Daily Devotion

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Even When It Doesn't Make Sense
NOV 18 2013
"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance, and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." - Psalm 139:16

If you were to ask me what the most difficult thing I might face on this earth could be, I would say, the death of one of my children. It's something I cannot begin to imagine and a place that I can't allow my imagination to take me. But as a pastor, it is something I have dealt with too many times, and I can tell you that there is no more difficult situation than the death of a child. How can I possibly give a satisfactory answer to grieving parents who ask me,"Why?"

I know from a human perspective it is very difficult for us to understand when a person dies at an early age. The fact is, none of us know the number of our days. Only God knows that. We live in a fallen world, contaminated by sin, and there are all kinds of innocent people who suffer because of that. Not all of us will live that full life that Scripture talks about of 70 years. For some it's a minute or two, some a few weeks, for some it's ten years, for others, it's forty, fifty, a hundred years. By trusting that God has ordained the number of our days, we can recognize that even when a child goes to heaven - and be absolutely assured that children do go to heaven - that we can find comfort in that. Can you imagine heaven without young children?

There is an eternal purpose and plan that we are not able to understand completely on this side of heaven, but be assured that God has a perfect plan we will someday understand, in eternity. The key is to trust in God, even when it doesn't make sense.

 

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Change Your Life!
NOV 19 2013
One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, "Would you like to get well?" 'I can't sir, the sick man said. 'For I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.' Jesus told him, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!" Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking. - John 5:5-9

Picture this scene: An old man lying beside the healing pools of Bethesda. He had been sick and paralyzed for 38 years. Jesus walks by and says to him, "Do you wish to get well?" Now come on, could there be a dumber question than that? I mean, for 38 years, people have been bringing him on his mat, laying him there by the pool, hoping he could be healed. Then Jesus comes up and asks him if he wants to get well! Why in the world would He ask a question like that?

Well, it's brilliant insight about human nature. Jesus asks this question because He knew for 38 years this man had been totally dependent on others. He lived a life of dependency. And if he is made well, he's going to have to start showing initiative and taking personal responsibility for himself. And that's why He asks this man, "Do you want to get well?" Jesus could completely change this man's life.

You see dependency on anything is incredibly addictive. So, how does this man answer Jesus' question? With classic victimization mindset, he blames someone else! He says he can't get there because nobody will help him get in the pool. Because of his disability, he is blaming others and seeing himself as a victim. Jesus said, "Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!"

Do you see what is happening? First, Jesus says, "Stand up." It took a lot of faith to stand up, when he's been trapped in that paralyzed body. But the man got up. Then Jesus said, "Pick up your mat." He had to take personal responsibility. He couldn't depend on others carrying him anymore. And the man picked up his pallet. And then Jesus said, "Walk." In other words, it was a command for him to leave this life where he had been totally dependent on others. So he began to walk! He left that old life where he had been so incapacitated for all those years to live a new life because of the supernatural healing power of Jesus.

Are you caught in the trap of dependency? Look to Jesus. Through faith, He will give you the power that can change your life, whether you are supernaturally healed or not!

 

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How About A Free Lunch?
NOV 20 2013
"When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?' He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. Philip answered him, 'It would take more than half a year's wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!'" - John 6:5-7

Everybody likes a free lunch. Especially when you are hungry and you don't have the money to buy food! America can attest to that by the enormous number of people who are on food stamps. As of 2012, the number had grown to 48 million people, at a cost of $78 billion. That's staggering. Back to the story.

Jesus and his disciples were somewhere around the Sea of Galilee. A large crowd of people (which numbered around 5,000) came toward them. Even when Jesus tried to head for the hills, the crowd always followed Him. Today was no different.

He asked one of his disciples, Philip, where could they go to buy enough to feed these people. Remember, there wasn't a supermarket anywhere around like we have today. One of His disciples said they didn't have enough money to feed all those people. But, later, another disciple, Andrew, told Jesus he had found a boy who had a basket with five loaves and two fish. The boy offered Jesus all that he had. He took the food, gave thanks to God and had the food distributed to everyone who was there. They all ate until they were filled and there was still food left over. Talk about a miracle! (There were twelve baskets full of bread left. They couldn't keep the fish because they would start smelling!) The people got really excited about this free lunch and they began to speculate that maybe Jesus could be The Prophet they had been waiting for. Just maybe He was the key to not ever being hungry again.

