Our Daily Bread #52

Grow in Grace and Knowledge

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH Read: 1 Peter 4:12-19 If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. - 1 Peter 4:16 One October morning in 2006, a woman and her six children were forced to witness an attack on their husband and father. His assailants tried to force him to deny Jesus but he refused. He continued to proclaim Christ as Lord and died praying for his family. The family is determined to follow Christ, even in their grief. Another man was sentenced to 3 years in prison for allegedly insulting another religion. He's an outspoken Christian with a passion for Christ. He and his wife and children continue to be faithful and refuse to deny Him. Persecution for the Christian faith is as real in our world as it was for the Jewish believers in the early church to whom Peter wrote. He prayed, "May the God of all grace.... after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen. and settle you" (1 Peter 5:10). Today is the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. These prayer points from Open Doors USA, a ministry that's committed to encouraging persecuted Christians, can help guide us as we pray: * Pray for the safety and faith of the secret believers in countries where it is illegal to share about Christ. * Pray for the health, perseverance, and encouragement of believers who are imprisoned for the gospel. * Pray that those whose loved ones have died due to martyrdom will rely on God for their strength. Together, let's bring our fellow believers before the Lord in prayer. - Anne Cetas THE BLOOD OF THE MARTYRS IS THE SEED OF THE CHURCH. - Tertullian FRAGILE EXISTENCE Read: Job 1:13-22 We should not trust in ourselves but in God. - 2 Corinthians 1:9 The geological features at Yellowstone National Park fascinate me. But when I walk among the geysers, I'm aware of how close I am to danger. I am walking atop one of the largest, most active volcanoes in the world. When I read the book of Job, I feel as if I'm walking through Yellowstone on a day when the volcano erupts, exploding the earth's fragile crust and bringing disaster. Like tourists at Yellowstone, Job was enjoying life. He was unaware that only a hedge separated him from disaster (Job 1:9-10). When God removed that hedge and allowed Satan to test Job, his life exploded (vv.13-19). Many believers live in circumstances where it seems as if God, for some reason, has removed His hedge of protection. Others, also for reasons unknown, live in relative calm, seemingly unaware of their fragile existence. Like Job's friends, they assume that nothing bad will happen unless they do something to deserve it. As we learn from Job, however, God sometimes allows bad things to happen to good people. Although disaster can strike at any moment, nothing has the power to destroy those who trust Christ (2 Cor.4:9). No disaster can separate us from God's love. - Julie Ackerman Link Though darker, rougher, grows the way, And cares press harder day by day, With patience in His love I'll rest, And whisper that He knoweth best. - Pentecost GOD'S LOVE STILL STANDS WHEN ALL ELSE HAS FALLEN NO DEAL! Read: Luke 4:1-13 It is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. - Luke 4:4 We've all seen and heard advertisements that entice us to take shortcuts to happiness. Buy our product and make no payments for one year! Instant gratification! When the devil tempted Jesus (Luke 4:1-13 ), he offered a shortcut to "satisfaction." He tried to tempt Jesus to take matters into His own hands rather than trust His Father. When Jesus was hungry from 40 days of fasting (v.2), Satan suggested that He use His power to turn stones into bread. Had the Lord done so, He would have been using His powers for His own benefit, but He refused. Why didn't Jesus accept the devil's offer of ruling all the kingdoms of the world right away? (vv.5-7). He could have avoided the cross. But that would have gone against God's plan for Him - to give His life on the cross, to be resurrected, and to sit at the Father's right hand in His kingdom. Satan's offer of a shortcut was no deal at all. Beware of enticements that seem to cost little for the present. Satan hopes to get you to do things his way. And he doesn't give up easily. Even after Jesus overcame a third temptation, Satan left only "until an opportune time" (v.13). Whenever you are offered a shortcut to happiness, watch out to see who's behind the cashier's counter! - C. P. Hia Lord, help me see the devil's offers for what they are - enticements to sin. Help me to keep my eyes focused on You and Your Word, and my ears attentive to You in prayer. Amen. THE BEST WAY TO ESCAPE TEMPTATION IS TO RUN TO GOD. JOY IN THE MIDST OF GRIEF Read: Ezra 3:10-13 The people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping. - Ezra 3:13 After only a few art lessons, 10-year-old Joel decided to try his hand at painting a flower. By looking at a color photograph of a Rose of Sharon, Joel was able to paint a beautiful mixture of blue, purple, red, green, and white. This made the flower, which had been photographed on the day Joel's aunt died, seem to come to life. To the family, his painting symbolized a bittersweet mixture of feelings. While it provided a lasting reminder of the loss they had suffered, it also carried a shout of joy from the celebration of Joel's newly discovered artistic gift. The painting gave joy in the midst of grief. When the people of Judah returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon, they too had a bittersweet experience. As they began rebuilding Solomon's temple, many in the crowd sang songs of praise. At the same time, some older people, who had seen the beauty of the original temple that had been destroyed by war, wept aloud. We are told that "the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping" (Ezra 3:13). Grieving can be like that. While there is sadness in looking back, it also includes a promise of joy in trusting God for the future. Even in a devastating loss, we have this hope: The Lord provides joy in the midst of grief. - Dennis Fisher We sorrow not as others do, Whose hopes fade like the flowers; There is a hope that's born of God, And such a hope is ours. - McNeil EVEN IN THE BLEAKEST TIMES, CHRISTIANS HAVE THE BRIGHTEST HOPE. THE PROBLEM WITH SELF-SUFFICIENCY Read: Revelation 3:14-22 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. - Revelation 3:15 The city of Laodicea had a water problem. One nearby town had fabulous hot springs and another had cold, clear water. Laodicea, however, was stuck with tepid, mineral-laden water that tasted like sulphur. Not hot. Not cold. Just gross. Given those facts, the words of Jesus to the Laodicean believers in Revelation 3 must have stung. Jesus rebuked them for being "neither cold nor hot" (v.15). And when He thought I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot, He felt like vomiting (v.16)--like the effect of their drinking water. What was their problem? It was the sin of self-sufficiency. The Laodiceans had become so affluent that they had forgotten how much they needed Jesus (v.17). When we say we have everything we need, but Jesus isn't at the top of the list, He is deeply offended. Self-sufficiency distracts us from pursuing the things we really need that only He can give. If you'd rather have cash than character, if your credit cards are maximized and your righteousness is minimized, if you've become smart but aren't wise, then you've been shopping in all the wrong places. Jesus offers commodities that are far better (v.18). He's knocking at your heart's door (v.20). Let Him in. He will give you all you really need! - Joe Stowell We must be careful to avoid All self-sufficiency; If sinful pride gets in the way, God's hand we will not see. - Sper WE ALWAYS HAVE ENOUGH WHEN GOD IS OUR SUPPLY ......... The lesson of the Laodicean church is also the PRIDE of thinking you have ALL you need SPIRITUALLY! They will not, it seems cannot, admit they need some CLEANSING in certain parts of their life. They cannot see they have some sins, have some things very wrong in their "church" life, things they need to REPENT of, be CLEANED FROM. They have been led astray into thinking they are spiritually just fine and dandy, but the Lord calls to them to get some eye slav and really see the whole of their condition. Far too many today have their religion formed around a human person. The Roman Catholics believe the Pope is "God on earth." The Seventh Day Adventists believe Ellen White was God's end time apostle, fully inspired. Certain sects of the Church of God believe Herbert Armstrong was God's inspired end time apostle. It would seem none of these groups can see with the spiritual eye that their "church" has errors because of the individuals they have set up to look to as "inspired" - they will not it seems admit the errors of these people. Hence they go along BLINDLY with spiritual PRIDE believing they have spiritually grown to perfection. Laying back on the spiritual easy-boy chair with feet up thinking all is perfectly well, when it is far from being so, is putting yourself in the hands of the enemy who is smiling away at having so many spiritually deceived. Keith Hunt PRECIOUS FRUIT Read: Galatians 5:22-26 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. - Galatians 5:22-23 How much would you be willing to pay for a piece of fruit? In Japan, someone paid more than $6,000 for one Densuke watermelon. Grown only on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, this beautiful dark-green sphere looks like a bowling ball. The nearly 18-pound watermelon was one of only a few thousand available that year. The fruit's rarity brought an astronomical price on the market. Christians have fruit that is far more precious than the Densuke watermelon. It's called the fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" Each "fruit" is a different aspect of Christlikeness. In the Gospels, we see how Christ exemplified these virtues. Now He wants to produce them in our hearts - in what we say, how we think, and how we respond to life (John 15:1-4). A rare and delicious fruit may bring a premium price in the marketplace, but Christ-like character is of far greater worth. As we confess all known sin and yield to God's indwelling Spirit, our lives will be transformed to the likeness of Christ (1 John 1:9; Eph.5:18). This spiritual fruit will fill our lives with joy, bless those around us, and last into eternity. - Dennis Fisher Think not alone of outward form; Its beauty will depart; But cultivate the Spirit's fruits, That grow within the heart. - D. De Haan FRUITFULNESS FOR CHRIST DEPENDS ON FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST. HELP WITH A HOME RUN Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. - 1 Peter 4:10 Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit the first home run of her life in a game against Central Washington. But she nearly didn't get credit for it. As she rounded first base in excitement, she missed it! When she wheeled back to correct her mistake, she injured her knee. Crying, she crawled back to the base. By rule, she had to touch all four bases on her own for the home run to count. Her teammates could not assist her in any way. Then Mallory Holtman, the first baseman for the opposing team, spoke up. "Would it be okay if we carried her around?" After conferring, the umpires agreed. So Mallory and another teammate made a chair of their hands and carted Sara around the bases. By the time they were through carrying her, many were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sara was awarded her home run. The lesson for followers of Christ is clear. When fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of these ballplayers. Reach out. Lift them up and carry them along. It's a wonderful opportunity to "minister ... to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10). - Dave Egner When a fellow Christian stumbles And he needs some help to stand; Don't ignore his circumstances--Offer him your out- stretched hand. - Sper NO ONE IS USELESS IN THIS WORLD WHO LIGHTENS THE BURDEN OF ANOTHER - Charles Dickens. ....................... THERE YOU HAVE IT FRIENDS - 52 DAILY BREADS - ONE FOR EACH WEEK OF THE YEAR. AND SEVEN FOR EACH WEEK - SO ONE FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR. YOU CAN ALSO JUST HIT ONE ANYWHERE FOR EACH WEEK, AND STUDY AND MEDITATE ON EACH FOR EACH DAY OF THAT WEEK. HOWEVER YOU USE THESE DAILY BREAD LESSONS, USE THEM TO GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE OF OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN AND HIS SON CHRIST JESUS.           Keith Hunt