August 2021 - Page 3 of 4 - Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada

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Read: Matthew 7:13–14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 81–83; Romans 11:19–36

Small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:14

From a manmade bridge on the small Caribbean island of Eleuthera, visitors can admire the stark contrast between the roiling dark blue waters of the Atlantic and the calm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Over time, storms washed away the original strip of land once marked by a natural stone arch. The glass window bridge that now serves as a tourist attraction on Eleuthera is known as “the narrowest place on earth.”

The Bible describes the road that leads to eternal life as narrow “and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). The gate is considered small because God the Son is the only bridge that can reconcile fallen man and God the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 13–14; see John 10:7–9; 16:13). However, Scripture also says that believers from every people, nation, and societal rank can enter heaven and will bow before the King of Kings and worship together around His throne (Revelation 5:9). This phenomenal image of contrast and unity includes all of God’s beautifully diverse people.

Though we’re separated from God by our sin, every person God created is invited to enter eternity in heaven by walking this narrow path of reconciliation through a personal relationship with Christ. His sacrifice on the cross, resurrection from the tomb, and ascension to heaven is the good news, accessible to all and worth sharing today and every day.

How did you respond after hearing the good news? How can you be more intentional about sharing it with others?

God the Father, please empower me through Your Holy Spirit so I can show others the accessible path that leads to Your approachable Son, Jesus.

INSIGHT

Today’s passage (Matthew 7:13–14) begins the last section of the Sermon on the Mount. Over the centuries, these words of Jesus have become foundational, but when we slow down and absorb the imagery Jesus paints, we begin to feel their true weight. The words Jesus uses to describe the gates and roads (wide and broad/small and narrow) bring with them comfort and challenge. The first pair gives the hearer a sense of comfort and ease. There’s no challenge to crossing through a broad gate, and a wide path leaves plenty of room for exploration and wandering. Those who walk the wide path don’t need to focus or be deliberate. The small gate and narrow path, on the other hand, express intentionality. Choosing this door and path requires a choice and a focus on one’s actions.

By Xochitl Dixon|2021-08-11T09:06:03-04:00August 11th, 2021|

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Love That Disciplines

Read: Proverbs 3:11–12 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 79–80; Romans 11:1–18

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Do not despise the Lord’s discipline. Proverbs 3:11

When I took a family studies class in college, we were asked to write a “family history”—a record of the key events that make up one’s childhood. This included the patterns that characterized typical family life and the methods of discipline we experienced. We all had at least one instance of a parent misapplying discipline and leaving an emotional or physical scar. Understandably, traumatic experiences like these may affect the way we interpret our heavenly Father’s discipline.

In Proverbs 3:11–12, the wise teacher invites readers to accept God’s discipline. The word discipline could be translated “correction.” As a good and loving Father, God speaks through His Spirit and the Scriptures to correct self-destructive behavior. God’s discipline is relational—rooted in His love and His desire for what’s best for us. Sometimes it looks like consequences. Sometimes God prompts someone to point out our blind spots. Often, it’s uncomfortable, but God’s discipline is a gift.

But we don’t always see it that way. The wise man cautioned, “Do not despise the Lord’s discipline” (v. 11). Sometimes we fear God’s discipline. At other times we misinterpret bad things in our lives as God’s discipline. This is far from the heart of a loving Father who disciplines because He delights in us and corrects because He loves us.

Instead of fearing God’s discipline, may we learn to accept it. When we hear God’s voice of correction in our hearts or experience conviction when reading Scripture, may we thank God that He delights in us enough to lead us to what’s best.

How do you recognize God’s discipline? How do you sense the love of God in the midst of it?

God, help me to recognize Your discipline so that I can discover the freedom You offer.

INSIGHT

The book of Proverbs is a collection of wise sayings, advice, instructions, and warnings. It’s structured as a life manual from a father to his son—an encouragement to live wisely and in a way that obeys and honors God. Solomon, who “spoke three thousand proverbs” (1 Kings 4:32), is the main author (see Proverbs 1:1–6; 10:1; 25:1). Other authors include unnamed Jewish wise men (22:17–24:34), Agur (ch. 30), and Lemuel (ch. 31). In chapter 3, Solomon admonishes us not to neglect the wisdom of God but to obey it (v. 1). A wise person is faithful (v. 3), trusts and depends on God (vv. 5–6), isn’t proud and avoids evil (v. 7), puts God first in everything (v. 9), and learns from His discipline (v. 11).