So, what does this story mean for us? The people were excited because Jesus filled their stomachs with food, but they couldn't see beyond their physical needs. However, Jesus knew their biggest needs weren't physical - they were spiritual. Just as it is today. He said, "I am the bread of life; he who comes to me will not hunger and he who believes in me will never thirst." They didn't know what He was talking about. They didn't get it that Jesus met their physical needs to help them understand that their greatest needs were spiritual.

Do you know the Bread of Life that brings lasting fulfillment? Your next meal may meet an immediate hunger for a short time. The Bread of Life meets our deepest needs forever.

 

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Overshadowed
November 22, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Luke 1:26-38
The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. —Luke 1:35
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 18-19; James 4
The assassination of US President John F. Kennedy stunned people around the globe 50 years ago today. The day after the shooting, an article in The Times(London) spoke of the reverberations being felt throughout world financial markets. It carried the headline, “All Other Events Overshadowed by US Tragedy.”

There are times in our lives when a death, a tragedy, or a sudden turn of events eclipses everything else. It happened to an unmarried young woman who was told that she would become the mother of the promised Messiah, God’s Son (Luke 1:26-33). When she asked how this could happen, the angel Gabriel said, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you” (v.35).

The impossibility in Mary’s life was overshadowed not by darkness but by the brightness of God’s glory and power. Her response continues to leave us in awe: “Let it be to me according to your word” (v.38).

In the coming weeks, as we read again the Christmas story and consider the birth of Jesus into our world, it’s worth pondering the word overshadowed. It speaks so powerfully of the Lord’s presence in our hearts and His ability to outshine the darkest moments.

I’m overshadowed by His mighty love,
Love eternal, changeless, pure,
Overshadowed by His mighty love,
Rest is mine, serene, secure. —Ironside
In every situation, we are overshadowed by God’s mighty love and power.

 

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What Time Is It?
November 24, 2013 — by Joe Stowell

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Galatians 3:26–4:7
When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 22-23; 1 Peter 1
The old adage is true: Timing is everything! That’s why Paul’s statement, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” intrigues me so much (Gal. 4:4).

A quick look at history reveals that the coming of Christ was at just the right time. Centuries earlier, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and language. On the heels of his demise, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of the culture and language of the Greeks. It was under Roman rule that the crucifixion took place, where the blood of Christ was shed for us. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across three continents: good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions, and a unifying language. The providence of God had put all the pieces in place for the perfect time to send His Son.

God’s timing is perfect in everything. While you are waiting, perhaps wondering why God doesn’t seem to be acting on your behalf, remember that He’s working behind the scenes to prepare His moment of intervention at just the right time. Trust Him. He knows what time it is.

Lord, in Your infinite wisdom and power, You work
behind the scenes to prepare all things for just the
right time. Teach me to wait well and to trust You
to know when the fullness of time has come.
Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work. —Marshall

 

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Spiritual Plagiarism
November 25, 2013 — by Julie Ackerman Link

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: John 1:1-18
The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 24-26; 1 Peter 2
When I teach English composition, I require students to write in class. I know that in-class writing is their own work, so in this way I become familiar with each student’s writing voice and am able to detect if they “borrow” a bit too heavily from another writer. Students are surprised to learn that their writing voice—which includes what they say as well as how they say it—is as distinctive as their speaking voice. Just as the words we speak come from our hearts, so do the words we write. They reveal who we are.

We become familiar with God’s voice in much the same way. By reading what He has written, we learn who He is and how He expresses Himself. Satan, however, tries to make himself sound like God (2 Cor. 11:14). By using God’s words in a slightly altered fashion, he comes up with convincing arguments for things that are untrue. For example, by convincing people to do things that simulate godliness, such as trusting in an outward regimen of self-discipline rather than Christ’s death for salvation (Col. 2:23), Satan has led many astray.

