May 2021 - Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada

Secret Giver

Read: Matthew 6:1–4 | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 13–14; John 12:1–26

Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. Matthew 6:1

For Christopher, a physically disabled veteran, everyday activities had become more challenging, took longer to finish, and increased his pain. Still, he did his best to serve his wife and child. Passersby would see him using a push-mower to cut his lawn every week.

One day, Christopher received a letter—and an expensive riding lawnmower—from an anonymous donor. The secret giver’s satisfaction came through the privilege of helping someone in need.

Jesus doesn’t say that all our giving should be in secret, but He does remind us to check our motives when we give (Matthew 6:1). He also said: “When you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others” (v. 2). While God expects us to be openhanded givers, He encourages us to avoid doing good deeds in front of people for the purpose of receiving accolades or special recognition (v. 3).

When we realize everything we have comes from God, we can be secret givers who don’t need to pat our own backs or gain the admiration of others. Our all-knowing Giver of all good things delights in the genuine generosity of His people. Nothing beats the reward of His approval.

How has God helped you through someone else’s secret giving? Who can you help with an anonymous gift today?

Loving God, please bless me with opportunities to give as selflessly and sacrificially as You have given to me.

Read Compassion: Learning to Love Like Jesus at DiscoverySeries.org/Q0208.

INSIGHT

Having dealt with the burdensome teachings of the Pharisees (Matthew 5:21–48), Jesus now deals with their hypocritical piety. He discusses three acts of piety common in all religions that were meticulously observed by every devout Jew—almsgiving, prayer, and fasting (6:1–18). Almsgiving, or giving to the poor, was commanded in the Law (Deuteronomy 15:7–11). And the book of Proverbs says that those who help the poor are blessed (Proverbs 14:21; 19:17). However, Jesus warns not to use this duty as a platform to earn human praise (Matthew 6:1–2). God isn’t pleased with a showcased or theatrical display of pride and self-glorification. Giving should be done “in secret”—only witnessed by God. Then God “who sees what is done in secret” will reward us (v. 4).

By Xochitl Dixon|2021-05-31T09:06:04-04:00May 31st, 2021|

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Worth It, or Worthy?

Read: Revelation 5:6–12 | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 10–12; John 11:30–57

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Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain. Revelation 5:12

Helen Roseveare, an English missionary physician in the African Congo, was taken prisoner by rebels during the Simba Rebellion in 1964. Beaten and abused by her captors, she suffered terribly. In the days that followed, she found herself asking, “Is it worth it?”

As she began to ponder the cost of following Jesus, she sensed God speaking to her about it. Years later she explained to an interviewer, “When the awful moments came during the rebellion and the price seemed too high to pay, the Lord seemed to say to me, ‘Change the question. It’s not, ‘Is it worth it?’ It’s ‘Am I worthy?’ ” She concluded that in spite of the pain she had endured, “Always the answer is ‘Yes, He is worthy.’ ”

Through God’s grace at work within her during her harrowing ordeal, Helen Roseveare decided that the Savior who had suffered even death for her was worthy to be followed no matter what she faced. Her words “He is worthy” echo the cries of those surrounding Jesus’ throne in the book of Revelation: “In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’ ” (5:12).

Our Savior suffered and bled and died for us, giving Himself entirely, so that we may freely receive eternal life and hope. His all deserves our all. He is worthy!

How does Jesus’ death and resurrection prove He’s greater than any circumstance you face? In what ways will you tell Him He’s worthy today?

You are always worthy to be worshiped, Jesus! Please help me to live today in Your presence with a grateful heart.

INSIGHT

Revelation, the last book of the Bible, alludes repeatedly to the misunderstood nature and ways of the King of kings. Almost thirty times in 5:6–22:3 “the revelation from Jesus Christ” (1:1) refers to the conquering “Lion of the tribe of Judah” (5:5) as “the Lamb” who has been slaughtered to take away the sin of the world (v. 6; see Isaiah 53:7–8; John 1:29). Jesus alone is portrayed as worthy to open the book of the future because He was slain (Revelation 4:1; 5:2–3, 9–10). He allowed the full force of evil to fall on Him to expose and conquer the lies of the serpent (12:9–10). Just as the Lamb of God was eternally destined to be misunderstood in self-sacrifice (Isaiah 53:4–6), those suffering the inevitable judgment and consequences of satanic rebellion will blame their fate on a God whose heart they still don’t understand (Revelation 6:16–17; Job 1–2).

