Daily Devotion

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ENERGY FOR THE MISSION
June 07, 2021
“To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:29
We’re living in the midst of an energy crisis. I’m not talking about fossil fuels, but about trying to find enough energy to face the relentless demands of our busy lives. Exhaustion is so widespread that energy drinks are a multi-billion-dollar industry in the US alone.

The Apostle Paul, of course, didn’t have the luxury of grabbing a Red Bull to fight off fatigue. He had to depend on another kind of energy altogether.

His energy was supernatural and it came through the indwelling Spirit of God and enabled Paul to handle continuous challenges on his missionary journeys.

At the core of his being, Paul operated under the power of the Holy Spirit, relying on Him to fuel his every action.

Still, Paul was not exempt from exerting tremendous effort. He “labored” and “struggled.” A literal translation of these terms reads, “I labor to the point of exhaustion, agonizing.” This expression was typically used to describe an athlete participating in a competition.

Throughout all of his vigorous toil, Paul was never striving in his strength alone. There was a beautiful combination of human labor and Divine energy. Theologian and author John Piper explains, “God does not work instead of our working, but through our working. God does not energize instead of our having energy; He energizes our energy.”

This same dynamic is as accessible to us today as it was for Paul.

The question is – do we really believe we can live this way?

Before we answer this question, we need to understand the motive behind Paul’s labor and the purpose of the Spirit’s energy coursing through his bones.

Notice what he shares in the preceding verse – “He (Jesus) is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone, so that we might present everyone fully mature in Christ” (v.28).

The goal of Paul’s life was to proclaim the good news of Jesus and help people grow in Christlikeness.

Not all of us are called to be full-time missionaries, but all Christians are called to participate in this mission in some form or fashion (See Matthew 28:19,20). For this cause, we’re promised an endless supply of His energy.

The Spirit performs a variety of functions in our everyday lives such as:

• Reminding us of truth (John 14:26)

• Shaping our character (Galatians 5:16-18)

• Helping us pray (Romans 8:26)

But these everyday functions of the Spirit are in the broader context of living “on mission” to reach a lost, broken world. The Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ as we go about our everyday lives (Acts 1:8).

So, why does the Spirit fill us with His energy?

1. To increase our fame? No.
2. To make our hopes and dreams come true? No.
3. To make our lives problem-free? No.

His Spirit energizes us so that we can play our unique role in reaching and discipling people for Jesus right where we live, work, and play.



Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

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STRUGGLES WITH PATIENCE
June 08, 2021
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29
One of the Merriam Webster definitions of patience is: “steadfast despite opposition, difficulty, or adversity.” It’s not the most uplifting definition. Being patient is hard because as humans, we have a tendency to want what we want at that particular moment. Unfortunately, it seems that life is often a test of patience.

I struggle with waiting – whether it’s sitting in traffic or at a restaurant. Why, I’d rather drive five miles out of the way than sit stuck in traffic. I get impatient when I’m facing a deadline and get interrupted, or when someone says they’ll do something and then fall through.

Where do you struggle with patience? Do you ever pray, “Lord, give me some patience, now!” Let me suggest a few practical ways to learn patience:

1. Take a deep breath and pray for self-control.
2. When people anger you, if possible, retreat for a moment. Take time to back off and get control of your emotions.
3. Confront fairly, and seek to listen and understand – first. When needed, be sure to forgive.
4. Remember, the greatest motive for patience is remembering God’s patience with us.

Patience is a precious commodity, for it’s a powerful way to win the respect of others and turn a potential enemy into a friend.

