May 2021 - Page 2 of 4 - Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada

Safely Ashore

Read: Psalm 139:7–12 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 13–15; John 7:1–27

Peace, be still! Mark 4:39 nkjv

In Papua New Guinea, the Kandas tribe awaited with excitement the arrival of New Testament Bibles printed in their language. To reach the village, however, the people bringing the books had to travel on the ocean in small boats.

What gave them courage to travel across great waters? Their seafaring skills, yes. But they also knew who created the seas. He’s the One who guides each of us across our life’s churning waves and deepest waters.

As David wrote, “Where can I go from your Spirit?” (Psalm 139:7). “If I go up to the heavens, you are there; . . . if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast” (vv. 8–10).

These words would resonate deeply with the Kandas, who live on an island nation whose tropical coasts, dense rainforests, and rugged mountains have been called “The Last Unknown.” Yet as believers there and everywhere know, no place or problem is too remote for God. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you,” says Psalm 139:12, and “the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.”

On stormy waters, therefore, our God speaks, “Peace, be still!” and the waves and wind obey (Mark 4:39 nkjv). So, don’t fear life’s deep or turbulent waters today. Our God safely leads us ashore.

What tempts you not to trust God? What do you need to trust Him with today?

Dear heavenly Father, You rule life’s winds and waves, and I thank You for guiding me safely to shore.

Read Navigating the Storms of Life at DiscoverySeries.org/HP061.

INSIGHT

In response to a hostile world that opposed and rejected God (Psalm 139:19–22), David exalts Him and celebrates His character. He’s omniscient—God knows everything about him (vv. 1–4); He’s omnipresent—God is ever-present to protect him (vv. 5–12); He’s omnipotent—God is an all-powerful Creator who sustains him (vv. 13–18). Referring to God’s omnipresence, David asks a rhetorical question: “Where can I flee from your presence?” (v. 7). Nowhere! The prophet Jonah learned the hard way that there’s no place to run from God—not even in the belly of a big fish in the depths of the sea (Jonah 1–2). God issued this challenge to His people who thought they could hide from Him: “Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24 nlt).

By Patricia Raybon|2021-05-21T09:06:04-04:00May 21st, 2021|

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Walk, Don’t Run

Read: Micah 6:6–8 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 10–12; John 6:45–71

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Walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

I’d see her welcoming the dawn each day. She was our local power walker. As I drove my kids to school, she’d be there on the road’s shoulder. Equipped with an oversized pair of headphones and knee-high, colorful socks, she walked with an alternating movement of arms and feet, always with one foot in contact with the ground. The sport is different from running or jogging. Power walking involves an intentional restraint, a reining in of the body’s natural inclination to run. Although it doesn’t look like it, there’s just as much energy, focus, and power involved as in running or jogging. But it’s under control.

Power under control—that’s the key. Biblical humility, like power walking, is often viewed as weakness. The truth is, it’s not. Humility isn’t diminishing our strengths or abilities, but rather allowing them to be reined in much like the arms and legs and feet guided by the mind of an early morning power walker.

Micah’s words “walk humbly” are a call for us to rein in our inclination to go ahead of God. He says “to act justly and to love mercy” (6:8), and that can bring with it a desire to do something and do it fast. That’s fair since the daily injustices in our world are so overwhelming. But we are to be controlled and directed by God. Our goal is to see His will and purposes accomplished in the dawning of His kingdom here on earth.

In what circumstance have you “run ahead” of God? Do you usually view humility as a strength or a weakness? Why?

To walk humbly with You, O God, is not always easy. Train me, so that my steps are in tune with You and Your will.

INSIGHT

The book of Micah can be divided into three prophetic messages. Chapter 6 is part of the third message (6:1–7:20) given to the people of Israel through the prophet Micah. This section opens with a courtroom scene (6:1) where God calls the mountains and hills to be His witnesses against Israel (v. 2). In verses 3–5, God describes His faithfulness to Israel to show that there wasn’t any reason for their rebellion against Him. The questions Micah asks in verses 6–8 show how Israel had been making the required sacrifices but with the wrong heart attitude. Verse 8 describes how God wanted them to treat other people: to seek justice (in terms of judgment and the law), love mercy (show unfailing kindness), and walk humbly (in a cautious manner), remembering that God is above and before us.

