November 2020 - Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada

Giving Our Best

Read: Malachi 1:8–14 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 37–39; 2 Peter 2

He will purify . . . and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness. Malachi 3:3

We stared at the piles of donated shoes as we entered a local homeless shelter. The director had invited our youth group to help sort through the heaps of used footwear. We spent the morning searching for matches and lining them up in rows across the concrete floor. At the end of the day, we threw away more than half of the shoes because they were too damaged for others to use. Though the shelter couldn’t stop people from giving poor quality items, they refused to distribute shoes that were in bad condition.

The Israelites struggled with giving God their damaged goods too. When He spoke through the prophet Malachi, He rebuked the Israelites for sacrificing blind, lame, or diseased animals when they had strong animals to offer (Malachi 1:6–8). He announced His displeasure (v. 10), affirmed His worthiness, and reprimanded the Israelites for keeping the best for themselves (v. 14). But God also promised to send the Messiah, whose love and grace would transform their hearts and ignite their desire to bring offerings that would be pleasing to Him (3:1–4).

At times, it can be tempting to give God our leftovers. We praise Him and expect Him to give us His all, yet we offer Him our crumbs. When we consider all God has done, we can rejoice in celebrating His worthiness and giving Him our very best.

Why are you sometimes tempted to give God your leftovers or damaged goods? In what ways will you give Him your best today?

Mighty God, please help me place You first and give You my best.

INSIGHT

Malachi confronted the people of Israel for their lack of respect and honor for God. This was demonstrated by their disregard for the purity of their sacrifices. They brought sacrifices that were blind, lame, and sick (1:8). In contrast, God required that the sacrifices brought to Him be without defect (see Leviticus 1:3, 10; 3:1, 6; 4:3, 23, 28, 32). God gave good gifts to the Israelites, and He expected they’d offer good gifts to Him in return. Offering a defective sacrifice was a sign of disrespect; they were performing a ritual rather than honoring God from the heart.

By Xochitl Dixon|2020-11-30T08:06:04-05:00November 30th, 2020|

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Sweet Again

Read: Isaiah 25:1–9 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 35–36; 2 Peter 1

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On this mountain the Lord Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples. Isaiah 25:6

Russian wedding customs are filled with beauty and significance. One such custom takes place during the reception as the toastmaster proposes a toast in honor of the couple. Everyone takes a sip from their raised glass and then shouts, “Gor’ko! Gor’ko!” meaning “Bitter! Bitter!” When the guests shout that word, the newlyweds must rise and kiss each other in order to make the drink sweet again.

Isaiah prophesies that the bitter drink of desolation, ruin, and the curse upon the earth (ch. 24) will give way to the sweet hope of a new heaven and new earth (ch. 25). God will prepare a feast of rich foods and the finest and sweetest of drinks. It will be a banquet of continual blessing, fruitfulness, and provision for all people (25:6). There’s more. Under the sovereign reign of the righteous King, death is swallowed up, bitter tears are wiped away, and the shroud of disgrace is removed (vv. 7–8). And His people will rejoice because the One they trusted in and waited for will bring salvation and turn the bitter cup of life sweet again (v. 9).

One day, we’ll be together with Jesus at the wedding supper of the Lamb. When He welcomes His bride (the church) home, the promise of Isaiah 25 will be fulfilled. The life once bitter will be made sweet again.

What makes you long for God to make what is bitter sweet again? While you wait for Jesus’ return, what are some things you can do to make others’ bitter experience sweet again?

God, as I witness and experience so much pain, suffering, ruin, and death, sometimes it’s difficult to believe You’ll make what is bitter sweet again. Help me to put my hope in You, the One who’s promised to give me beauty for ashes and joy for mourning.

INSIGHT

Isaiah 25:6–8 announces a great feast accompanied by the promise of God’s redemption of the earth from the dark cloud of death that hangs over it. The mountain mentioned in verse 6 refers to Mount Zion, on which Jerusalem stands. The promise of the great feast on that mountain shows the centrality of Israel for God’s purposes. But the promise of the feast for “all peoples” shows that Israel doesn’t exhaust the extent of God’s blessings (v. 6). In fact, it’s the means through which God will bless all nations—seen especially through Israel’s king who comes to Zion (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1–5).