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June 12
He Knows Your Name
Bible in a Year:

• Ezra 3–5
• John 20

I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Isaiah 43:1–7
After breaking with our longtime church, my husband and I reunited with the fellowship after three long years. But how would people treat us? Would they welcome us back? Love us? Forgive us for leaving? We got our answer on a sunny Sunday morning. As we walked through the big church doors, we kept hearing our names. “Pat! Dan! It’s so great to see you!” As children’s author Kate DiCamillo wrote in one of her popular books, “Reader, nothing is sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.”
The same assurance was true for the people of Israel. We had chosen a different church for a time, but they had turned their backs on God. Yet He welcomed them back. He sent the prophet Isaiah to assure them, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).
In this world—where we can feel unseen, unappreciated, and even unknown—be assured that God knows each of us by name. “You are precious and honored in my sight,” He promises (v. 4). “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (v. 2). This promise isn’t just for Israel. Jesus ransomed His life for us. He knows our names. Why? In love, we are His.
By: Patricia Raybon
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Reflect & Pray
Why does God welcome His people back to Him? How has He shown that He knows you by name?
Jesus, when I stray from Your arms and Your fellowship, summon me home by name. I’m so grateful to be Yours.

 

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June 14
The Power of God
Bible in a Year:

• Ezra 9–10
• Acts 1

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:2
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 121
Rebecca and Russell’s doctors told them they couldn’t have children. But God had other ideas—and ten years later Rebecca conceived. The pregnancy was a healthy one; and when the contractions started, the couple excitedly rushed to the hospital. Yet the hours of labor grew long and more intense, and Rebecca’s body still wasn’t progressing enough for delivery. Finally, the doctor decided she needed to perform an emergency C-section. Fearful, Rebecca sobbed for her baby and herself. The doctor calmly assured her, saying, “I will do my best, but we’re going to pray to God because He can do more.” She prayed with Rebecca, and fifteen minutes later, Bruce, a healthy baby boy, was born.
That doctor understood her dependence on God and His power. She recognized that although she had the training and skill to do the surgery, she still needed God’s wisdom, strength, and help to guide her hands (Psalm 121:1–2).
It’s encouraging to hear about highly skilled people, or of anyone, who recognize they need Him—because, honestly, we all do. He’s God; we’re not. He alone “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Let’s have a humble heart to learn from Him and to trust Him in prayer “because He can do more” than we ever could.
By: Anne Cetas
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Reflect & Pray
How have you gained an understanding of your own need for God and His power? How is this dependence seen in your daily life?
I need You and Your wisdom and power, God, for decisions, skill, work, relationships—all of my life.

 

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IF TODAY WERE YOUR LAST DAY…
June 14, 2021
“…godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” – 1 Timothy 4:8
What would you do if you knew that today was your last day to live? Would you try to make a couple extra bucks and stay late at the office working hard? Would you spend time with your family, or express thanks to those who’ve helped you along the way? Would you seek to get right with God?
Most of us tend to prioritize the material and temporal at the neglect of the eternal and relational.
But none of us knows the number of days God has planned for us. So, don’t put off until tomorrow the really important things you can do today – like getting right with God.
God became a man in the person of Jesus to show us how. Start there, and show your family how much you love them. Surprise them by occasionally coming home early. Tell them you love them. Plan fun things to do with them. Help someone you care about – someone who needs you at the office, in the neighborhood, or maybe someone who simply needs a friend.
It may not be your last day here on earth, but it might just become a great day for you and those you care about.
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June 17
The Way of Faith
Bible in a Year:

• Nehemiah 7–9
• Acts 3

The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me.”

Judges 7:2
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Judges 7:1–8, 22
In a 2017 World Cup qualifying match that pitted the US against Trinidad and Tobago, the Soca Warriors shocked the world when they beat the US men’s national team, a team ranked considerably higher. The upset eliminated the US team from the 2018 World Cup.
Trinidad and Tobago’s victory was so unexpected in part because the United States’ population and resources dwarfed those of the small Caribbean nation. But those seemingly insurmountable advantages weren’t enough to defeat the passionate Soca Warriors.
The story of Gideon and the Midianites features a similar upset, one between a small group of fighters and a large army. The Israelite army actually had more than thirty-thousand fighters, but the Lord whittled the army down to just three hundred warriors so the nation would learn that their success was dependent on God—not the size of their army, the amount of money in their treasury, or the skill of their leaders (Judges 7:1–8).
It can be tempting to put our trust and confidence in things we can see or measure, but that’s not the way of faith. Though it’s often difficult, when we’re willing to depend on God, to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10), we can go into situations with courage and confidence, even when we feel overwhelmed and unqualified. His presence and power can do amazing things in and through us.
By: Lisa M. Samra
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Reflect & Pray
When have you faced seemingly insurmountable odds? Whether you tasted victory or defeat, how did you experience God’s provision for you?
God, when life gets challenging, help me learn to rely more and more on Your mighty power and grace.