By John Blase|2021-05-20T09:06:13-04:00May 20th, 2021|

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She Did What She Could

Read: Mark 14:3–9 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 7–9; John 6:22–44

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She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial. Mark 14:8

She loaded the plastic container of cupcakes onto the conveyor belt, sending it toward the cashier. Next came the birthday card and various bags of chips. Hair escaped from her ponytail, crowning her fatigued forehead. Her toddler clamored for attention. The clerk announced the total and the mom’s face fell. “Oh, I guess I’ll have to put something back. But these are for her party,” she sighed, glancing regretfully at her child.

Standing behind her in line, another customer recognized such pain. Jesus’ words to Mary of Bethany echoed in her mind: “She did what she could” (Mark 14:8). After anointing Him with a bottle of expensive nard before His death and burial, Mary was ridiculed by the disciples. Jesus corrected His followers by celebrating what she had done. He didn’t say, “She did all she could,” but rather, “She did what she could.” The lavish cost of the perfume wasn’t His point. It was Mary’s investment of her love in action that mattered. A relationship with Jesus results in a response.

In that moment, before the mom could object, the second customer leaned forward and inserted her credit card into the reader, paying for the purchase. It wasn’t a large expense, and she had extra funds that month. But to that mom, it was everything. A gesture of pure love poured out in her moment of need.

In what unexpected ways has Jesus helped you? What might you do—not all, but what—to love Jesus back in a need you see today?

Father, open my eyes to see You inviting me to do what I can do today.

INSIGHT

Pure nard or spikenard (Mark 14:3) is an aromatic oil from a plant root grown in the Himalayas. This explains its costliness—“more than a year’s wages” (v. 5) or “more than three hundred denarii” (esv).A denarius was a laborer’s full day’s wage.

Because its fragrance is often associated with a bride on her wedding day (Song of Songs 1:12; 4:13–14 esv), some scholars believe Mary gave her most precious possession—her personal dowry—to Jesus. Mary’s anointment of Jesus with the expensive nard was timely and necessary. When Jesus died, His body was hastily prepared for burial because of the Sabbath observance (Mark 15:42–46). A group of women had planned to go to the tomb to anoint His body after the Sabbath (16:1), but by that time Jesus had already risen. But six days earlier (John 12:1), Mary had anointed Jesus with perfume “to prepare for [His] burial” (Mark 14:8).

By Elisa Morgan|2021-05-19T09:06:05-04:00May 19th, 2021|

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Facing the Darkness

Read: Isaiah 9:2–6 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 4–6; John 6:1–21

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The people walking in darkness have seen a great light. Isaiah 9:2

In the mid-1960s, two people participated in research on the effects of darkness on the human psyche. They entered separate caves, while researchers tracked their eating and sleeping habits. One remained in total darkness for 88 days, the other 126 days. Each guessed how long they could remain in darkness and were off by months. One took what he thought was a short nap only to discover he’d slept for 30 hours. Darkness is disorienting.

The people of God found themselves in the darkness of impending exile. They waited, unsure of what would take place. The prophet Isaiah used darkness as a metaphor for their disorientation and as a way of speaking about God’s judgment (Isaiah 8:22). Previously, the Egyptians had been visited with darkness as a plague (Exodus 10:21–29). Now Israel found herself in darkness.

But a light would come. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2). Oppression would be broken, disorientation would end. A Child would come to change everything and bring about a new day—a day of forgiveness and freedom (v. 6).

Jesus did come! And although the darkness of the world can be disorienting, may we experience the comfort of the forgiveness, freedom, and light found in Christ.

What would it look like to embrace a new day of freedom and forgiveness? How can you welcome the light of Christ today?

Dear Jesus, shine Your light into my life. Bring forgiveness and freedom. Help me to live in the light of Your arrival.

INSIGHT

In the Old Testament, the word yoke is often used to describe the bondage or slavery the Israelites suffered while under the oppressive rule of the Egyptians, Assyrians, and others. Again and again we see God’s promises to lift this heavy yoke (Exodus 6:6–7; Leviticus 26:13; Isaiah 14:25; Jeremiah 30:8; Ezekiel 34:27). In today’s prophecy from Isaiah 9:4, we read of the lifting of another yoke. In his commentary on Isaiah, Edward Young describes this yoke as “the heavy burden of sin and corruption, of departure from God, and of the evil consequences of such departure.” This spiritual battle was won by the child (Jesus, v. 6), who through His death and resurrection delivers all who believe in Him from the burdensome yoke of sin. Now that we’ve been set free, the apostle Paul encourages us to “stand firm” and not “be burdened again by a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 5:1).