By Marvin Williams|2020-11-29T08:06:05-05:00November 29th, 2020|

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Breath and Brevity

Read: Psalm 139:7–16 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 33–34; 1 Peter 5

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All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16

Mom, my sisters, and I waited by Dad’s bed as his breaths became shallower and less and less frequent—until they were no more. Dad was a few days shy of eighty-nine when he slipped quietly into the life beyond where God awaited him. His departure left us with a void where he once resided and only memories and mementos to remind us of him. Yet we have the hope that one day we’ll be reunited.

We have that hope because we believe Dad is with God, who knows and loves him. When Dad breathed his first breath, God was there breathing breath into his lungs (Isaiah 42:5). Yet even before his first and with every breath in between, God was intimately involved in each detail of Dad’s life, just as He is in yours and mine. It was God who wonderfully designed and “knit” him together in the womb (Psalm 139:13–14). And when Dad breathed his last breath, God’s Spirit was there, holding him in love and carrying him to be with Him (vv. 7–10).

The same is true for all of God’s children. Every moment of our brief life on earth is known by Him (vv. 1–4). We’re precious to Him. With each day remaining and in anticipation of the life beyond, let’s join with “everything that has breath” to praise Him. “Praise the Lord”! (150:6).

How does knowing that God is intimately involved in your life give you hope? How can you use your breath to praise Him?

Loving God, thank You for creating me and giving me breath—and for giving me hope. In the sorrow and losses of life, help me to cling to You.

INSIGHT

Responding to the threat of his enemies who are intent on killing him (Psalm 139:19–22), David turns his thoughts to God and meditates on who He is. The poet is perplexed by God’s omniscience—His knowledge of everything about him (vv. 1–6). He’s assured by God’s omnipresence—that He’s ever-present and will never forsake him (vv. 7–12). And he’s overwhelmed by His omnipotence—He’s the all-powerful Creator who created him (vv. 13–18). David speaks of a God who’s always present to guide him, provide for him, and protect him. There’s no place where he’s outside of God’s providential presence and care (vv. 7–12). Therefore, he’s committed to living a blameless life (vv. 23–24), for “everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).

By Alyson Kieda|2020-11-28T08:06:03-05:00November 28th, 2020|

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Facing the Battle

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:1–11 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 30–32; 1 Peter 4

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Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

Not long ago I met up with a group of friends. As I listened to the conversation, it seemed like everyone in the room was facing some significant battle. Two of us had parents fighting cancer, one had a child with an eating disorder, another friend was experiencing chronic pain, and another was facing major surgery. It seemed a lot for a bunch of people in their thirties and forties.

First Chronicles 16 recounts a key moment in Israel’s history when the ark of the covenant was brought into the City of David (Jerusalem). Samuel tells us it happened in a moment of peace between battles (2 Samuel 7:1). When the ark was in place, symbolizing God’s presence, David led the people in a song of praise (1 Chronicles 16:8–36). Together the nation sang of God’s wonder-working power, His promise-keeping ways, and His past protection (vv. 12–22). “Look to the Lord and his strength,” they cried out; “seek his face always” (v. 11). They’d need to, because more battles were coming.

Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face. That’s not bad advice to follow when illness, family concerns, and other battles confront us, because we haven’t been left to fight in our own waning energies. God is present; God is strong; He’s looked after us in the past and will do so again.

Our God will get us through.

What battle do you need God’s power to face right now? How can you hand your struggle to Him?

Wonder-working God, I hand over this battle to You. I trust in Your strength and Your promises.

INSIGHT

A private moment mars the elation with which David welcomed the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. His wife, Michal, tells him how embarrassed she was to see him dancing in the streets of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:29; 2 Samuel 6:16–23).

Michal may be speaking out of her own hurt. She was the daughter of a king who gave her to David with thoughts of killing him (1 Samuel 18:20–28). Later Saul gave her as a gift to one of his friends (25:44)—only to have David take her back when he came to the throne (2 Samuel 3:13–16). Now with her father and brothers killed in battle (1 Chronicles 10), Michal is a lingering reminder of her father’s troubled and dying legacy (2 Samuel 6:23).