By Daniel Ryan Day|2021-08-10T09:06:04-04:00August 10th, 2021|

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Fearless Love

Read: 1 John 3:1, 11–18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 77–78; Romans 10

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We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. 1 John 3:14

There are some images so powerful they can never be forgotten. That was my experience when I viewed a famous photograph of the late Princess Diana of Wales. At first glance, the captured scene looks mundane: smiling warmly, the princess is shaking the hand of an unidentified man. But it’s the photograph’s story that makes it remarkable.

On April 19, 1987, when Princess Diana visited London Middlesex Hospital, the United Kingdom was engulfed in a wave of panic as it confronted the AIDS epidemic. Not knowing how the disease—which often killed with terrifying speed—was spread, the public at times treated AIDS victims like social pariahs.

So it was a stunning moment when Diana, with ungloved hands and a genuine smile, calmly shook an AIDS patient’s hand that day. That image of respect and kindness would move the world to treat victims of the disease with similar mercy and compassion.

The picture reminds me of something I often forget: freely and generously offering the love of Jesus to others is worth it. John reminded early believers in Christ that to let love wither or hide in the face of our fear is really to live “in death” (1 John 3:14). And to love freely and unafraid, filled and empowered with the Spirit’s self-giving love, is to experience resurrection life in all its fullness (vv. 14, 16).

When are you most prone to let fear stifle your love for others? How can you grow in experiencing and sharing the Spirit’s boundless love within those fearful places?

God of love, You are love, and to live in love is to live in You. I long to live with that kind of fearless, joyous love. Fill me with Your Spirit, and carry me ever deeper into Your love, until fear dissolves and Your love flows freely through me.

INSIGHT

John’s words in this epistle express the awareness of an aging family member who wanted dear brothers, sisters, children, and grandchildren to share his fullness of joy and love of Christ (1 John 1:4; 2:5). As a younger man, he’d seen with his own eyes the “Word of life” (1:1–3). For three years he’d walked, watched, and talked with the Teacher who urged His disciples to live in Him—as a branch in a vineyard draws life and bears the fruit of its vine (2:6; John 15:5). So now, while acknowledging that no one can claim the perfection that John had seen in Christ (1 John 1:8–10), he longed for family members to live life to its fullest rather than wandering back into the confusion of living a life of death and darkness without love.

By Monica La Rose|2021-08-09T09:06:04-04:00August 9th, 2021|

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Good Trouble

Read: Amos 5:10–24 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 74–76; Romans 9:16–33

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Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream! Amos 5:24

When John Lewis, an American congressman and civil rights leader, died in 2020, people from many political persuasions mourned. In 1965, Lewis marched with Martin Luther King Jr. to secure voting rights for Black citizens. During the march, Lewis suffered a cracked skull, causing scars he carried the rest of his life. “When you see something that is not right, not just, not fair,” Lewis said, “you have a moral obligation to say something. To do something.” He also said, “Never, ever, be afraid to make some noise and get in good, necessary trouble.”

Lewis learned early that doing what was right, to be faithful to the truth, required making “good” trouble. He would need to speak things that were unpopular. The prophet Amos knew this too. Seeing Israel’s sin and injustice, he couldn’t keep quiet. Amos denounced how the powerful were oppressing “the innocent and tak[ing] bribes and depriv[ing] the poor of justice in the courts,” while building “stone mansions” with “lush vineyards” (Amos 5:11–12). Rather than maintaining his own safety and comfort by staying out of the fray, Amos named the evil. The prophet made good, necessary trouble.

But this trouble aimed at something good—justice for all. “Let justice roll on like a river!” Amos exclaimed (v. 24). When we get into good trouble (the kind of righteous, nonviolent trouble justice requires), the goal is always goodness and healing.

Where do you sense the Holy Spirit might be prompting you to make some good trouble? How can you discern the godly way to do just that?

Heavenly Father, if I’m left to myself, I’ll likely play it safe, stay comfortable, keep quiet. But I know that You might ask something different. Help me discern what to do to honor You.

INSIGHT

While Jeremiah prophesied the fall of the Southern Kingdom of Judah, Amos was called to declare the judgment of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. We know little of his life aside from glimpses of information embedded in his book of prophecy, but we do know that he was from the village of Tekoa (Amos 1:1), a few miles south of Jerusalem. This means that Amos was a prophet from the Southern Kingdom who was sent to minister to the Northern Kingdom. His prophecy contains lament about and response to the destruction of the kingdom of Israel by the Assyrians.