God went to extremes to make sure we’d recognize His voice. He not only gave us His Word, He gave us the Word made flesh—Jesus (John 1:14)—so that we will not be easily deceived or misled.

Instill within my heart, dear Lord,
A deep desire to know Your Word,
I want to learn to hear Your voice
That I may make Your will my choice. —D. DeHaan
Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. —Psalm 119:140

 

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Real Love
November 26, 2013 — by Cindy Hess Kasper

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. —1 Corinthians 13:7-8
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 27-29; 1 Peter 3
A few years ago, my friend’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, Beth has been forced to make tough decisions about her mom’s care, and her heart has often been broken as she watched her vibrant and fun-loving mom slowly slipping away. In the process, my friend has learned that real love is not always easy or convenient.

After her mom was hospitalized for a couple of days last year, Beth wrote these words to some of her friends: “As backwards as it may seem, I’m very thankful for the journey I am on with my mom. Behind the memory loss, confusion, and utter helplessness is a beautiful person who loves life and is at complete peace. I am learning so much about what real love is, and even though I probably wouldn’t have asked for this journey and the tears and heartache that go with it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The Bible reminds us that love is patient and kind. It is not self-seeking or easily angered. It “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

Real love originated with our Father, who gave us the gift of His Son. As we seek to show His love to others, we can follow the example of Christ, who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16-18).


Real love is helping others for Jesus’ sake even if they can never return the favor.

 

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What Is Secularism?
NOV 26 2013
"No man can by any means redeem his brother or give to God a ransom for him..." - Psalm 49:7

Secularism may be the fastest growing religion in America today. The "Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life"* found that those who aren't affiliated with a religion rose from 9% in 1993 to 16% in 2010. More than one-quarter of American adults (28%) have left the faith in which they were raised in favor of another religion - or no religion at all. And among Americans ages 18-29, one-in-four say they are not currently affiliated with any particular religion. These are very disturbing statics, indeed.

What is secularism? It's the view that man, not God, is the ultimate authority and that consideration of the present well-being of mankind should predominate over religious considerations in civil affairs and public education.

Secularism is all about man. Yet, here's the irony - secularism leads to disillusionment with man and hopelessness at death. But Christianity is all about God and His desire to redeem sinful man through Christ. Christianity's worldview leads us to understand that God meets man's deepest need (salvation) and then guides him on how to treat his fellow man.

 

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How To Enjoy Things
November 28, 2013 — by Dennis J. De Haan

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Ecclesiastes 5:13-20
As for every man . . . to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. —Ecclesiastes 5:19
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 33-34; 1 Peter 5
In his book Daring To Draw Near, Dr. John White writes that several years earlier God had made it possible for him to acquire a lovely home with many luxuries. His feelings about the house fluctuated dramatically.

When he reminded himself that it was a gracious gift from God, he felt joy and thanksgiving. But when he would begin to compare it with those of his friends, he would feel proud because he had such a fine house and his joy would evaporate. His home would actually become a burden. All he could see were the many hedges and trees to care for and the endless odd jobs to do. White said, “While vanity clouds my eyes and burdens my heart, gratitude clears my vision and lightens my load.”

The writer of Ecclesiastes saw God at every turn in the enjoyment of material things. The power to eat the fruits of our labors and even the strength to receive and rejoice in them is from Him (5:18-19).

From beginning to end, all of life is a continuous gift-giving by God. We deserve nothing. He owes us nothing. Yet He gives us everything. If we remember this, we need not feel selfish or guilty. Whatever material blessings we have are a gift from our gracious God.

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts
My daily thanks employ;
Nor is the least a cheerful heart,
That tastes those gifts with joy. —Addison
God, who has given so much to us, gives one more thing—a grateful heart. —Herbert

 

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First Impressions
November 29, 2013 — by Dennis Fisher

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 Samuel 16:1-7
For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 35-36; 2 Peter 1
As I shopped for groceries one day, I was perceived as a thief by one person and a hero by another.

As I exited the supermarket, an employee said, “Excuse me, Sir. There are too many unbagged items in your cart.” This is evidently a strategy used by shoplifters. When he saw that they were products too big to be bagged, he apologized and sent me on my way.