By Sheridan Voysey|2020-11-27T08:06:02-05:00November 27th, 2020|

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Giving Thanks Always

Read: Isaiah 12 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 27–29; 1 Peter 3

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Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Isaiah 12:4

In the seventeenth century, Martin Rinkart served as a clergyman in Saxony, Germany, for more than thirty years during times of war and plague. One year he conducted more than 4,000 funerals, including his wife’s, and at times food was so scarce that his family went hungry. Although he could have despaired, his faith in God remained strong and he gave thanks continually. In fact, he poured his gratitude into “Nun danket alle Gott,” the song that became the well-loved English hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God.”

Rinkart followed the example of the prophet Isaiah, who instructed God’s people to give thanks at all times, including when they’d disappointed God (Isaiah 12:1) or when enemies oppressed them. Even then they were to exalt God’s name, making “known among the nations what he has done” (v. 4).

We might give thanks easily during harvest celebrations such as Thanksgiving, when we’re enjoying an abundant feast with friends and family. But can we express our gratitude to God in difficult times, such as when we’re missing someone from our table or when we’re struggling with our finances or when we’re locked in conflict with one close to us?

Let’s echo Pastor Rinkart, joining hearts and voices as we give praise and thanks to “the eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore.” We can “sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things” (v. 5).

In times of hardship, how do you turn to thanksgiving and praise? What role does God through His Holy Spirit play in this?

Father God, I thank You for Your amazing work in my life. You love me unendingly, more than I can even express.

INSIGHT

Salvation—a term used to express rescue, deliverance, and victory—is a major theme in the Old and New Testaments. Though used extensively in Isaiah (the noun form occurs more than twenty-five times), the first time it’s explicitly used is in 12:2–3. The root of the word translated “salvation” in these verses is the most important word for salvation in the Old Testament. It’s the verb yaw-shah’, which signifies “freedom from that which binds or restricts; . . . to deliver, liberate, give length and breadth to.”

Salvation is also a favorite word for the psalmist (used approximately forty times) including verses like, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). Jonah declared, “Salvation comes from the Lord” (Jonah 2:9). The name Joshua comes from this word and means, “The Lord saves.” The name Jesus (Matthew 1:21) is the Greek word for Joshua.

By Amy Boucher Pye|2020-11-26T08:06:05-05:00November 26th, 2020|

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Anyone and Everyone

Read: Romans 10:5–15 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 24–26; 1 Peter 2

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Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Romans 10:13

The country of El Salvador has honored Jesus by placing a sculpture of Him in the center of its capital city. Although the monument resides in the middle of a busy traffic circle, its height makes it easy to see, and its name—The Divine Savior of the World—communicates reverence for His supernatural status.

The monument’s name affirms what the Bible says about Jesus (1 John 4:14). He’s the One who offers salvation to everyone. Christ crosses cultural boundaries and accepts any sincere person who wants to know Him, regardless of age, education, ethnicity, past sin, or social status.

The apostle Paul traveled the ancient world telling people about Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. He shared this good news with political and religious authorities, soldiers, Jews, gentiles, men, women, and children. Paul explained that a person could begin a relationship with Christ by declaring “Jesus is Lord” and believing that God had indeed raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). He said, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame. . . . Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (vv. 11, 13).

Jesus isn’t a distant image to be honored; we must have a person-to-person connection with Him through faith. May we see the value of the salvation He offers and move forward into a spiritual relationship with Him today.

How can you get closer to Jesus today? Do you follow Paul’s “anyone and everyone” approach to sharing the good news about Christ?

Jesus, thank You for loving everyone and offering eternal life to anyone who truly wants to know You. Help me to represent You well in the world today.

INSIGHT

In Romans 10:5–15, Paul cites multiple references from the Law (the first five books of Scripture). But in verses 11 and 13, he quotes from Isaiah 28:16 and Joel 2:32. When he cites Isaiah, he quotes the Septuagint—the Greek translation of the Scriptures. This is why the quotations don’t match precisely: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame” (Romans 10:11) and “the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic” (Isaiah 28:16). In quoting Joel, Paul uses the Old Testament term Yahweh (Lord) and applies it to Jesus. Paul is clearly teaching his readers that Christ is Lord.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt|2020-11-25T08:06:04-05:00November 25th, 2020|

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Taught by Turkeys

Read: Matthew 6:25–34 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 22–23; 1 Peter 1

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Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Matthew 6:26

Do you know what a group of turkeys is called? It’s called a rafter. Why am I writing about turkeys? Because I’ve just returned from a weekend at a mountain cabin. Each day, I marveled at the train of turkeys parading past our porch.