 

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A DAD WHO PRAYS
June 17, 2021
“The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective…” James 5:16
Fatherhood is not for wimps.

The complex challenges of fathering three young souls are relentless and at times, overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong. Love, joy, and laughter abound in the “Dad-life” too. These past sixteen years have been a beautiful mix of difficulty and delight.

But make no mistake about it. Being a dad frequently exposes my inadequacy, shortcomings, and sinfulness.

When I’m engulfed by the exhausting demands of fatherhood and have fallen woefully short for the umpteenth time, I can either run towards my Heavenly Father or away from Him.



I HAVE TO CHOOSE HOW TO RESPOND:

I can cling to the illusion of self-sufficiency, pretending that I can handle things on my own.

I can fall to my knees in prayer, crying out for His supernatural strength.



You see, prayer demonstrates dependency. Prayerlessness is an indication of pridefulness. A lack of prayer signals that I’m full of myself and have no need for God’s grace, guidance, or wisdom.

To say that James, the half-brother of Jesus, was a man of prayer is an understatement. James spent so much time on his knees praying for the Church that he became nicknamed, “Ol’ Camel-knees.” You probably haven’t seen the knees of camels recently, but they are extremely calloused. Camels have to kneel down to allow a rider to climb on board, so over the course of a lifetime, their knees take quite a beating.

It sounds like James was a prayer-warrior who fought his battles on his calloused, camel-like, knees.

What do your knees look like?

Kneeling is an outward posture that displays an inward attitude of reverence, humility, and surrender. And fatherhood, if I’m paying attention, provides ample opportunities for me to hit my knees.

James assures us that dropping to our knees in prayer is not an exercise in futility. Prayer is “powerful” and “effective.” One translation says, “our prayers are a force to be reckoned with.”

My prayers rarely seem like a powerful force. My thoughts often bounce around like a pinball and sometimes, it even feels like my prayers reach no higher than the ceiling.

Nevertheless, I press on. As a father, regular prayer, even my feeble attempt at it, expresses my reliance on The Father.

You might think to yourself: But I am definitely not a righteous man. How can I pray?

That is 100% correct. In and of ourselves, none of us will ever be righteous before a holy God. We are made righteous only by placing our faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).

So, when we pray, we’re not praying in our name and strength, but in the mighty name of Jesus.

Let me suggest a simple, yet powerful prayer that any Dad can pray from the trenches of fatherhood:

“Lord, Jesus. Help. I need You.”

Before this day is through, why not fall to your knees and give it a try?



Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director, RFTH

 

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HAPPY FATHER’S DAY!
June 20, 2021
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children, that they may not lose heart.” – Colossians 3:21 NAS
Most dads fear that they won’t measure up – that they will fail to be the kind of father they should be – or need to be.

Sadly, as guys, we often will skip the instruction manual, thinking we will just figure it out along the way. Yet, when things go wrong, it’s always nice to have that manual to go back to – isn’t it? Well, there IS a manual for life (the Bible) and we certainly shouldn’t skip it.

So, if you’re a dad looking for a little help in being a good father, one particular verse from the Bible really helps: “Fathers, don’t provoke your children, instead bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

• Don’t provoke your children. That means don’t make unrealistic demands. Don’t crush their spirit by being aloof or overly strict. Every child has a fragile psyche that needs to be built up, not torn down.
• Bring them up in discipline. Discipline should be fair and consistent. They need to know the boundaries and know there are negative consequences if they ignore them. This gives children security and helps them know they are loved.
• …and the instruction of the Lord. Discipline precedes instruction–any good teacher knows that. But discipline without instruction exasperates children. They need Dad to teach them right from wrong – and to do so with love.

