC.

Peace is rare. Jesus Himself said, “Don’t imagine that I came to bring peace to the earth!” (Matthew 10:34). But—isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? (Isaiah 9:6). Yes, and one day His peace will reign. But for now, conflict continues.

That doesn’t mean we resign ourselves to fatalism. The Bible provides us with pieces of a puzzle. As we examine each piece, we learn something of God’s character. Jesus is both a mighty warrior and the Prince of Peace. And amid Jeremiah’s dire prophecies we find hope. “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love,” says the Lord. “I will rebuild you” (Jeremiah 31:3-4).

God is a God of peace, and He wants us to love and serve Him. Whether we live in a combat zone or dwell in a quiet neighborhood with barely a whisper of war, our God sets us free to work for peace.

Not Condemned

From: Our Daily Journey

  Aug 26, 2018  

Read:

John 8:1-11
“Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” . . . Jesus said, “Neither do I” (John 8:10-11).

I’ve recently become familiar with the growing popularity of the concept of “self-compassion”—accepting ourselves as we are and giving ourselves the compassion and grace to heal and grow, no matter how long that takes.

For believers, this idea might feel like common sense. After all, if the heart of the gospel is the truth of God’s forgiving love for ourselves and others (Ephesians 4:32), why wouldn’t we show ourselves grace? But in practice, it’s not uncommon for believers to be incredibly hard on themselves. Thinking it’s their duty to follow God perfectly, they beat themselves up for every little mistake, perhaps believing that being more understanding of their limitations and weaknesses is selfish. In this subtle way, like the older brother in Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), we may leave a life of grace behind, striving for perfect obedience while doubting whether God even loves and approves of us (Luke 15:29).

The reality is that if we’re only allowed to experience God’s warm embrace when we’re perfectly obedient, when we haven’t made any recent bad choices, we never will.

This was the lesson Jesus taught to a crowd ready to sentence a woman to death for adultery. He powerfully reminded them that a world without forgiveness for sin isn’t a world in which any of us are safe (John 8:7). Then Jesus looked at the woman. The crowd could only see her guilt, but Jesus saw a person. He saw through her shame and bondage to sin to a person of value and worth. He looked with compassion, and He refused to condemn (John 8:11). By showing her she was unconditionally loved, Jesus also showed her a new way of life was possible.

Generous Givers

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 25, 2018  

Read: 1 Chronicles 29:1–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1–88; 1 Corinthians 7:20–40

Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. 1 Chronicles 29:14

After reviewing all God had already done throughout our church’s history, leaders presented the congregation with a proposal for a new gym to help us better serve our community. The leadership team announced they’d be the first to sign pledge notes to fund the construction. I initially prayed with a heart soured by selfishness, not wanting to offer more money than we had already committed to give. Still, my husband and I agreed to pray for the ongoing project. While considering all God continued providing for us, we eventually decided on a monthly offering. The combined gifts of our church family paid for the entire building.

Grateful for the many ways God’s used that gym for community events since we celebrated opening its doors for ministry, I’m reminded of another generous giver—King David. Though the Lord didn’t choose him to build His temple, David invested all his resources to the project (1 Chronicles 29:1–5). The leaders under him and the people they served gave generously too (vv. 6–9). The king acknowledged all they’d contributed had first been given to them by God—the Creator, Sustainer, and Owner of everything (vv. 10–16).

When we recognize God owns it all, we can commit to grateful, generous, and faithful giving for the benefit of others. And we can trust the Lord will provide—and may even use the generosity of others to help us when we’re in need.

Lord, please help us remember You own it all as we commit to giving You our all, willingly and selflessly.

God gives first, and He always outgives His most generous givers.

Standing Out

  Aug 24, 2018  

Read:

From: Our Daily Journey

Daniel 6:1-28
Daniel distinguished himself . . . because an excellent spirit was in him (Daniel 6:3 NKJV).

I came across a post on a how-to website entitled “How to Stand Out as a Christian.” The article suggested believers can best represent God in the world through time in prayer, meditating on Scripture, and loving actions. As I read the post, I wondered what I might suggest on the topic. It occurred to me that what makes believers stand out from unbelievers isn’t primarily specific actions, but the quality of fruitfulness.

The fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22), all rolled up into one delectable harvest. I imagine this captures the excellent spirit Daniel’s peers observed (Daniel 6:3 NKJV). Although forced to be a part of Babylonian culture, Daniel nevertheless “determined not to defile himself” (Daniel 1:8), and so he stood out (Daniel 5:14).

Later, after Darius the Mede conquered Babylon, he noticed Daniel and “made plans to place him over the entire empire” (Daniel 6:3). It’s likely that the new king put his own officials into the other positions of power, meaning that Daniel would’ve been the only one left from the previous administration. A plot was hatched to discredit Daniel based on his faith, and Darius was tricked into signing it (Daniel 6:4-9).

But when Daniel heard about the law, “he went home and knelt down as usual [and] prayed three times a day” (Daniel 6:10). This action landed Daniel in the lions’ den, yet it was Darius who had a restless night! (Daniel 6:17-20). The next morning, floored by Daniel’s miraculous deliverance (Daniel 6:21-23), the king decreed that his kingdom should fear Daniel’s God (Daniel 6:26).

Daniel stood out because he bore fruit that glorified God. In His strength, may we also stand out for Him!

An Enduring Happiness

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 23, 2018  

Read: Psalm 34:1–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 113–115; 1 Corinthians 6

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days . . . . Turn from evil and do good. Psalm 34:12,14

Often we hear that happiness comes from doing things our own way. That, however, is not true. That philosophy leads only to emptiness, anxiety, and heartache.

Poet W. H. Auden observed people as they attempted to find an escape in pleasures. He wrote of such people: “Lost in a haunted wood, / Children afraid of the night / Who have never been happy or good.”

The psalmist David sings of the remedy for our fears and unhappiness. “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). Happiness is doing things God’s way, a fact that can be verified every day. “Those who look to him are radiant,” writes David (v. 5). Just try it and you’ll see. That’s what he means when he says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (v. 8).

We say, “Seeing is believing.” That’s how we know things in this world. Show me proof and I’ll believe it. God puts it the other way around. Believing is seeing. “Taste and then you will see.”

Take the Lord at His word. Do the very next thing He is asking you to do and you will see. He will give you grace to do the right thing and more: He will give you Himself—the only source of goodness—and with it, enduring happiness.

Lord, sometimes we must simply pray: “I believe. Help my unbelief.” Help us trust You by doing what You have given us to do today.

Happiness is doing the right thing.

God’s Care for Us

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 22, 2018  

Read: Genesis 3:1–13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 110–112; 1 Corinthians 5

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. Genesis 3:21

My young grandsons enjoy dressing themselves. Sometimes they pull their shirts on backwards and often the younger one puts his shoes on the wrong feet. I usually don’t have the heart to tell them; besides, I find their innocence endearing.

I love seeing the world through their eyes. To them, everything is an adventure, whether walking the length of a fallen tree, spying a turtle sunning itself on a log, or excitedly watching a fire truck roar by. But I know that even my little grandsons are not truly innocent. They can make up a dozen excuses about why they can’t stay in their beds at night and are quick to yank a wanted toy from the other. Yet I love them dearly.

I picture Adam and Eve, God’s first people, as being in some ways like my grandchildren. Everything they saw in the garden must have been a marvel as they walked with God. But one day they willfully disobeyed. They ate of the one tree they were forbidden to eat (Genesis 2:15–17; 3:6). And that disobedience immediately led to lies and blame-shifting (3:8–13).

Still, God loved and cared for them. He sacrificed animals in order to clothe them (v. 21)—and later He provided a way of salvation for all sinners through the sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16). He loves us that much!

Dear Lord, thank You for loving us, despite our sin, and for making a way for us to be with You forever!

For help in your spiritual growth, see this course: christianuniversity.org/spiritual-life-basics.

Jesus loves us so much He sacrificed Himself for our sins.

In Progress or Completed?