In the parking lot, a woman glanced at my gold embroidered sportsman’s cap. Mistaking it for a military hat, she said, “Thank you for defending our country!” Then she walked away.

The supermarket employee and the woman in the parking lot had each formed hasty conclusions about me. It’s easy to form opinions of others based on first impressions.

When Samuel was to select the next king of Israel from the sons of Jesse, he too made a judgment based on first impressions. However, God’s chosen was not any of the older sons. The Spirit told Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature” (1 Sam. 16:7). God chose David, the youngest, who looked least like a king.

God can help us view people through His eyes, for “the Lord does not see as man sees; . . . the Lord looks at the heart” (v.7).

If we could view through eyes of faith
The people we meet each day
We’d quickly see God’s gracious hand
In all who come our way. —D. DeHaan
First impressions can often lead to wrong conclusions.

 

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How Do You Show Thanks?NOV 28 2013
"Was no one found who returned to give glory to God...?" - Luke 17:18

It's that time of the year again to remind ourselves that one of life's most common oversights is not taking time to say thanks. We get in such a rush that we often forget.

Years ago, ten men with the dreaded disease of leprosy saw Jesus. They were a long distance away, for leprosy was the most feared disease of that day. They were outcasts; people didn't want to touch them for fear of getting the disease. They were treated like many were treated when the AIDS virus was discovered.

These lepers cried out to Christ to have mercy on them, and He did. He healed them all. What a fantastic day that must have been!

Those ten guys got so excited that they all began to run and tell what had happened.

But one turned around and took time to worship and thank Jesus - just one. Jesus asked him, "Weren't there ten? Where are they?" Even God desires to hear thanks.

This week, don't miss a great opportunity to take time to say thanks - to God for His blessings - to friends and loved ones - and to any who helped you along the way.

 

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As God Leads!

DEC 01 2013
"The priests will carry the Ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall." - Joshua 3:13 NLT

Did you know that faith requires action? After 40 years, the children of Israel had been led out of the wilderness and then found themselves on the banks of a swollen Jordan River. The Promised Land was just on the other side. Oh, so close, yet so far away! A huge obstacle separated them from the blessing God had promised. Standing on the bank of the raging river, wringing their hands and praying would not solve their problem. They had to act. But it wasn't really the river that was stopping them from crossing - it was their lack of FAITH! It was not until, in faith, they stepped into the turbulent waters that the river stood on end and the people walked into the Promised Land on dry land.

So it is with our lives. Obstacles separate us from God's richest blessings. To simply have faith that God will provide a way doesn't always make a way. To stand by until God makes a way obvious may cause us to delay His blessing. It takes both faith and action to experience God's best.

Don't fall victim to "paralysis of analysis." In other words, go for it as God leads!

 

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Just When You Think No One Is Watching
DEC 02 2013
"Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example." - Philippians 3:17 NLT

A Bible School teacher told me about a time she noticed a boy sitting in the hall with a stern look on his face barking orders to the other children. "What are you doing?" she asked. "I'm pretending I'm the pastor," he said. "How are you playing the pastor?" He explained, "I ain't doing nothing. I'm just telling everybody else what to do!"�

We sometimes never know where our shadows fall and how they influence others. Martin Luther cast a long shadow over Germany, Europe, and over the world - a long shadow for good. About 500 years later, Adolph Hitler also cast a long shadow over Germany, Europe, and over the world - a devastatingly evil shadow. Two lives, two men; one filled with the Spirit of the Lord, one filled with the spirit of the devil.

You will probably never influence the entire world like Luther or Hitler, but I guarantee you will have tremendous influence on some part of it. It may be as a parent, co-worker, neighbor, or friend. It may be as a coach or teacher, or even as a fifth grader being a role model for a 1st grader. You won't always be conscious of where your shadow falls, but the fact is that you touch many lives while walking this earth. What kind of shadow do you cast? Is it for good or for bad? Is it to curse or to bless? Is it to encourage or to discourage? And remember, God is ALWAYS watching.