It’s not easy being a good father or father figure, but we have a great model in our Heavenly Father, revealed to us through Jesus.

 

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June 22
God Is There
Bible in a Year:

• Esther 6–8
• Acts 6

If God will be with me and watch over me . . . then the Lord will be my God.

Genesis 28:20–21
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 28:10–15, 20–22
Aubrey bought a fleece-lined coat for her aging father, but he died before he could wear it. So she tucked a note of encouragement with a $20 bill into the pocket and donated the jacket to charity.
Ninety miles away, unable to endure his family’s dysfunction any longer, nineteen-year-old Kelly left his house without grabbing a coat. He knew of only one place to turn—the home of his grandmother who prayed for him. Hours later he stepped off a bus and into his grandma’s arms. Shielding him from the winter wind, she said, “We’ve got to get you a coat!” At the mission store, Kelly tried on a coat he liked. Slipping his hands into the pockets he found an envelope—with a $20 bill and Aubrey’s note.
Jacob fled his dysfunctional family in fear for his life (Genesis 27:41–45). When he stopped for the night, God revealed Himself to Jacob in a dream. “I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go,” God told him (28:15). Jacob vowed, “If God will . . . give me food to eat and clothes to wear . . . , then the Lord will be my God” (vv. 20–21).
Jacob made a rudimentary altar and named the spot “God’s house” (v. 22). Kelly takes Aubrey’s note and that $20 wherever he goes. Each serves as a reminder that no matter where we run, God is there.
By: Tim Gustafson
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Reflect & Pray
When you’ve had to “run,” whether literally or metaphorically, where did you go and to whom did you turn? How can you remind yourself of God’s presence in your life?
Father, You’re the One I can always run to. Help me turn to You first.

Read Who's My Neighbor? at DiscoverySeries.org/Q0308.



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June 28
God’s Protection
Bible in a Year:

• Job 11–13
• Acts 9:1–21

I sing in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.

Psalm 63:7–8
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 63
Needles, milk, mushrooms, elevators, births, bees, and bees in blenders—these are just a fraction of the many phobias attributed to Mr. Adrian Monk, detective and title character of the TV show Monk. But when he and longtime rival Harold Krenshaw find themselves locked in a car trunk, Monk has a breakthrough that allows him to cross off at least one fear from his list—claustrophobia.
It’s while Monk and Harold are both panicking that the epiphany comes, abruptly interrupting Monk’s angst. “I think we’ve been looking at this the wrong way,” he tells Harold. “This trunk, these walls . . . they’re not closing in on us . . . they’re protecting us, really. They’re keeping the bad stuff out . . . germs, and snakes, and harmonicas.” Eyes widening, Harold sees what he means and whispers in wonder, “This trunk is our friend.”
In Psalm 63, it’s almost as if David has a similar epiphany. Despite being in a “dry and parched land,” when David remembers God’s power, glory, and love (vv. 1–3), it’s as if the desert transforms into a place of God’s care and protection. Like a baby bird hiding in the shelter of a mother’s wings, David finds that when he clings to God, even in that barren place, he can feast “as with the richest of foods” (v. 5), finding nourishment and strength in a love that “is better than life” (v. 3).
By: Monica La Rose
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Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced God’s care for you while you were in a difficult place? In what current struggles might you learn to “sing in the shadow of [God’s] wings”?
Loving Creator, Sustainer, and Nourisher, thank You for the miraculous way Your love seeps into my heart in even the most difficult places, transforming them into the shelter of Your wings.



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June 29
Your Life’s Passion
Bible in a Year:

• Job 14–16
• Acts 9:22–43

The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. . . . Flee from all this, and pursue righteousness.