I’d never turkey-watched before. They scratched fiercely with spectacular talons. Then they hunted and pecked at the ground. Eating, I assume. (Since this was my first turkey-observation time, I wasn’t 100 percent positive.) The scrawny scrubs in the area didn’t look like they could sustain anything. Yet here were these turkeys, a dozen of them, all of which looked delectably plump.

Watching those well-fed turkeys brought to mind Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Jesus uses God’s provision for seemingly worthless birds to remind us of His care for us. If a bird’s life matters, how much more does ours? Jesus then contrasts fretting about our daily needs (vv. 27–31) with a life in which we “seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (v. 33), one in which we’re confident of His rich provision for our needs. Because if God can care for that rafter of wild turkeys, He can certainly look after you and me.

Where have you seen God provide for something that you were worrying about? How might remembering and reflecting on His provision in the past help you not to be anxious in the future?

Father, sometimes I get scared. I worry. I struggle to trust. Thank You for Your care for me. Help me to remember Your provision in the past so I’m better able to trust You with future fears.

INSIGHT

Matthew 6:25–34 encourages us not to be anxious about food and clothing, the basic needs of every human for survival. This, of course, isn’t all we worry about. Worrying distracts believers in Jesus from full devotion to Him. Verse 32 says that “pagans run after all these things.” “Pagans” likely refers to those outside the community of believers. The context of verse 33 indicates that anxiety fades when we focus on God’s kingdom. When the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of God, we can step back from worry and remember that He’ll take care of us.

By Adam Holz|2020-11-24T08:06:04-05:00November 24th, 2020|

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Space for Me

Read: Mark 3:13–19 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 20–21; James 5

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Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. Mark 3:13

He was an aging military veteran, rough-edged and given to even rougher language. One day a friend cared enough about him to inquire about his spiritual beliefs. The man’s dismissive response came quickly: “God doesn’t have space for someone like me.”

Perhaps that was just part of his “tough-guy” act, but his words couldn’t be further from the truth! God creates space especially for the rough, the guilt-ridden, and the excluded to belong and thrive in His community. This was obvious from the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when He made some surprising choices for His disciples. First, He chose several fishermen from Galilee—the “wrong side of the tracks” from the perspective of those in Jerusalem. He also selected a tax collector, Matthew, whose profession included extorting from his oppressed countrymen. Then, for good measure, Jesus invited the “other” Simon—“the Zealot” (Mark 3:18).

We don’t know much about this Simon (he isn’t Simon Peter), but we do know about the Zealots. They hated traitors like Matthew, who got rich by collaborating with the despised Romans. Yet with divine irony, Jesus chose Simon along with Matthew, brought them together, and blended them into His team.

Don’t write anyone off as too “bad” for Jesus. After all, He said, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). He has plenty of space for the tough cases—people like you and me.

Who do you know that you think is unlikely to give their life to Jesus? How might you invite them to consider who Christ is and the space He has for them?

Dear Father, thank You that salvation is available to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus.

INSIGHT

Jesus prayerfully and selectively appointed twelve men whom He designated as apostles (Luke 6:12–18) for two specific purposes: to “be with him” and “to send them out to preach” (Mark 3:14). The Greek word apóstolos means, “one who is sent, an ambassador.”

The Gospels tell of the conversion stories for some of them: Simon Peter and Andrew (sons of John) and James and John (sons of Zebedee) were fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20; Luke 5:1–11; John 1:35-42). Philip and Nathanael (scholars say Nathanael is the same person as Bartholomew), were from the fishing town of Bethsaida and were likely fishermen as well (John 1:43–51). Matthew [Levi] was a tax-collector from Capernaum (Mark 2:1, 14; Luke 5:27–28). We don’t know the conversion stories of the others: Thomas (John 20:24–25); James, son of Alphaeus (Mark 3:18); Thaddaeus (scholars equate him with Judas son of James, 3:18; Luke 6:16); Simon the Zealot (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13); and Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, who betrayed Jesus (John 6:71).