 

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One Stretch
December 3, 2013 — by Anne Cetas

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: 1 John 2:24–3:3
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! —1 John 3:1
Bible in a Year:
Ezekiel 45-46; 1 John 2
For years, Sarah had low-back pain that continued to worsen. Her doctor sent her for physical therapy, and she was given 25 stretches to do every day. The pain lessened but not completely. So the doctor ordered x-rays and sent her to another therapist, who instructed her to discontinue the other therapist’s stretches and do only one stretch a day as needed. Surprisingly, the one simple stretch worked the best.

Sometimes the simplest truths are the best. When asked to summarize in one sentence his whole life’s work in theology, Karl Barth responded: “Jesus loves me!” Some say he added, “This I know, for the Bible tells me so.”

God’s love for us is evident. He gave His Son to rescue us from ourselves. Christ died on the cross, taking our burden of sin. Then He rose again, giving us new life in Him. Amazing love! As John tells us: “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Jesus’ love for us isn’t a Band-Aid or a cure-all for all of life’s problems, of course. But it is the one truth we can always depend on to give purpose to life and peace with God.

I am so glad that our Father in heaven
Tells of His love in the Book He has given;
Wonderful things in the Bible I see—
This is the dearest, that Jesus loves me. —Bliss
The wonder of it all— just to think that Jesus loves me.

 

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What DO You Believe???

DEC 04 2013


"Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world." - 1 John 4:1

It's getting toward the end of another year - believe it or not - and I feel it's important for everyone to spend some time thinking about what you believe. It is so trendy to practice smorgasbord religion - a little dose of Jesus, a little pinch of Buddha, a little Mohammed here, and a little New Age thought there. It makes you sound so, well...spiritual.

But, did you know it is fundamentally dishonest? It is an insult to each religion, for it is like spiritual looting. It is a classic refashioning of God into your own chic image of what works for you, and it is a reminder of the many intellectual airheads today. Make a decision, for crying out loud! But don't be a phony for every faith. They don't say the same thing. They don't believe the same things.

Jesus said, "I am the Way, the Truth, the Life. No one comes to the Father but through me." Either He lied or was terribly insane - or He is who He said He is. This is in direct conflict with every other religion. With Him, it's all or nothing. I believe He speaks the truth about God.

Make a decision about Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, or whomever. But don't insult them all with this airhead pseudo-sophisticated practice of smorgasbord religion.

 

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More Than Enough
December 6, 2013 — by Cindy Hess Kasper

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Psalm 103:1-11
[The Lord] crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. —Psalm 103:4
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 3-4; 1 John 5
When I entertained a large group in my home, I feared that the menu I planned wouldn’t be enough to serve all the guests. I shouldn’t have worried though. Several friends unexpectedly brought additional items and all of us were able to enjoy the surprise surplus. We had more than enough and were able to share out of the abundance.

We serve a God of abundance who is consistently “more than enough.” We can see God’s generous nature in the way He loves His children.

In Psalm 103, David lists the many benefits our Father bestows on us. Verse 4 says that He redeems our life from destruction and crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies.

The apostle Paul reminds us that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing” and “is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think” (Eph. 1:3; 3:20).

Because of His great love, we are called children of God (1 John 3:1), and His grace gives us “sufficiency in all things” that we “may have an abundance for every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8).

God’s love and grace, spilled over into our lives, enables us to share them with others. The God of power and provision is always the God of “more than enough”!

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing. —Lyte
We always have enough when God is our supply.

 

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Serious Fear
December 8, 2013 — by Bill Crowder

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Luke 2:8-20
Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy. —Luke 2:10
Bible in a Year:
Daniel 8-10; 3 John
After weeks of preparation by the children’s choir, the night had finally arrived for our annual Christmas musical in 1983. The costumed children began filing into the auditorium when suddenly we heard a ruckus at the back door. My wife and I turned to look and saw our own little Matt. Sobbing loudly and with a look of sheer terror on his face, he had a death grip on the door handle. He refused to enter the auditorium. After much negotiating, the director finally told him he didn’t have to go on stage. Instead, Matt sat with us, and soon his fears began to subside.