1 Timothy 6:10–11
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Timothy 6:6–12
One evening years ago, my wife and I were making our way down a mountain trail, accompanied by two friends. The trail was narrow and wound around a slope with a steep drop on one side and an unclimbable bank on the other.
As we came around a bend, I saw a large bear moseying along, swinging his head from side to side, and quietly huffing. We were downwind, and he hadn’t detected our presence, but he would soon.
Our friend began to rummage around in her jacket for a camera. “Oh, I must take a picture!” she said. I, being less comfortable with our odds, said, “No, we must get out of here.” So we backed up quietly until we were out of sight—and ran.
That’s how we should feel about the dangerous passion to get rich. There’s nothing wrong with money; it’s just a medium of exchange. But those who desire to get rich “fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction,” Paul wrote (1 Timothy 6:9). Wealth is only a goad to get more.
Instead, we should “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” (v. 11). These traits grow in us as we pursue them and ask God to form them within us. This is how we secure the deep satisfaction we seek in God.
By: David H. Roper
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Reflect & Pray
What’s your passion in life? How might you pursue traits that will make you more like Jesus?
God, I want to grow to become more Christlike. Help me cooperate with what You’re trying to teach me.

 

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June 30
The Secret of Contentment
Bible in a Year:

• Job 17–19
• Acts 10:1–23

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.

Philippians 4:12
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Philippians 4:10–13
When Joni Eareckson Tada returned home after suffering a swimming accident that left her a quadriplegic, her life was vastly different. Now doorways were too narrow for her wheelchair and sinks were too high. Someone had to feed her, until she decided to relearn how to feed herself. Lifting the special spoon to her mouth from her arm splint the first time, she felt humiliated as she smeared applesauce on her clothes. But she pressed on. As she says, “My secret was learning to lean on Jesus and say, ‘Oh God, help me with this!’ ” Today she manages a spoon very well.
Joni says her confinement made her look at another captive—the apostle Paul, who was imprisoned in a Roman jail—and his letter to the Philippians. Joni strives for what Paul achieved: “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). Note that Paul had to learn to be at peace; he wasn’t naturally peaceful. How did he find contentment? Through trusting in Christ: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (v. 13).
We all face different challenges throughout our days; and we all can look to Jesus moment by moment for help, strength, and peace. He will help us to hold back from snapping at our loved ones; He will give us the courage to do the next hard thing. Look to Him and find contentment.
By: Amy Boucher Pye
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Reflect & Pray
How has leaning on Jesus helped you to find peace? In what areas of your life are you struggling right now? How could you commit them to God?
Saving Christ, thank You for giving me courage and hope. When I feel weak, help me to find strength in You.



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July 2
Choosing to Honor God
Bible in a Year:

• Job 22–24
• Acts 11

To the faithful you show yourself faithful.

Psalm 18:25
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Psalm 18:20–27
In the novella Family Happiness by Leo Tolstoy, main characters Sergey and Masha meet when Masha is young and impressionable. Sergey is an older, well-traveled businessman who understands the world beyond the rural setting where Masha lives. Over time, the two fall in love and marry.
They settle in the countryside, but Masha becomes bored with her surroundings. Sergey, who adores her, arranges a trip to St. Petersburg. There, Masha’s beauty and charm bring her instant popularity. Just as the couple is about to return home, a prince arrives in town, wanting to meet her. Sergey knows he can force Masha to leave with him, but he lets her make the decision. She chooses to stay, and her betrayal breaks his heart.
Like Sergey, God will never force us to be faithful to Him. Because He loves us, He lets us choose for or against Him. Our first choice for Him happens when we receive His Son, Jesus Christ, as the sacrifice for our sin (1 John 4:9–10). After that, we have a lifetime of decisions to make.
Will we choose faithfulness to God as His Spirit guides us or let the world entice us? David’s life wasn’t perfect, but he often wrote about keeping “the ways of the Lord” and the good outcomes that came from doing so (Psalm 18:21–24). When our choices honor God, we can experience the blessing David described: to the faithful, God shows Himself faithful.
By: Jennifer Benson Schuldt
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Reflect & Pray
When was the last time you made a difficult decision that honored God? How did it affect your relationship with Him?
Dear God, help me to honor You with the choices I make. Thank You for loving me faithfully throughout my life.