By Winn Collier|2021-08-08T09:06:03-04:00August 8th, 2021|

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First Forgive

Read: Genesis 33:1–11 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 72–73; Romans 9:1–15

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Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him. Genesis 33:4

We called ourselves “sisters in Christ,” but my White friend and I had begun to act like enemies. Over a café breakfast one morning, we argued unkindly over our differing racial views. Then we parted, with me vowing not to see her again. One year later, however, we were hired by the same ministry—working in the same department, unable not to reconnect. Awkwardly at first, we talked over conflicts. Then, over time, God helped us to apologize to each other and to heal and to give the ministry our best.

God also healed the bitter division between Esau and his twin brother, Jacob, and blessed both their lives. A onetime schemer, Jacob had robbed Esau of their father’s blessing. But twenty years later, God called Jacob to return to their homeland. So, Jacob sent ahead bountiful gifts to appease Esau. “But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept” (Genesis 33:4).

Their reunion stands as a classic example of God’s urging to settle anger with a brother or sister before offering our gifts—talents or treasures—to Him (Matthew 5:23–24). Instead, “first go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift” (v. 24). Jacob obeyed God by reconciling with Esau, and later setting up an altar to God (Genesis 33:20). What a beautiful order: First, strive for forgiveness and reconciliation. Then, at His altar, He receives us.

Against whom do you hold a grudge or grievance? What steps can you take to reconcile?

Dear God, when I hold onto hard feelings against another believer, inspire me on the way to Your altar to first forgive.

INSIGHT

Genesis records two times when Jacob met God: first in a dream in Bethel when he was fleeing from Esau (28:10–22) and later as he was preparing to meet Esau (32:22–32). After Jacob wrestled with God, he said, “I saw God face to face” (v. 30). He uses a similar phrase after he met Esau: “To see your face is like seeing the face of God” (33:10), thereby connecting the two events. The NIV Zondervan Study Bible says that “Esau’s actions resemble God’s. Esau treats Jacob in a way that Jacob does not deserve.”

By Patricia Raybon|2021-08-07T09:06:02-04:00August 7th, 2021|

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Rise Again

Read: Proverbs 24:15–18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 70–71; Romans 8:22–39

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Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again. Proverbs 24:16

Olympic runner Ryan Hall is the US record-holder for the half marathon. He completed the event distance of 13.1 miles (21 kilometers) in a remarkable time of fifty-nine minutes and forty-three seconds, making him the first US athlete to run the race in under one hour. While Hall has celebrated record-setting victories, he’s also known the disappointment of not being able to finish a race.

Having tasted both success and failure, Hall credits his faith in Jesus for sustaining him. One of his favorite Bible verses is an encouraging reminder from the book of Proverbs that “though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (24:16). This proverb reminds us that the righteous, those who trust in and have a right relationship with God, will still experience difficulties and hardships. However, as they continue to seek Him even in the midst of difficulty, God is faithful to give them the strength to rise again.

Have you recently experienced a devastating disappointment or failure and feel like you’ll never recover? Scripture encourages us not to rely on our strength but to continue to put our confidence in God and His promises. As we trust Him, God’s Spirit gives us strength for every difficulty we encounter in this life, from the seemingly mundane to significant struggles (2 Corinthians 12:9).

How has God strengthened you after a difficult disappointment? How does that give you encouragement for the struggles you face today?

Heavenly Father, thank You that in every trial and disappointment You’re always close, offering comfort and strength to help me rise again.

Visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF108 to discover how you can best serve others and understand yourself better.

INSIGHT

Proverbs 24:15–18 contains two “sayings”—Saying 27 (vv. 15–16) and Saying 28 (vv. 17–18)—from a collection of thirty sayings ascribed to “the wise” (22:17–24:22). The warning in Saying 27 against attacking the righteous illustrates a key theme in Proverbs: the self-destructive nature of sin and evil. Because God has woven wisdom and goodness into the fabric of reality, to live as the righteous do is to align with the way creation is designed to flourish. Choosing evil, on the other hand, is to work against the grain of God’s world in a way that is unavoidably self-destructive.

For that reason, Saying 27 teaches that seeking to destroy the righteous is a futile ambition. Even if the righteous suffer temporarily, good will ultimately always triumph over evil. “Though the righteous fall seven times [the number seven symbolizing many times], they rise again” (v. 16).