By Tim Gustafson|2020-11-23T08:06:03-05:00November 23rd, 2020|

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An Open, Generous Heart

Read: 1 Timothy 6:17–19 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 18–19; James 4

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Be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

After Vicki’s old car broke down with no option for repair, she started scraping together money for another vehicle. Chris, a frequent customer of the restaurant where Vicki works at the drive-thru window, one day heard her mention she needed a car. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Chris said. “I [had] to do something.” So he bought his son’s used car (his son had just put it up for sale), shined it up, and handed Vicki the keys. Vicki was shocked. “Who . . . does that?” she said in amazement and gratitude.

The Scriptures call us to live with open hands, giving freely as we can—providing what’s truly best for those in need. As Paul says: “Command [those who are rich] to do good, to be rich in good deeds” (1 Timothy 6:18). We don’t merely perform a benevolent act here or there, but rather live out a cheerful spirit of giving. Big-heartedness is our normal way of life. “Be generous and willing to share,” we’re told (v. 18).

As we live with an open, generous heart, we don’t need to fear running out of what we need. Rather, the Bible tells us that in our compassionate generosity, we’re taking “hold of [true] life” (v. 19). With God, genuine living means loosening our grip on what we have and giving to others freely.

When do you struggle the most with being generous? How does God’s generous heart encourage you to give more freely?

I want to hold what I have loosely, God. I want to be generous, like You. Transform my heart and help me to give freely.

INSIGHT

In 1 Timothy and throughout the Bible, God’s people are encouraged to give generously (6:18). We’re told that when we do, we’re blessed in return. Deuteronomy 15:10 states, “Give generously . . . without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” In Proverbs we read, “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor” (22:9). Why give? Because God “richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). As James declares, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights” (James 1:17). The apostle Paul, who also wrote the letters to Timothy, offers this guideline for giving: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

By Winn Collier|2020-11-22T08:06:03-05:00November 22nd, 2020|

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Instruments of Peace

Read: James 3:13–18 | Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 16–17; James 3

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Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:18

When World War I erupted in 1914, British statesman Sir Edward Grey declared, “The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.” Grey was right. When the “war to end all wars” finally ended, some 20 million had been killed (10 million of them civilians) and another 21 million injured.

While not on the same scale or magnitude, devastation can also occur in our personal lives. Our home, workplace, church, or neighborhood can also be shrouded by the dark specter of conflict. This is one of the reasons God calls us to be difference-makers in the world. But to do so we must rely on His wisdom. The apostle James wrote, “The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17–18).

The role of peacemaker is significant because of its harvest. The word righteousness means “right standing” or “right relationship.” Peacemakers can help restore relationships. No wonder Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). His children, relying on His wisdom, become instruments of His peace where it’s needed most.

In what personal conflicts do you need the light of God’s wisdom? How can His peace enable you to be a peacemaker when people around you choose to fight?

Father, Your light penetrates the deepest darkness and Your peace calms the most troubled heart. Help me know Your wisdom and peace and carry it to others in their struggles as well.

Listen to Discover the Word, “Why Can’t We All Just Get Along?” at DiscoverTheWord.org/series/why-can’t-we-all-just-get-along/.

INSIGHT

James 3 demonstrates why the label “the Proverbs of the New Testament” fits the book of James. For example, both books share the common themes of speech and wisdom. James 3:5–12 describes the power of the tongue and its potential for destruction (see Proverbs 10:19–20, 31; 15:2, 4).

James 3:13–18 turns the readers’ attention to wisdom and matters of the heart: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth” (v. 14). The characteristics of earthly or demonic “wisdom” in verses 15–16—envy, selfish ambition, disorder, evil practices—are contrasted with the virtuous qualities of true wisdom from God, which is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial, and sincere (v. 17). The importance of wisdom can also be seen in Proverbs 1:7; 3:13–18; 4:6–7; 14:8; and 29:11.

By Bill Crowder|2020-11-21T08:06:04-05:00November 21st, 2020|

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Giving Our Best

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Sweet Again

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Breath and Brevity

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Facing the Battle

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Giving Thanks Always

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Anyone and Everyone

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Taught by Turkeys

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Space for Me

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An Open, Generous Heart

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Instruments of Peace

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