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NO ROOTS? NO FRUIT.
July 01, 2021
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Jesus often spoke in allegories or parables. He spoke these words from John 15 to His disciples so that they might understand how fruit is produced in the kingdom of God. Vines and branches produce physical fruit, but Jesus wants us to bear spiritual fruit. He says, “I am the true vine.” Jesus is the Vine and the only reason that fruit is produced in a Christian’s life.

We often try to live productive lives on our own. We forget that our roots are in Christ.. Where there are no roots in Him, there will be no good fruit. If we are connected to Christ and getting our nourishment from His Word, then we will bear spiritual fruit. When we understand this, we can agree with Christ’s claim in John 15:5: “Apart from me you can do nothing.”

So what does this really mean? What can a Christian do to bear spiritual fruit? One of the great lessons we learn from John 15 is that the Christian life cannot be lived only through human effort or good intentions. Jesus says, “Remain in me.” As a vine is attached to a branch, so we are to be attached to Christ. If we know Christ and have been saved by Him, our work is to keep close to Jesus all day, every day.

One of the ways God trains us to bear fruit is through pruning, which is a cleansing or cutting away of the dead branches that have stopped bearing fruit. Why does God prune His people? It’s not because He is angry with us, as many people tend to believe. Instead, He prunes us so that we will bear more fruit and glorify Him.

John 15:3 tells us, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” This affirms that God uses His Word to make us clean. It is through understanding this truth and allowing the Spirit of God to work in our hearts that we can begin to bear good fruit. We keep close to Christ and remain in Him when we keep his Word close to us.

The spiritual fruits that the Christian should desire include good works and godly character. In other words, remaining in Christ will direct what we do and shape who we are.

These good works have a purpose. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus encourages his followers: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our Christlike actions point other people to Christ and glorify God the Father.

When we remain in Jesus Christ and allow his Spirit to work in us, our character will also change. We will start looking more like Christ. Galatians 5:22-23 gives us a picture of what this looks like: “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Jesus, fully God and fully man on earth, is the perfect embodiment of this fruitful life.

When Jesus says that He is the “true vine,” He is reminding us that He is the source of life and that He is the reason for any good fruit produced in our lives. Unless we are rooted in Him, we can do nothing that glorifies God.

Are you keeping close to Christ? How is God’s Word shaping what you do and who you are today?

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July 5
The “What” in Sharing Our Faith
Bible in a Year:

• Job 30–31
• Acts 13:26–52

My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power.

1 Corinthians 2:4
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
1 Corinthians 2:1–5
Alan came to me for advice on how to deal with his fear of public speaking. Like so many others, his heart would begin to race, his mouth would feel sticky and dry, and his face would flush bright red. Glossophobia is among the most common social fears people have—many even joke that they’re more fearful of public speaking than of dying! To help Alan conquer his fear of not “performing” well, I suggested he focus on the substance of his message instead of how well he’d deliver it.
Shifting the focus to what will be shared, instead of one’s ability to share it, is similar to Paul’s approach to pointing others to God. When he wrote to the church at Corinth, he remarked that his message and preaching “were not with wise and persuasive words” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Instead, he’d determined to focus solely on the truth of Jesus Christ and His crucifixion (v. 2), trusting the Holy Spirit to empower his words, not his eloquence as a speaker.
When we’ve come to know God personally, we’ll want to share about Him with those around us. Yet we sometimes shy away from it because we’re afraid of not presenting it well—with the “right” or eloquent words. By focusing instead on the “what”—the truth of who God is and His amazing works—we can, like Paul, trust God to empower our words and share without fear or reluctance.
By: Kirsten Holmberg
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Reflect & Pray
What has prevented you at times from sharing the truth of God with others? How can Paul’s approach embolden you to share the gospel?
Father in heaven, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through the Bible and those You put in my life to share with me. Please help me to share with others, trusting You to empower my words.
To learn more about public speaking in ministry, visit odbu.org/ML111.



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UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE IN 4 WORDS
July 05, 2021

“The Scriptures are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ…” 2 Timothy 3:15

Picture your favorite scene from your favorite movie.

Whether it’s action-packed, dramatic, or outright hilarious, the scene does not encapsulate the entire plot. It fits into a larger story. So, to truly appreciate the scene, you must have a good idea of the movie’s overall storyline.