By Lisa Samra|2021-08-06T09:06:04-04:00August 6th, 2021|

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Greatness

Read: Mark 9:33–37 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 68–69; Romans 8:1–21

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Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all. Mark 9:35

Cuthbert is a much-loved figure in northern England. Responsible for evangelizing much of the area in the seventh century, Cuthbert counseled monarchs and influenced state affairs; and after his death, the city of Durham was built in his honor. But Cuthbert’s legacy is great in more ways than these.

After a plague ravaged the region, Cuthbert once toured affected towns offering solace. Readying to leave one village, he checked if there was anyone left to pray for. There was—a woman, clutching a child. She had already lost one son, and the child she held was nearing death too. Cuthbert took the fevered boy in his arms, prayed for him, and kissed his forehead. “Do not fear,” he told her, “for no one else of your household will die.” The boy reportedly lived.

Jesus once took a small boy into his arms to give a lesson on greatness, saying, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me” (Mark 9:37). To “welcome” someone in Jewish culture meant to serve them, the way a host welcomes a guest. Since children were to serve adults and not be served, the idea must’ve been shocking. Jesus’ point? True greatness resides in serving the smallest and lowliest (v. 35).

A counselor to monarchs. An influencer of history. A city built in his honor. But perhaps heaven records Cuthbert’s legacy more like this: A mother noticed. A forehead kissed. A humble life reflecting his Master.

When you think of a “great” person in history, what image comes to mind? How can you pursue Jesus’ kind of greatness today?

Dear God, help me to humbly serve others.

INSIGHT

Context is always a key element when considering any passage of Scripture, and today’s text resides in a sadly tragic context. In Mark 9:30–32, Jesus made His second of three announcements (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:33) that His ultimate mission was to go to the cross and suffer the horrors and humiliations of crucifixion. In Mark 8:32, Peter responded to Jesus’ first announcement of the cross with indignation—convinced that Jesus should never have to suffer such anguish. In Mark 9, the disciples as a group follow Christ’s announcement with an argument about which of them would be the greatest—apparently an ongoing subject of their conversations. Clearly, they’d failed to understand the sobering reality of Jesus’ coming sacrifice on their behalf and could only contemplate the benefits they might receive in the coming kingdom. Their discussion is a reminder of how short-sighted we can be and how unaware of God’s bigger purposes.

By Sheridan Voysey|2021-08-05T09:06:04-04:00August 5th, 2021|

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Not Forgotten

Read: Isaiah 49:14–18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 66–67; Romans 7

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I will not forget you! Isaiah 49:15

“Uncle Arthur, do you remember the day you took me to the barbershop and the supermarket? I was wearing tan khakis, a blue-plaid oxford shirt, a navy-blue cardigan, brown socks, and brown Rockport shoes. The date was Thursday, October 20, 2016.” My nephew Jared’s autism-related challenges are offset by his phenomenal memory that can recall details like days and dates and the clothes he was wearing years after an event took place.

Because of the way he’s wired, Jared possesses the kind of memory that reminds me of the all-knowing, loving God—the Keeper of time and eternity. He knows the facts and won’t forget His promises or His people. Have you had moments when you’ve questioned whether or not you’ve been forgotten by God? When others appear to be healthier or happier or more successful or otherwise better off?

Ancient Israel’s less-than-ideal situation caused her to say, “The Lord has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me” (Isaiah 49:14). But that wasn’t the case. God’s compassion and care exceeded the natural bonds of affection that mothers have for their children (v. 15). Before embracing labels like “forsaken” or “forgotten,” think again of what God has done in and through His Son, Jesus. In the gospel that brings forgiveness, God has clearly said, “I will not forget you!” (v. 15).

When have you felt alone, forsaken, and forgotten by God? How does processing the love of God expressed by sending Jesus to die for your sins help to counter feelings of being forgotten by Him?

Father, when I’m tempted to feel neglected, forgotten, and abandoned, help me to ponder again the love You demonstrated by sending Jesus to die for me.

INSIGHT

In ancient Mesopotamia, tattooing often showed identity. To have a tattoo might indicate whom you belonged to as a slave, or it could be the markings of your god. In today’s passage (Isaiah 49:14–18), the prophet Isaiah flips that concept. God engraves the names of His people onto His palms (v. 16). The imagery is one of permanence and deep intimacy. We can’t be separated from God. The metaphor of God’s “hand” or “hands” is used often in Scripture as a reference to His authority and strength and the security found in Him. Jesus highlighted this security with His comforting words in John 10, when He said of His sheep (those who put their faith in Him), “No one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one” (vv. 28–30).