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 20, 2018  

Read: Hebrews 10:5–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 105–106; 1 Corinthians 3

For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy. Hebrews 10:14

It’s satisfying to finish a job. Each month, for instance, one of my job responsibilities gets moved from one category to another, from “In Progress” to “Completed.” I love clicking that “Completed” button. But last month when I clicked it, I thought, If only I could overcome rough spots in my faith so easily! It can seem like the Christian life is always in progress, never completed.

Then I remembered Hebrews 10:14. It describes how Christ’s sacrifice redeems us totally. So in one important sense, that “completed button” has been pressed for us. Jesus’s death did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves: He made us acceptable in God’s eyes when we place our faith in Him. It is finished, as Jesus Himself said (John 19:30). Paradoxically, even though His sacrifice is complete and total, we spend the rest of our lives living into that spiritual reality—“being made holy,” as Hebrews’ author writes.

The fact that Jesus has finished something that’s still being worked out in our lives is hard to understand. When I’m struggling spiritually, it’s encouraging to remember that Jesus’s sacrifice for me—and for you—is complete . . . even if our living it out in this life is still a work in progress. Nothing can stop His intended end from being achieved eventually: being transformed into His likeness (see 2 Corinthians 3:18).

Jesus, thank You for giving Your life for us. Help us trust You as we grow into followers whose lives look more and more like Yours, knowing that You are the one who makes us complete.

God is at work to make us who He intends us to be.

Marvelous Maker

From: Our Daily Bread

  August 19, 2018  

Read: Psalm 104:24–34 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 103–104; 1 Corinthians 2

How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. Psalm 104:24

As an amateur photographer, I enjoy capturing glimpses of God’s creativity with my camera. I see His fingerprints on each delicate flower petal, each vibrant sunrise and sunset, and each cloud-painted and star-speckled sky canvas.

My camera’s powerful zoom option allows me to take photos of the Lord’s creatures too. I’ve snapped shots of a chattering squirrel in a cherry blossom tree, a colorful butterfly flitting from bloom to bloom, and sea turtles sunning on a rocky, black beach. Each one-of-a-kind image prompted me to worship my marvelous Maker.

I’m not the first of God’s people to praise Him while admiring His unique creations. The writer of Psalm 104 sings of the Lord’s many works of art in nature (v. 24). He regards “the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number” (v. 25) and rejoices in God for providing constant and complete care for His masterpieces (vv. 27–31). Considering the majesty of the God-given life around him, the psalmist bursts with worshipful gratitude: “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (v. 33).

While reflecting on the Lord’s magnificent and immense creation, we can look closely at His intentional creativity and attention to detail. And like the psalmist, we can sing to our Creator with thankful praise for how powerful, majestic, and loving He is and always will be. Hallelujah!

Share your favorite photo of God’s creation at Facebook.com/ourdailybread.

God’s works are marvelous, and so is He.

The Prince of Peace

From: Our Daily Journey

  Aug 18, 2018  

Read:

Isaiah 9:6-7; Luke 2:1-14
He will be called . . . Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end (Isaiah 9:6-7).

In their book The Lessons of History, historians Will and Ariel Durant note, “War is one of the constants of history. . . . In the last 3,421 years of recorded history, only 268 have seen no war.” The United Nations was formed at the end of World War II “to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,” so the world could “live together in peace with one another.” But with more than 300 wars fought since 1945, we have yet to experience worldwide peace. Will it ever be realized?

There was once peace on earth, after God first created a harmonious world (Genesis 1:31). But when Adam and Eve disobeyed God, this perfect harmony was shattered (Genesis 3:1-19). We’re now a people of conflict. We fight against God, against each other, and within ourselves (Psalm 2:1-3; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 2:14).

But God promised a Messiah who would bring everlasting peace. As Isaiah prophesied: “The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called . . . Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end” (Isaiah 9:6-7).

This prophecy was ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. To our world of conflict, the angel gave the “good news” of the birth of a baby. With thousands of babies born each year, the angels celebrated this baby, Jesus, as the One who would bring “great joy to all people” (Luke 2:10).

Because of Jesus, peace with God is possible (Romans 5:1). And we can also experience the peace of God (Philippians 4:6-7).

We can also know that peace on earth is a future reality (Isaiah 11:6-9), for Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will come again. Let’s celebrate with the angels, saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased” (Luke 2:14).