Although we don’t usually identify Christmas as a time of fear, there was plenty of it on the night of Christ’s birth. Luke says, “Behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid” (Luke 2:9). The sight of the angelic messenger was more than the shepherds could process. But the angel reassured them: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people” (v.10).

In a world full of fear, we need to remember that Jesus came to be the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). We desperately need His peace. As we look to Him, He will ease our fears and calm our hearts.

Hail, the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Risen with healing in His wings. —Wesley
God incarnate is the end of fear. —F. B. Meyer

 

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Why Am I Here?
DEC 09 2013
"Many plans are in a man's heart, but the counsel of the LORD will stand." - Proverbs 19:21

One of the most common, age old questions people ask is, "Why am I here?" And it's not a bad question to ask, for it requires us to consider the answer. Maybe I can help you figure out this question for your life.

First, if you believe you know why you're here - if you're clear on your life purpose - can you write it down?

It seems the average American thinks life is all about working hard, raising a family, doing your best, making enough money to retire (the earlier the better), and finally, doing what you want to do when you want to do it. But by mid-life, this philosophy makes a person cry, "What on earth am I here for?" It's like slowly drowning in an ocean of emptiness.

But I have good news. We can know what on earth we're here for. It begins when we get to know our Creator through the person of Christ. Our Creator, God, loves us and has a purpose for our lives. Our role is to trust Him and obey Him through His written Word.

Don't waste your life. Get to know your Creator personally. Through Him and His Word, the Bible, you can become clear about why you are here. And remember, He has a special reason for each of us to be here!

 

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Hope For Skeptics
December 11, 2013 — by Randy Kilgore

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Isaiah 55:6-13
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please. —Isaiah 55:11
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2
As a workplace chaplain, I’m privileged to be in conversation with many different people. Some are skeptics of the Christian faith. I’ve discovered three major hurdles that keep them from trusting in Christ for salvation.

The first barrier, surprisingly, isn’t an unwillingness to believe that God exists; instead some doubt that they’re important enough for God’s attention. Second, some believe they are unworthy of His forgiveness. People are often their own harshest judges. The third hurdle? They wonder why God is not communicating with them if He is out there.

Let’s work backward through the hurdles to see what God’s Word says. First, God doesn’t play head games. He promises that if we read His Word, He will make sure it accomplishes His purpose (Isa. 55:11). In other words, if we read it we will discover that God is communicating with us. This is precisely why the Bible speaks so often of His grace and mercy toward all (v.7). His willingness to forgive surpasses our own. Once we learn that we can hear God in the Bible and once we see the emphasis on His mercy, it becomes easier to believe we have His attention when we cry out to Him.

God’s story is amazing. It can give hope for all of us.

There can be times when one’s mind is in doubt,
Times when one asks what the faith is about;
But we can believe Him, we know that He cares—
Our God is real, as the Bible declares. —Fitzhugh
Honest skepticism can be the first step to a strong faith.

 

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Costume Or Uniform?
December 12, 2013 — by David C. McCasland

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn
Read: Romans 13:11-14
Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. —Romans 13:14
Bible in a Year:
Hosea 9-11; Revelation 3
Eunice McGarrahan gave an inspiring talk on Christian discipleship in which she said, “A costume is something you put on and pretend that you are what you are wearing. A uniform, on the other hand, reminds you that you are, in fact, what you wear.”

Her comment sparked memories of my first day in US Army basic training when we were each given a box and ordered to put all our civilian clothes in it. The box was mailed to our home address. Every day after that, the uniform we put on reminded us that we had entered a period of disciplined training designed to change our attitudes and actions.

“Cast off the works of darkness,” the apostle Paul told the followers of Jesus living in Rome, “and . . . put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). He followed this with the command to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts” (v.14). The goal of this “casting off” and “putting on” was a new identity and transformed living (v.13).

When we choose to follow Christ as our Lord, He begins the process of making us more like Him each day. It is not a matter of pretending to be what we aren’t but of becoming more and more what we are in Christ.

O to be like Thee, O to be like Thee,
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art!
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart. —Chisholm
Salvation is free, but discipleship will cost you your life. —Dietrich Bonhoeffer