By Arthur Jackson|2021-08-04T09:06:04-04:00August 4th, 2021|

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Walking with Jesus

Read: Hebrews 12:1–3 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 63–65; Romans 6

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Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. Hebrews 12:1

Lean food rations, waterproof boots, and a map are some of the essentials carried by hikers on the John Muir Trail. The John Muir Trail is a 211-mile path in the western United States that winds across creeks, around lakes and woods, and up and over mountains, encompassing 47,000 feet of elevation gain. Because traversing this trail takes about three weeks, carrying the right amount of supplies is critical. Too much and you will run out of strength to carry it all; too little and you won’t have what you need for the journey.

Finishing well on our journey as believers in Jesus also requires careful consideration of what we bring. In Hebrews 12, we’re told to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.” The author compares our lives to a “race marked out for us,” one in which we must “not grow weary and lose heart” (vv. 1, 3). To become overburdened with sin or distracted by things outside of God’s purpose for us is to carry an unnecessary weight.

Just as there are packing lists for the John Muir Trail, God has provided directions for following Jesus in the Bible. We can know what habits, dreams, and desires are worth bringing along by examining them in light of the Scriptures. When we travel light, we’re able to finish well.

What’s hindering you in following Jesus? What would it look like to “throw it off”?

Jesus, help me travel lightly according to Your wisdom and to finish well.

Visit ChristianUniversity.org/SF104 to learn more about strengthening your walk with God.

INSIGHT

The connective word therefore in Hebrews 12:1 reflects back on the author’s conviction that what God had revealed about Himself in the past has come to fullness of meaning in His Son (1:1–3). No angel, holy day, temple, or sacrifice can be compared to Jesus. He alone revealed the glory and goodness of His Father by exposing the sin and shame of the world fully and by forgiving it completely (1:4–10:22). “Therefore” the author would go on to urge readers to keep the faith that had already enabled them and many before them to endure hardship as a way of showing their faith in God (10:32–11:40). This was the moment to keep their eyes on Jesus who was leading them in selfless concern for others (12:2; 13:1–4). This was their moment to trust the One who assured them that He’d never leave them or forsake them (vv. 5–6).

By Karen Pimpo|2021-08-03T09:06:03-04:00August 3rd, 2021|

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The Beauty of Adoption

Read: Galatians 3:26–4:7 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 60–62; Romans 5

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In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. Galatians 3:26

The 2009 film The Blind Side depicts the true story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager. A family takes him in and helps him overcome learning difficulties and achieve excellence in American football. In one scene, the family talks with Michael about the possibility of adopting him after he’d been living with them for several months. In a sweet and tender reply, Michael exclaims that he thought he already was a part of the family!

It’s a beautiful moment, just as adoption is a beautiful thing. Love is extended and full inclusion is offered as a family opens its arms to a new member. Adoption changes lives, just as it profoundly changed Michael’s life.

In Jesus, believers are made “children of God” through faith in Him (Galatians 3:26). We’re adopted by God and become His sons and daughters (4:5). As God’s adopted children, we receive the Spirit of His Son, we call God “Father” (v. 6), and we become His heirs (v. 7) and coheirs with Christ (Romans 8:17). We become full members of His family.

When Michael Oher was adopted, it changed his life, his identity, and his future. How much more for us who are adopted by God! Our life changes as we know Him as Father. Our identity changes as we belong to Him. And our future changes as we’re promised a glorious, eternal inheritance.

How does being a child of God affect your self-identity? In what ways does this change the way you view yourself?

Thank You, Father, for making me Yours. Help me to understand my identity as Your child.

INSIGHT

It’s hard not to read Galatians 3:26–4:7 about being children of God and heirs together with Him without thinking of the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. That parable depicts what it means to be an heir—having a right to what the father owns. Paul tells the Galatian believers in Jesus that because they’ve been adopted as sons, they’ve also been given the Spirit of His Son to live in their hearts. All this happens in the moment of salvation. Paul is describing how the presence of the Spirit of Jesus in our hearts is our inheritance as children of God.

By Con Campbell|2021-08-03T08:56:00-04:00August 2nd, 2021|

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Accessible to All

INSIGHT

Love That Disciplines

INSIGHT

Fearless Love

INSIGHT

Good Trouble

INSIGHT

First Forgive

INSIGHT

Rise Again

INSIGHT

Greatness

INSIGHT

Not Forgotten

INSIGHT

Walking with Jesus

INSIGHT

The Beauty of Adoption

INSIGHT

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