Just as a movie scene is connected to the rest of the movie, every Bible passage is part of a grand, all-encompassing narrative that stretches from Genesis to Revelation.

Comprised of 66 books and written by 40 authors, the Bible tells one magnificent tory of God’s relentless love for rebellious humanity. A thread of this Story is woven throughout each of the Bible’s 31,102 verses, tying them together as a unified whole. Every unique, smaller story in Scripture is somehow related to this larger Story.

Scholars convey the grand Story of the Bible in 4 concepts:

1. CREATION –The Bible opens with 5 glorious words, “In the beginning, God created…” (Genesis 1:1). God is the main character of this Story, not us. He created the entire universe and made us in His image.

2. FALL – Humankind chose to rebel against God and fell into sin. This not only had devastating consequences in the physical world, but it also separated us from a Holy God.

3.REDEMPTION – God became a man in the person of Jesus Christ. He died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the grave, conquering death forever. Jesus paid the price, or ‘redeemed’ us, so we can be set free from the power and penalty of sin. When we place our faith in Christ, we experience peace and fellowship with God.

4. RESTORATION – Sometimes we forget that the Story is far from over. One day, Jesus will come again. He will restore this fallen world and usher in a kingdom of righteousness. Those who have placed faith in Christ will dwell with Him forever (Revelation 21:3).

____________________________________________________

It’s amazing, isn’t it, that the main concepts of something so complex and intricate as the Bible can be condensed into four words? Keeping these words in your heart and mind can help as you study more of the Bible and see the Story unfold!

BUT…

These 4 concepts are far more than a Bible study tool. There are numerous practical implications.

Let me offer three:

• Our need for salvation –As Paul shares with Timothy, Scripture’s overall aim is to point to our need for salvation. Simply knowing about these 4 concepts is not enough. The grand Story of Scripture must become a living reality through personal faith in Jesus.
  • Ask yourself- Have I truly placed my trust in Christ?
• Meaning and purpose –Life is not meaningless, nor is life ultimately about us. Our Creator and Redeemer invites us to play our individual part within His Story. This infuses everyday life with meaning and purpose, as we serve Him where we live, work, and play.
  • Are you following Him with purpose in your everyday life?
• Sharing the Story –If we genuinely believe the Story is true (and it is), then we should seek to joyfully, boldly, and tactfully proclaim it to the world.
  • Bottom line? Don’t miss any opportunity to share your own story!

Written by Jonathan Munson, Executive Director RFTH

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July 8
Blocked Prayers
Bible in a Year:

• Job 36–37
• Acts 15:22–41

When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Mark 11:25
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Mark 11:20–25
For fourteen years, the Mars rover Opportunity faithfully communicated with the people at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. After it landed in 2004, it traversed twenty-eight miles of the Martian surface, took thousands of images, and analyzed many materials. But in 2018, communication between Opportunity and scientists ended when a major dust storm coated its solar panels, causing the rover to lose power.
Is it possible that we can allow “dust” to block our communication with Someone outside of our world? When it comes to prayer—communicating with God—there are certain things that can get in the way.
Scripture says that sin can block our relationship with God. “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened” (Psalm 66:18). Jesus instructs, “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins” (Mark 11:25). Our communication with God can also be hindered by doubt and relationship problems (James 1:5–7; 1 Peter 3:7).
Opportunity’s blockage of communication seems to be permanent. But our prayers don’t have to be blocked. By the work of the Holy Spirit, God lovingly draws us to restored communication with Him. As we confess our sins and turn to Him, by God’s grace we experience the greatest communication the universe has ever known: one-to-one prayer between us and our holy God.
By: Dave Branon
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Reflect & Pray
How can confessing your sins to God improve your communication with Him? What can you do to enrich your prayer life?
Father, guide me to discover what's limiting my communication with You. Thank You for helping me connect with You!