By James Banks|2021-05-30T09:06:05-04:00May 30th, 2021|

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Death Zone

Read: 2 Samuel 11:1–6, 12–15 | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 7–9; John 11:1–29

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But David remained in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 11:1

In 2019, a climber saw his last sunrise from the peak of Mount Everest. He survived the dangerous ascent, but the high altitude squeezed his heart, and he passed away on the trek down. One medical expert warns climbers not to think of the summit as their journey’s end. They must get up and down quickly, remembering “they’re in the death zone.”

David survived his dangerous climb to the top. He killed lions and bears, slew Goliath, dodged Saul’s spear and pursuing army, and conquered Philistines and Ammonites to become king of the mountain.

But David forgot he was in the death zone. At the peak of his success, as “the Lord gave David victory wherever he went” (2 Samuel 8:6), he committed adultery and murder. His initial mistake? He lingered on the mountaintop. When his army set out for new challenges, he “remained in Jerusalem” (11:1). David once had volunteered to fight Goliath; now he relaxed in the accolades of his triumphs.

It’s hard to stay grounded when everyone, including God, says you’re special (7:11–16). But we must. If we’ve achieved some success, we may appropriately celebrate the accomplishment and accept congratulations, but we must keep moving. We’re in the death zone. Come down the mountain. Humbly serve others in the valley—asking God to guard your heart and your steps.

Are you climbing your mountain or near the top? How might you avoid the pitfalls that come with success?

Father, grant me success, and protect me from its excess.

INSIGHT

We see the results of temptation throughout the Bible, beginning in the garden of Eden and clearly here in David’s situation (2 Samuel 11). The New Testament tells us that Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan in the desert for forty days (see Matthew 4; Mark 1; Luke 4). And so “because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted [yet without sinning], he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15). We’re to “watch and pray so that [we] will not fall into temptation” (Matthew 26:41).

By Mike Wittmer|2021-05-29T09:06:23-04:00May 29th, 2021|

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Rainbow Halo

Read: Genesis 9:12–17 | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 4–6; John 10:24–42

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My rainbow . . . will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Genesis 9:13

On a hike in the mountains, Adrian found himself above some low-lying clouds. With the sun behind him, Adrian looked down and saw not only his shadow but also a brilliant display known as a Brocken spectre. This phenomenon resembles a rainbow halo, encircling the shadow of the person. It occurs when the sunlight reflects back off the clouds below. Adrian described it as a “magical” moment, one that delighted him immensely.

We can imagine how similarly stunning seeing the first rainbow must have been for Noah. More than just a delight to his eyes, the refracted light and resulting colors came with a promise from God. After a devastating flood, God assured Noah, and all the “living creatures” who’ve lived since, that “never again [would] the waters become a flood to destroy all life” (Genesis 9:15).

Our earth still experiences floods and other frightening weather that results in tragic loss, but the rainbow is a promise that God will never judge the earth again with a worldwide flood. This promise of His faithfulness can remind us that though we individually will experience personal losses and physical death on this earth—whether by disease, natural disaster, wrongdoing, or advancing age—God bolsters us with His love and presence throughout the difficulties we face. Sunlight reflecting colors through water is a reminder of His faithfulness to fill the earth with those who bear His image and reflect His glory to others.

How does God’s promise reassure you in the midst of weather-related catastrophes? Who in your life needs your reflection of God’s glory?

Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness to protect and provide for me by sustaining the natural laws of Your creation. Help me to reflect Your glory to those around me.

INSIGHT

The word covenant (Genesis 9:12–17) is a translation of the Hebrew word ber-eeth’. This widely used word in the Old Testament (close to 280 times) conveys ideas such as a pact, an agreement, or a bond between two or more persons. Entrance into the covenant bound the participant(s) to the stipulated terms. Treaties could be unilateral, where one party subscribed to self-generated commitments. While in other arrangements, multiple parties agreed to specific terms. The covenant God made with Noah was unilateral. Four elements were essential: parties, conditions, results, and security. In the Noahic covenant, the parties were God, Noah and his descendants, and the earth (vv. 12, 13, 16); the conditions were that mankind would be fruitful and fill the earth (vv. 1, 7); the result was God’s preservation of the earth and mankind (vv. 11, 15); and the security was the rainbow (vv. 12–17).

By Kirsten Holmberg|2021-05-28T09:06:03-04:00May 28th, 2021|

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Flourish Again

Read: Exodus 1:6–14 | Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 1–3; John 10:1–23

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The more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread. Exodus 1:12

Given enough sunlight and water, vibrant wildflowers carpet areas of California such as Antelope Valley and Figueroa Mountain. But what happens when drought strikes? Scientists have discovered that certain wildflowers store large quantities of their seeds underground instead of allowing them to push through the soil and bloom. After the drought, the plants use the seeds they’ve saved to begin to flourish again.

The ancient Israelites thrived in the land of Egypt, despite harsh conditions. Slave masters forced them to work in fields and make bricks. Ruthless overseers required them to build entire cities for Pharaoh. The king of Egypt even tried to use infanticide to reduce their numbers. However, because God sustained them, “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread” (Exodus 1:12). Many Bible scholars estimate that the population of Israelite men, women, and children grew to two million (or more) during their time in Egypt.

God, who preserved His people then, is upholding us today as well. He can help us in any environment. We may worry about enduring through another season. But the Bible assures us that God, who “cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and [are gone] tomorrow,” can provide for our needs (Matthew 6:30 nlt).

Why is it so hard to trust God during life’s “dry” seasons? How has God provided for you in the past, and how might the story of His faithfulness encourage someone you know?

Father, sometimes it’s so hard to keep going. Please meet my needs today, and help me to persevere through the power of Your Holy Spirit.

Read Why Doesn’t God Answer Me? Trusting in Times of Doubt and Trial at DiscoverySeries.org/HP112.

INSIGHT

From around 1650 to 1550 bc, Semitic foreigners the Egyptians called “shepherd kings,” or Hyksos, took over and ruled the northern part of Egypt where the Israelites lived. It’s possible that the expulsion of these rulers around 1540 bc form the background of Exodus, in which a “new” (Exodus 1:8) dynasty shows extreme suspicion towards remaining Semites in Egypt. Remnants of the Hyksos may be the “enemies” (v. 10) Pharaoh fears the Israelites will ally with.

Pharaoh’s proposed solution was oppressing the Israelites in increasingly severe ways, beginning with forced labor in the dynasty’s ambitious construction projects (v. 11). Because the only stone available in Egypt was to be found in the far south of the country, the Israelites were given the intense work of making bricks with clay mixed with a binder like shells or straw (v. 14). In the dry, hot climate of Egypt, these bricks were quite durable once dried.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt|2021-05-27T19:51:16-04:00May 27th, 2021|

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Brave Love

Read: 1 Corinthians 16:10–14 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 28–29; John 9:24–41

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Do everything in love. 1 Corinthians 16:14

The four chaplains weren’t known as “heroes.” But on a frigid February night in 1943, when their transport ship, the SS Dorchester, was torpedoed off the coast of Greenland during World War II, the four gave their all to calm hundreds of panicked soldiers. With the ship sinking and injured men jumping for overcrowded lifeboats, the four chaplains calmed the pandemonium by “preaching courage,” a survivor said.

When life jackets ran out, each took his off, giving it to a frightened young man. They had determined to go down with the ship so that others might live. Said one survivor, “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven.”

Linking arms as the ship began to sink, the chaplains prayed aloud together, offering encouragement to those perishing with them.

Bravery marks their saga. Love, however, defines the gift the four offered. Paul urged such love of all believers, including those in the storm-tossed church at Corinth. Roiled by conflict, corruption, and sin, Paul urged them to “be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Then he added, “Do everything in love” (v. 14).

It’s a sterling command for every believer in Jesus, especially during a crisis. In life, when upheaval threatens, our bravest response reflects Christ—giving to others His love.

Why does selfless love reflect Jesus? How can His love influence how you respond in a turbulent situation?

Jesus, when I don’t feel brave, which is often, stir up my courage to boldly offer love.

INSIGHT

In 1 Corinthians 16:14, as Paul was about to close the longest of his epistles, he included these words as one of his final exhortations: “Do everything in love.” However, this wasn’t before stringing together a series of four commands in verse 13, all of which are military words. The first word, guard (grēgoreō), means to watch, to be awake, alert (see Mark 13:35, 37; Acts 20:31). The next word, firm (stḗkō), means to stand fast or to hold one’s ground (see Galatians 5:1); it’s a call to persevere or to persist in the Christian faith. Using the word courageous (andrízomai), which means “to be brave,” Paul called the Corinthians to courage. The last of the four military words is strong (krataioō), which means to be or become strong (see Ephesians 3:16). Bravery and love are essential for living the life of a believer in Jesus.

By Patricia Raybon|2021-05-26T09:06:05-04:00May 26th, 2021|

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Shift into Neutral

Read: 1 Kings 19:9–12, 15–18 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 25–27; John 9:1–23

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And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:12

The man ahead of me at the carwash was on a mission. He purposefully strode to the back of his pickup and removed the hitch, so it wouldn’t snag the high-powered rolling brushes. He paid the attendant then pulled onto the automated track—where he left his truck in drive. The attendant shouted after him, “Neutral! Neutral!” but the man’s windows were up and he couldn’t hear. He zipped through the car wash in four seconds flat. His truck barely got wet.

Elijah was on a mission too. He was busy serving God in big ways. He had just defeated the prophets of Baal in a supernatural showdown, which left him drained (see 1 Kings 18:16–39). He needed time in neutral. God brought Elijah to Mount Horeb, where He had appeared to Moses long before. Once again God shook the mountain. But He wasn’t in the rock-shattering wind, earthquake, or raging fire. Instead, God came to Elijah in a gentle whisper. “When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out” to meet God (1 Kings 19:13).

You and I are on a mission. We put our lives in drive to accomplish big things for our Savior. But if we never shift down to neutral, we can zip through life and miss the outpouring of His Spirit. God whispers, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Neutral! Neutral!

How do you slow down to spend time with your Father? Why is time in neutral necessary for driven people?

Father, I am still because You are God.

INSIGHT

Elijah, whose name means “my God is Yahweh,” was a prophet to the Northern Kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 17–19) during the twenty-two-year reign of Ahab, who together with his wife, Jezebel, led the Israelites to worship Baal and murdered God’s prophets (1 Kings 16:29–34; 18:4; 19:10). Elijah’s perception that he was “the only one left” (19:10, 14) was incorrect, for he had ignored the one hundred prophets that Obadiah had hidden (18:4). God later revealed that there were seven thousand who were faithful to Him (19:18). Paul commented on Elijah’s experience in Romans 11:1–5, when he said there’s a faithful “remnant chosen by grace.”

By Mike Wittmer|2021-05-25T09:06:06-04:00May 25th, 2021|

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Got Plans?

Read: Proverbs 16:3–9 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 22–24; John 8:28–59

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In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. Proverbs 16:9

Caden, a young man of almost eighteen, was anticipating attending his first choice of a college on an academic scholarship. He was involved in a campus ministry in high school and looked forward to participating in a similar ministry in the new environment. He’d saved money from his part-time job and also had an excellent lead on a new job. He’d established some great goals, and everything was coming together exactly on schedule.

And then in the spring of 2020 a global health crisis changed everything.

The school let Caden know that his first semester would probably be online. The campus ministry was on hiatus. The job prospect dried up when the business closed. As he despaired, his buddy glibly quoted words from a well-known professional boxer: “Yeah, everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

Proverbs 16 tells us that when we commit all we do to God, He’ll establish our plans and work things out according to His will (vv. 3–4). True commitment, however, can be difficult. It involves an open heart to God’s direction, along with a willingness to resist charting our course independently (v. 9; 19:21).

Dreams that don’t come to fruition can bring disappointment, but our limited vision for the future can never compete with God’s all-knowing ways. As we yield ourselves to Him, we can be certain that He’s still lovingly directing our steps even when we don’t see the path ahead (16:9).

What disappointment changed your plans for the future? What can you do to seek God’s guidance today?

Loving and wise Father, help me to trust You even in my disappointments knowing that You’re a good and faithful God and You’ll establish my steps.

INSIGHT

The book of Proverbs stresses honoring God in whatever we do. One phrase that parallels this sentiment is “the fear of the Lord” (16:6), which speaks of profound reverence and respect for God. Such awe, honor, and deference should be reserved uniquely for Him as Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Lord over all. The personal and corporate value of possessing this essential quality is noted throughout the Proverbs. The fear of the Lord is foundational for wise living (1:7; 9:10); it’s something that can be chosen (1:29); possessing it prolongs one’s life (10:27); and its value is greater than material wealth (15:16). Those who are guided by the fear of the Lord protect themselves from evil (16:6; 19:23) and have everything they need (10:3).

Visit ChristianUniversity.org/bookofproverbs to learn more about the book of Proverbs.

By Cindy Hess Kasper|2021-05-24T09:06:05-04:00May 24th, 2021|

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Sight Unseen

Read: Luke 16:19–31 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 19–21; John 8:1–27

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If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. Luke 16:31

After Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space, he parachuted into the Russian countryside. A farm woman spotted the orange-clad cosmonaut, still wearing his helmet and dragging two parachutes. “Can it be that you have come from outer space?” she asked in surprise. “As a matter of fact, I have,” he said.

Soviet leaders sadly turned the historic flight into antireligious propaganda. “Gagarin went into space, but he didn’t see any god there,” their premier declared. (Gagarin himself never said such a thing.) As C. S. Lewis observed, “Those who do not find [God] on earth are unlikely to find Him in space.”

Jesus warned us about ignoring God in this life. He told a story of two men who died—a rich man who had no time for God, and Lazarus, a destitute man rich in faith (Luke 16:19–31). In torment, the rich man pleaded with Abraham for his brothers still on earth. “Send Lazarus,” he begged Abraham. “If someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent” (vv. 27, 30). Abraham got to the heart of the problem: “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (v. 31).

“Seeing is never believing,” wrote Oswald Chambers. “We interpret what we see in the light of what we believe.”

What do you believe about the existence of God and the reality of Christ’s resurrection? How do your beliefs affect your day-to-day choices?

Father, I pray today for those who don’t yet believe in You. Draw them by the gentle power and love of Your Holy Spirit.

INSIGHT

The rich man hoped that someone rising from the dead would convince his brothers to repent and avoid torment (Luke 16:27–28). Ironically, another man named Lazarus really did rise from the dead (see John 11), as did Jesus Himself. But many people still rejected Jesus even after witnessing those miracles. Abraham’s warning in Luke 16:31 is prophetic. If we refuse to see that the Law and the Prophets point to Jesus, we’ll reject Him despite the evidence.

By Tim Gustafson|2021-05-23T09:06:03-04:00May 23rd, 2021|

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Water Where We Need It

Read: John 4:7–14 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 16–18; John 7:28–53

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Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. John 4:14

Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, is vast and magnificent. Measuring one-mile-deep and nearly 400 miles (636 km) by 49 miles (79 km) across, it contains one-fifth of all the surface fresh water in the world. But this water is largely inaccessible. Lake Baikal is located in Siberia—one of the most remote areas of Russia. With water so desperately needed for much of our planet, it’s ironic that such a vast supply of water is tucked away in a place where not many people can access it.

Although Lake Baikal may be remote, there is an endless source of life-giving water that is available and accessible to those who need it most. When at a well in Samaria, Jesus engaged a woman in conversation, probing at the edges of her deep spiritual thirst. The solution to her heart-need? Jesus Himself.

In contrast to the water she had come to draw from the well, Jesus offered something better: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13–14).

Many things promise satisfaction but never fully quench our thirsty hearts. Jesus alone can truly satisfy our spiritual thirst, and His provision is available to everyone, everywhere.

Where are you seeking fulfillment or satisfaction in life? Why is the search for true satisfaction impossible apart from Christ?

Loving God, thank You for the life You provide and the purpose and meaning You give to me. Teach me to find my truest satisfaction in You and Your love.

To learn more, listen to “The Woman at the Well,” DiscoverTheWord.org/series/the-woman-at-the-well/.

INSIGHT

Jesus’ promise of water that permanently quenches spiritual thirst (John 4:14) echoes several Old Testament promises. God’s people “will draw water from the wells of salvation” (Isaiah 12:3) and “will neither hunger nor thirst” (49:10). God’s Spirit will be poured out like “water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground” (44:3). The idea of spiritual satisfaction runs through prophecies that look forward to new hearts that know and experience God and hunger to do His will (Jeremiah 31:29–34; Ezekiel 36:25–27; Joel 2:28–32). Especially significant is Isaiah 55:1–3: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters . . . that you may live.” When Jesus offers the Samaritan woman living water (John 4:4-14), He’s declaring that God’s promises are an everlasting covenant with all who come to Him—not just the Israelites.

By Bill Crowder|2021-05-22T09:06:06-04:00May 22nd, 2021|

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Secret Giver

INSIGHT

Worth It, or Worthy?

INSIGHT

Death Zone

INSIGHT

Rainbow Halo

INSIGHT

Flourish Again

INSIGHT

Brave Love

INSIGHT

Shift into Neutral

INSIGHT

Got Plans?

INSIGHT

Sight Unseen

INSIGHT

Water Where We Need It

INSIGHT

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