By Glenn Packiam|2021-05-18T09:06:04-04:00May 18th, 2021|

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Pursued by Love

Read: Jonah 2:1–9 | Bible in a Year: 1 Chronicles 1–3; John 5:25–47

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I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.” Jonah 2:9

“I fled Him, down the nights and down the days,” opens the famous poem “The Hound of Heaven” by English poet Francis Thompson. Thompson describes Jesus’ unceasing pursuit—despite his efforts to hide, or even run away, from God. The poet imagines God speaking to him and saying, “I am He whom thou seekest!”

The pursuing love of God is a central theme of the book of Jonah. The prophet received an assignment to tell the people of Nineveh (notorious enemies of Israel) about their need to turn to God, but instead “Jonah ran away from the Lord” (Jonah 1:3). He secured passage on a ship sailing in the opposite direction of Nineveh, but the vessel was soon overcome by a violent storm. To save the ship’s crew, Jonah was thrown overboard before being swallowed by a large fish (1:15–17).

In his own beautiful poem, Jonah recounted that despite his best efforts to run away from God, God pursued him. When Jonah was overcome by his situation and needed to be saved, he cried out to God in prayer and turned toward His love (2:2, 8). God answered and provided rescue not only for Jonah, but for his Assyrian enemies as well (3:10).

As described in both poems, there may be seasons of our lives when we try to run from God. Even then Jesus loves us and is at work guiding us back into restored relationship with Him (1 John 1:9).

When have you tried to run from God? How did He provide rescue?

Jesus, thank You for lovingly pursuing me to offer rescue.

INSIGHT

Prophets Jonah, Hosea, and Amos ministered to the Northern Kingdom of Israel when Jeroboam II was king (782–753 bc). Although Jeroboam was unfaithful, God still helped him to successfully push the Assyrians out of Israel (2 Kings 14:23–28). When God called Jonah to minister to Nineveh, a city in Assyria, Jewish nationalistic zeal was running high. Jonah initially refused to proclaim a message of salvation to an enemy nation (Jonah 1:1–3). When he finally obeyed, the Assyrians repented (3:6–10), and God relented from punishing them (4:1–2). But the repentance of the Assyrians was short-lived. Soon a resurgent Assyria attacked Israel (2 Kings 15:19–20, 29). Within three decades of Jonah, Assyria destroyed the Northern Kingdom of Israel (722 bc) and advanced menacingly towards Judah (2 Kings 17:1–6; 18:9–12). God then raised up Nahum who prophesied against Nineveh, proclaiming her inevitable downfall (Nahum 1:1; 2:3–10; 3:1–7).

Visit ChristianUniversity.org/jonahnahum to learn more about the prophet Jonah.

By Lisa Samra|2021-05-17T09:06:06-04:00May 17th, 2021|

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Guilt and Forgiveness

Read: Romans 2:12–16 | Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 24–25; John 5:1–24

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They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts. Romans 2:15

In his book Human Universals, anthropologist Donald Brown lists more than four hundred behaviors that he considers common across humanity. He includes such things as toys, jokes, dances, and proverbs, wariness of snakes, and tying things with string! Likewise, he believes all cultures have concepts of right and wrong, where generosity is praised, promises are valued, and things like meanness and murder understood to be wrong. We all have a sense of conscience, wherever we’re from.

The apostle Paul made a similar point many centuries ago. While God gave the Jewish people the Ten Commandments to clarify right from wrong, Paul noted that since gentiles could do right by obeying their conscience, God’s laws were evidently written on their hearts (Romans 2:14–15). But that didn’t mean people always did what was right. The gentiles rebelled against their conscience (1:32), the Jews broke the Law (2:17–24), leaving both guilty. But through faith in Jesus, God removes the death penalty from all our rule-breaking (3:23–26; 6:23).

Since God created all humans with a sense of right and wrong, each of us will likely feel some guilt over a bad thing we’ve done or a good thing we failed to do. When we confess those sins, God wipes away the guilt like a whiteboard wiped clean. All we have to do is ask Him—whoever we are, wherever we’re from.

Where do you think humanity’s sense of right and wrong comes from? What guilt feelings are you wanting Jesus’ forgiveness for today?

Jesus, I’ve failed to do right and succeeded in doing wrong. Forgive me. Thank You for dying my death so I don’t have to.

INSIGHT

Rome was one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the ancient world, which was evidenced in the makeup of the first-century church comprised of both Jews and gentiles. This diverse audience is reflected in the inclusive way in which Paul chose to open his letter to the believers in Christ there. In chapter 1, he focuses on the spiritual need of the gentiles who, in their rebellion, had spiraled away from God. Then in chapter 2, he presents the spiritual need of the Jews who sought to be made righteous by the law but never could. Thankfully, Paul prefaces these concerns with the good news. In Romans 1:16 we read, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” Both Jew and gentile are the objects of God’s rescuing love.

By Sheridan Voysey|2021-05-16T09:06:02-04:00May 16th, 2021|

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Shining Stars

Read: Philippians 2:12–18 | Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 22–23; John 4:31–54

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You will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. Philippians 2:15–16

I can close my eyes and go back in time to the house where I grew up. I remember stargazing with my father. We took turns squinting through his telescope, trying to focus on glowing dots that shimmered and winked. These pinpricks of light, born of heat and fire, stood out in sharp contrast to the smooth, ink-black sky.

Do you consider yourself to be a shining star? I’m not talking about reaching the heights of human achievement, but standing out against a dark background of brokenness and evil. The apostle Paul told the Philippian believers that God would shine in and through them as they held “firmly to the word of life” and avoided grumbling and arguing (Philippians 2:14–16).

Our unity with other believers and our faithfulness to God can set us apart from the world. The problem is that these things don’t come naturally. We constantly strive to overcome temptation so we can maintain a close relationship with God. We wrestle against selfishness to have harmony with our spiritual brothers and sisters.

But still, there’s hope. Alive in each believer, God’s Spirit empowers us to be self-controlled, kind, and faithful (Galatians 5:22–23). Just as we are called to live beyond our natural capacity, God’s supernatural help makes this possible (Philippians 2:13). If every believer became a “shining star” through the power of the Spirit, just imagine how the light of God would repel the darkness around us!

What causes your light for Jesus to dim? What do you need to do to brighten it?

Loving God, I ask Your Spirit to empower me to shine in the darkness. Make me into someone who is known for my love of others and my faithfulness to You.

INSIGHT

Paul instructs the Philippian believers in Christ to “work out [their] salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). The phrase “fear and trembling” is found in the New Testament only in Paul’s writings (see 1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:15; Ephesians 6:5). The apostle isn’t suggesting that the believers at Philippi should be afraid of the outcome of their salvation. Rather, “fear and trembling” is the response to the divine glory. Philippians 2:12 begins with the word therefore, which connects the command to work out salvation with fear and trembling to what precedes—the exaltation of Christ in the heavenly realms (vv. 9–11). We work out our salvation in awe and reverence of the exalted Christ.

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt|2021-05-15T09:06:04-04:00May 15th, 2021|

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Taken In

Read: Psalm 49:5–20 | Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 19–21; John 4:1–30

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People who . . . lack understanding are like the beasts that perish. Psalm 49:20

My old dog sits by my side and stares off into space. A penny for her thoughts. One thing I know she isn’t thinking about is dying because dogs don’t “understand.” They don’t think about future things. But we do. No matter our age or health or wealth, we at some point think about dying. That’s because we, unlike beasts, have “understanding,” according to Psalm 49:20. We know that we will die, and there’s nothing we can do about it. “No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them” (v. 7). No one has enough money to buy himself or herself out of the grave.

But there is a way out of the finality of death: “God will redeem me from the realm of the dead,” insists the psalmist. “He will surely take me to himself” (v. 15; literally, “He will take me in”). Robert Frost said, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” God has redeemed us from death through His Son, “who gave himself as a ransom for all people” (1 Timothy 2:6). Thus Jesus promised that when our time comes, He will greet us and take us in (John 14:3).

When my time comes, Jesus, who gave to God the price of my life, will welcome me into His Father’s house with open arms.

How do you deal with the thought of dying? On what do you base your confidence of heaven?

I’m grateful, God, that You have provided a place for Your children. I look forward to being at home with You.

Visit ChristianUniversity.org/CA204 to learn more about life after death.

INSIGHT

In one of Jesus’ last meetings with His disciples, He helped them see how Scriptures like Psalm 49 find new meaning in light of His life, death, and resurrection (Luke 24:44). As evidence of His ability to solve the universal problem of human mortality (Psalm 49:1, 7–9, 15), He showed them His scars and ate a piece of broiled fish (Luke 24:42–43). He’d come to give fullness of meaning to all things written about Him in the law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms; He showed our need of Him from Scripture (vv. 36–49).

By David H. Roper|2021-05-14T09:06:03-04:00May 14th, 2021|

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Abundant Waters

Read: Exodus 17:1–7 | Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 17–18; John 3:19–36

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Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink. Exodus 17:6

In Australia, a report outlined “a grim story” of extreme drought, heat, and fire. The account described a horrific year with only minuscule rainfall, turning parched brush into tinder. Raging fires torched the countryside. Fish died. Crops failed. All because they didn’t have a simple resource we often take for granted—water, which we all need in order to live.

Israel found itself in its own terrifying dilemma. As the people camped in the dusty, barren desert, we read this alarming line: “There was no water for the people to drink” (Exodus 17:1). The people were afraid. Their throats were dry. The sand sizzled. Their children suffered thirst. Terrified, the people “quarreled with Moses,” demanding water (v. 2). But what could Moses do? He could only go to God.

And God gave Moses odd instructions: “Take . . . the staff [and] . . . strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink” (vv. 5–6). So Moses hit the rock, and out gushed a river, plenty for the people and their cattle. That day, Israel knew that their God loved them. Their God provided abundant water.

If you’re experiencing a drought or wilderness in life, know that God is aware of it and He’s with you. Whatever your need, whatever your lack, may you find hope and refreshment in His abundant waters.

Where are the parched and barren places in your world? How can you look for and trust in God’s abundant waters?

I need Your water, God, Your provision. If You don’t help me, I don’t think I’ll make it. Will You bring me the water I need?

INSIGHT

The Israelites were rapidly developing a reputation for complaining. At Marah, they’d grumbled about water too bitter to drink (Exodus 15:22–24). Then they complained about the lack of food (16:2–3). Now they “quarreled with Moses” about the lack of drinking water (17:2). Exasperated, Moses “cried out to the Lord” (v. 4). God’s counsel to Moses included the command to take “the staff with you with which you struck the Nile” (v. 5). The staff, which Moses also held out when the Red Sea was parted (14:21), served as a visible reminder of what God had done for the people in the past. This time, Moses struck the rock, producing water for the people. The sure cure for grumbling is to recall God’s history of faithfulness.

By Winn Collier|2021-05-13T09:06:04-04:00May 13th, 2021|

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Renewed Vision

Read: 1 Samuel 1:10–18; 2:1–2 | Bible in a Year: 2 Kings 15–16; John 3:1–18

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My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. 1 Samuel 2:1

After a painful minor surgery on my left eye, my doctor recommended a vision test. With confidence, I covered my right eye and read each line on the chart with ease. Covering my left eye, I gasped. How could I not realize I’d been so blind?

While adjusting to new glasses and renewed vision, I thought of how daily trials often caused me to be spiritually nearsighted. Focusing only on what I could see up-close—my pain and ever-changing circumstances—I became blind to the faithfulness of my eternal and unchanging God. With such a limited perspective, hope became an unattainable blur.

First Samuel 1 tells the story of another woman who failed to recognize God’s trustworthiness while focusing on her current anguish, uncertainty, and loss. For years, Hannah had endured childlessness and endless torment from Peninnah, the other wife of her husband Elkanah. Hannah’s husband adored her, but contentment evaded her. One day, she prayed with bitter honesty. When Eli the priest questioned her, she explained her situation. As she left, he prayed that God would grant her request (1 Samuel 1:17). Though Hannah’s situation didn’t change immediately, she walked away with confident hope (v. 18).

Her prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–2 reveals a shift in Hannah’s focus. Even before her circumstances improved, Hannah’s renewed vision changed her perspective and her attitude. She rejoiced in the ongoing presence of God—her Rock and everlasting hope.

How will focusing on God’s unchanging nature instead of your circumstances give you greater hope? Where are you currently struggling with spiritual nearsightedness?

God, please renew my vision so I can focus on Your constant presence and live with an eternal perspective in all circumstances.

INSIGHT

As 1 Samuel opens, it’s the end of the time of the judges, but it’s not yet the time of kings. Bridging that gap will be Samuel, the son who would be born to Hannah after her season of prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh (1:9–20). Samuel’s role in the transition from judges to kings would include the fact that he’s the last of the judges and the first of the prophets. As a prophet, he’d be responsible for anointing Israel’s first two kings: Saul, the kind of king the people wanted (10:17–24); and David, a man after God’s own heart (13:14).

By Xochitl Dixon|2021-05-12T09:06:04-04:00May 12th, 2021|

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Safely Ashore

INSIGHT

Walk, Don’t Run

INSIGHT

She Did What She Could

INSIGHT

Facing the Darkness

INSIGHT

Pursued by Love

INSIGHT

Guilt and Forgiveness

INSIGHT

Shining Stars

INSIGHT

Taken In

INSIGHT

Abundant Waters

INSIGHT

Renewed Vision

INSIGHT

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