 

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July 12
Jesus Restores Us
Bible in a Year:

• Psalms 4–6
• Acts 17:16–34

The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

Genesis 3:21
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
Genesis 3:17–24
Although Sam had done nothing wrong, he lost his job on the assembly line. Carelessness in another division led to problems in cars they built. After several crashes made the news, wary customers stopped buying their brand. The company had to downsize, leaving Sam out of work. He’s collateral damage, and it isn’t fair. It never is.
History’s first collateral damage occurred immediately after the first sin. Adam and Eve were ashamed of their nakedness, so God graciously clothed them with “garments of skin” (Genesis 3:21). It’s painful to imagine, but one or more animals that had always been safe in the garden were now slaughtered and skinned.
There was more to come. God told Israel, “Every day you are to provide a year-old lamb without defect for a burnt offering to the Lord; morning by morning you shall provide it” (Ezekiel 46:13). Every. Single. Day. How many thousands of animals have been sacrificed because of human sin?
Their death was necessary to cover our sin until Jesus, the Lamb of God, came to remove it (John 1:29). Call this “collateral repair.” As Adam’s sin kills us, so the Last Adam’s (Christ’s) obedience restores all who believe in Him (Romans 5:17–19). Collateral repair isn’t fair—it cost Jesus’ life—but it’s free. Reach out to Jesus in belief and receive the salvation He offers, and His righteous life will count for you.
By: Mike Wittmer
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Reflect & Pray
When have you suffered for someone else’s mistake? When have you benefited from someone’s success, and how should you think about both situations?
Jesus, I believe in You, and I know Your life counts for me.

 

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THE HOPE OF JESUS NEVER WAIVERS
July 12, 2021
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Can a person be thankful in times of suffering? Think back on your past year. Very often there’s a mix of uplifting highs and frustrating lows. But perhaps your 2020 was more lows than highs: COVID, losing a loved one, a career or financial setback, a serious health crisis, or a relationship falling apart. Get hit by one or more of these challenges and walking in gratitude is probably not high on your list of priorities – but maybe it can be.

Gratitude is a God-given command for followers of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:18), but this doesn’t mean being thankful for a particular tragedy, suffering, or difficulty. It’s about shifting our focus from our current suffering and focusing on God. It’s about remembering WHO God is and WHAT He’s capable of, no matter how circumstances may appear. It’s remembering that when Jesus Christ went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins, He promised eternal life which means victory over suffering, sin, and even death itself – for those who put their trust in Him.

All of our pains, disappointments, and sufferings are temporary – but our hope through Jesus is eternal.

Are you walking through a season of grief and suffering? Are you struggling to get back up after being hit by one difficulty after another? Take your eyes off the problem and look to God. Ask God for HIS strength and guidance to persevere. Because for the Jesus follower, even when everything that could go wrong does, the hope of Jesus never waivers.

Hope and trust in Jesus is the key to being thankful!

 

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July 14
Listen and Learn
Bible in a Year:

• Psalms 10–12
• Acts 19:1–20

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

James 1:19
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Today's Scripture & Insight:
James 1:19–27
On one side of the street a homeowner displays in his yard a giant blow-up bald eagle draped in a US flag. A big truck sits in the driveway. Its side window features a painted flag and the back bumper is covered with patriotic stickers. Directly across the street in a neighbor’s yard are signs that highlight the slogans for current social justice issues in the news.
Are the people in these homes feuding or friends? we might wonder. Is it possible that both families are believers in Jesus? God calls us to live out the words of James 1:19: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” Too often we stubbornly hold on to our opinions and aren’t willing to consider what others are thinking. Matthew Henry’s Commentary has this to say: “We should be swift to hear reason and truth on all sides, and be slow to speak . . . and, when we do speak, there should be nothing of wrath.”
Someone has said, “Learning requires listening.” The practical words from God in the book of James can only be accomplished if we’re filled with God’s loving Spirit and choose to respect others. He’s willing to help us make changes in our hearts and attitudes. Are we open to listen and learn?
By: Anne Cetas
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Reflect & Pray
How does God want you to put James 1 into practice? Whom might you need to listen to and hear?
You know me, God. I can be opinionated sometimes. Help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak.