July 2024 - Page 2 of 4 - Our Daily Bread Ministries Canada

The Winning Goal

Read: Acts 11:19-30 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 29-30; Acts 23:1-15

A great number of people were brought to the Lord. Acts 11:24

On February 5, 2023, Christian Atsu kicked the winning goal for his football (soccer) team in a match in Turkey. A star international player, he learned to play the sport as a kid running barefoot in his home country of Ghana. Christian was a believer in Christ: “Jesus is the best thing that ever happened in my life,” he said. Atsu posted Bible verses on social media, was outspoken about his faith, and put it into action by helping finance a school for orphans.

The day after his winning goal, a devastating earthquake shook the city of Antakya, once the biblical city of Antioch. Christian Atsu’s apartment building collapsed, and he went to be with his Savior.

Two thousand years ago, Antioch was the fountainhead of the early church: “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). One apostle, Barnabas, said to be “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit” (v. 24), was instrumental in bringing people to Christ: “a great number of people were brought to the Lord” (v. 24).

We look to the life of Christian Atsu not to idolize him but to see in his example an opportunity. Whatever our circumstance in life, we don’t know when God will take us to be with Him. We do well to ask ourselves how we can be a Barnabas or a Christian Atsu in showing others the love of Christ. That, above all, is the winning goal.

What does it mean to be a Barnabas to others? What opportunities do you have to talk about Jesus?

Dear God, I pray that You’ll give me opportunities to share my faith.

INSIGHT

One advantage of the persecution the early believers in Jesus faced in Jerusalem and Judea was that they dispersed to other regions “spreading the word” as they went (Acts 11:19). The Jewish believers witnessed only to other Jews (v. 19), but some believers in Christ from Cyrene and Cypress “began to speak to Greeks also” (v. 20). Luke, who wrote the Acts account, tells us that “the Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord” (v. 21). The attempt at stamping out Christianity served only to spread it.

By kenneth petersen|2024-07-21T02:33:08-04:00July 21st, 2024|

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Taking Responsibility for Words

Read: Proverbs 15:1-9 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 26-28; Acts 22

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The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21

It’s almost unheard of for institutions to admit guilt after a tragedy. But one year after a seventeen-year-old student’s death by suicide, a prestigious school admitted it “fell tragically short” in protecting him. The student had been relentlessly bullied, and school leaders, despite knowing about the mistreatment, did little to protect him. The school has now committed to taking significant steps to combat bullying and better care for students’ mental health.

The devastation caused by bullying is a stark example of the power of words. In the book of Proverbs, we’re taught to never take the impact of words lightly, for “the tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21). What we say can either lift up or crush another. At its worst, cruel words can be a factor contributing to literal death.

How do we bring life with what we say? Scripture teaches that our words flow from either wisdom or foolishness (15:2). We find wisdom by drawing close to God, the source of wisdom’s life-giving power (3:13, 17-19).

We all have a responsibility—in words and actions—to take seriously the impact of words, and to care for and protect those wounded by what others have said. Words can kill, but compassionate words can also heal, becoming a “tree of life” (15:4) to those around us.

When have you seen careless words cause damage? How can you show God’s compassion through what you say?

Loving God, please help me never take the impact of words lightly but rely on You to speak what brings life.

INSIGHT

Proverbs 15:1-9 has a lot to say about the importance of our speech. It’s also a prominent theme in the New Testament book of James. Though broadly applicable, James warns “teachers”—those who influence others through their word—that they’ll be judged more strictly (3:1). We’re more susceptible to sin with our words than in any other way (v. 2). Compared with the other members of the body, the tongue is disproportionately powerful and more difficult to tame (vv. 3-8). We’re inconsistent in how we use our words. They can be used to treat those who are made in the very image of God as if they’re useless and at the same time we use our words to praise God who made them (vv. 9-12). As the psalmist says, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

By Monica La Rose|2024-07-20T02:33:17-04:00July 20th, 2024|

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Brokenness that Blesses

Read: James 2:3-6 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 23-25; Acts 21:18-40

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We have this treasure in jars of clay. 2 Corinthians 4:7

His back is hunched, and he walks with a cane, but his many years of spiritual shepherding are evidence that he leans on God—the source of his strength. In 1993, the Reverend William Barber II was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that causes the vertebrae of the spine to fuse together. In a not-so-subtle way, he was told, “Barber, you probably gonna need to figure out another thing to do besides pastoring, because the church ain’t gonna want [someone disabled] to be their pastor.” But Barber overcame that hurtful comment. God has not only used him as a pastor, but he’s also been a powerful, respected voice for underserved and marginalized people.

Though the world may not fully know what to do with those with disabilities, God does. Those who value beauty and brawn and things that money can buy can miss the good that accompanies uninvited brokenness. The rhetorical question of James and the principle underneath it are worth considering: “Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” (James 2:5). When health or strength or other things are reduced, one’s faith needn’t follow suit. By God’s strength, it can be the opposite. Our lack can be a catalyst to trust Him. Our brokenness, as was the case with Jesus, can be used of Him to bring good to our world.

In what ways are you weak or broken? How can your weakness be used as an asset to encourage others?

Father, please help me to bring You honor despite my weaknesses.

INSIGHT

The oppression of the poor by the rich is a miscarriage of justice in every society. James warns of the sins of favoring the rich and discriminating against the poor. To avoid such sins, he tells us to “keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’ ” (2:8, quoting Leviticus 19:18). The royal law warns of perverting justice based on socioeconomic status: “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly” (Leviticus 19:15). Our perfectly impartial God doesn’t show favoritism: “He defends . . . the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner . . . giving them food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18). James reminds us: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world” (James 1:27).

By Arthur Jackson|2024-07-19T02:33:07-04:00July 19th, 2024|

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Renewing Our Strength

Read: Isaiah 40:27-31 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 20-22; Acts 21:1-17

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They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. Isaiah 40:31

A pair of eagles built a giant nest in a tree a few miles away from my house. Before long, the enormous birds had eaglets. They cared for their hatchlings together until one of the adult eagles was tragically struck and killed by a car. For several days, the surviving eagle flew up and down a nearby river, as if searching for the lost mate. Finally, the eagle returned to the nest and assumed the full responsibility of raising the offspring.

In any situation, single parenting can be challenging. The delight a child brings combined with possible financial and emotional pressure can create a broad range of experiences. But there’s hope for those who have this important role, and for anyone trying to manage a situation that feels overwhelming.

God is with us when we feel exhausted and discouraged. Because He’s omnipotent—all powerful—and doesn’t change, His strength won’t ever expire. We can trust what the Bible says: “Those who hope in [Him] will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). Coming up against our own limits won’t determine what happens to us because we can depend on God to supernaturally recharge us. Hoping in Him allows us to walk and not faint, and to “soar on wings like eagles” (v. 31).

What feels overwhelming in your life? How might God be encouraging you to rely on His strength?

Dear heavenly Father, I can’t manage this life on my own. I need You. Please give me Your supernatural strength today.

INSIGHT

Isaiah 40:30-31 includes three classifications of people. “Youths” refers to children into the teenage years. They’re often bundles of energy and vigor. But—naturally speaking—sooner or later, they wear out. The term “young men” refers to those in the prime of life, but they also have limitations. The third category is a spiritual category that’s not defined by age, stage, or other human metrics: “those who hope in the Lord.” Such are candidates for strength of a different kind—supernatural spiritual strength. It enables them to do through God what they can’t do on their own: “[God] is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). Those who put their trust in Him are candidates for Godlike spiritual strength. Like Him, in whom they trust, they “will not grow tired or weary” (Isaiah 40:28).

By Jennifer Benson Schuldt|2024-07-18T02:33:35-04:00July 18th, 2024|

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From Age to Age

Read: Exodus 7:1-13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 18-19; Acts 20:17-38

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Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh. Exodus 7:7

Two grandmothers from Texas became media sensations recently for completing a journey around the world in eighty days at the age of eighty-one. The globetrotting best friends of twenty-three years traveled to all seven continents. They started in Antarctica, tangoed in Argentina, rode camels in Egypt, and took a sleigh ride while at the North Pole. They visited eighteen countries including Zambia, India, Nepal, Indonesia, Japan, and Italy and ended their trip in Australia. The duo said they hoped they’d inspired future generations to enjoy traveling the world, regardless of their age.

In Exodus, we read about two octogenarians who were recruited by God for a different kind of adventure of a lifetime. He called Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand he free God’s people from bondage. God sent Moses’ older brother Aaron for support. “Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three when they spoke to Pharaoh” (Exodus 7:7).

This request would feel daunting at any age, but God had handpicked these brothers for this assignment, and they followed His instructions. “So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded” (v. 10).

Moses and Aaron had the honor of witnessing God deliver His people from more than four hundred years of slavery. These men demonstrate that He can use us at any age. Whether we’re young or older, let’s follow Him wherever He leads.

How have you seen God’s faithfulness in your life? How can you serve Him in this season?

Dear God, please help me to follow You all the days of my life.

INSIGHT

God uses people at all ages. Moses lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7). Both Joshua and Caleb were in their mid-eighties when they led their people to conquer the promised land (Joshua 14:7-12). The gospel historian Luke tells of Simeon, who tradition says was a prophet, and the prophetess Anna, who waited expectantly for the Messiah. They were privileged to see the baby Jesus when He was forty days old (Luke 2:22-38; see Leviticus 12:1-8). At the age of eighty-four, Anna was telling others about the Savior (vv. 37-38).

By nancy gavilanes|2024-07-17T02:33:22-04:00July 17th, 2024|

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News Worth Celebrating

Read: 2 Timothy 2:8-13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 16-17; Acts 20:1-16

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Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him. 2 Timothy 2:11

For more than two centuries, the hymn placed first in the Methodist hymnbook was “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing.” Written by Charles Wesley and originally titled “For the Anniversary Day of One’s Conversion,” the song was composed to commemorate the radical renewal sparked by his faith in Jesus. It has eighteen stanzas proclaiming the glory of God’s goodness to those who repent and follow Christ.

Such faith is worth celebrating—and worth sharing. In 2 Timothy 2, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and to persevere in sharing it. He noted, “This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal” (vv. 8-9). Rather than second-guess his choices, Paul reminds Timothy to remember the good-news message: “Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David” (v. 8), came not to rule but to serve and ultimately to die for the sins of the world so that we may have peace with God. Death didn’t win. Jesus rose from the grave.

And just as it set free those who believe, the message itself isn’t bound. “God’s word is not chained,” said Paul (v. 9), not even from places where death seems to have won: prison cells, hospital beds, gravesides. In Christ, there’s hope for all people. That’s news worth celebrating!

How do you celebrate the good news of Jesus in your daily life? Whom can you share this good news with?

Father, thank You for saving me and giving me opportunities to share the good news with everyone.

For further study, read Gospel Conversations: Sharing the Story of Jesus.

INSIGHT

As Paul states in today’s text, he’s suffering in chains for his commitment to the gospel of the risen Christ. Yet he endures those things on behalf “of the elect”—those who haven’t yet received the message of Jesus (2 Timothy 2:10). Yet, even in chains, the apostle’s heart seems filled with hope, seeing death as the pathway to true life (v. 11). All his hope is rooted in one overriding principle—the faithfulness of God. He’s faithful to keep His promises always and perfectly (v. 13). Even though Paul is restricted and chained, he has confidence that nothing can chain the gospel (v. 9), and it will accomplish its good work in the hearts and minds of people who hear it. As you get deeper into 2 Timothy, it becomes clear just how powerful Paul’s hope is, for not only is he in chains, he’s facing imminent death (4:6).

By matt lucas|2024-07-16T02:33:11-04:00July 16th, 2024|

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Devoted to Prayer

Read: Colossians 4:2-6, 12-13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 13-15; Acts 19:21-41

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Devote yourselves to prayer. Colossians 4:2

“I’ve been praying for you for fifty years,” said the elderly woman. My friend Lou looked into her eyes with profound gratitude. He was visiting the Bulgarian village that his father grew up in and left as a teenager. The woman, a believer in Jesus, lived next to his grandparents. She began to pray for Lou as soon as she heard about his birth a continent away. Now, over half a century later, he was visiting the village on a business trip, and while there he spoke to a group about his faith. Lou hadn’t become a believer in Jesus until he was almost thirty, and when this woman approached him after he spoke, he wondered about the impact her persistent prayers had made on his coming to faith.

We’ll never know the full effect of our prayers this side of heaven. But Scripture gives us this counsel: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). When Paul penned those words to believers in the small city of Colossae, he also asked for prayer himself so that God would “open a door” for his message wherever he went (v. 3).

Sometimes we may think, I don’t have the spiritual gift of prayer. But of all the spiritual gifts listed in the Bible, prayer isn’t among them. Perhaps this is because God longs for each of us to pray faithfully, so that we may see what only He can do.

How have you benefited from the prayers of others? Whom are you praying for today?

Father, thank You that You want to hear from me! Please help me to treasure the opportunity to talk to You and pray for others each day.

Hear more of James Banks’ teachings on prayer.

INSIGHT

Paul closes his letter to the church in Colossae encouraging the believers in Jesus to “devote [themselves] to prayer, being watchful and thankful” (Colossians 4:2). Bible scholar N. T. Wright makes this comment: “The connection here with thanksgiving may suggest the threefold rhythm: intercession, ‘watching’ for answers to prayer, and thanksgiving when answers appear.” In addition to prayers for their own lives and the lives of those around them, Paul asks for prayers for himself and his fellow servants that the doors for their message may be opened and that they’d proclaim the message of Christ (vv. 3-4). Finally, the apostle reassures the Colossians of how loved they are by reminding them that Epaphras “is always wrestling in prayer for you” (v. 12).

By James Banks|2024-07-15T02:33:12-04:00July 15th, 2024|

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Better Together in Christ

Read: Psalm 133 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 10-12; Acts 19:1-20

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Harmony is as refreshing as the dew. Psalm 133:3 nlt

Dr. Tiffany Gholson had seen crime impact her small American city of East Saint Louis, Illinois, in many ways. By 2023, however, the town recorded a 31 percent drop in homicides and a 37 percent drop in crime overall. What happened? A partnership. Working together, the city’s Public Safety Enforcement Group—including the state and city police, the city school district, and a faith organization—combined efforts to turn the tide for all citizens.

“We say it’s a marriage,” Dr. Gholson stated, with all members of the city partnership joining in to help citizens. The school district’s Wraparound Wellness Center, which she leads, involves school social workers, nurses, and staff to support kids impacted by crime or accidents. Other agencies share their strengths. Police commit to talk more with people on the street—and listen.

The psalmist David wrote, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). “Harmony,” David added, “is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon” (v. 3 nlt). David was referring to people who share a unifying faith in God. Rather than divided by doctrines or politics, we are one. The concept may feel elusive, yet it blesses all. It’s a beautiful goal for believers to show concern for one another—especially in our cities desperately in need of the love of Jesus.

Where do you see a lack of unity? How might God be prompting you to promote unity by living out your faith?

Father, please help me by the power of Your Spirit to work for unity in my community.

INSIGHT

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Unity is a theme found throughout the Bible. In Jesus’ prayer to His Father, He asked that all believers in Christ “be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity” (John 17:22-23). He knew believers would require God’s help to keep them unified in the face of quarrels, controversy, and persecution, and their witness of Him would be hampered by disunity. The apostle Paul called believers to “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4:1). This is best accomplished when the church is unified. It requires “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience,” forgiveness, and above all “love, which binds [us] all together in perfect unity” (Colossians 3:12-14). Unity is embodied when individuals in the church use their spiritual gifts and abilities to benefit the whole (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4).

By Patricia Raybon|2024-07-14T02:33:17-04:00July 14th, 2024|

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Worship First

Read: Ezra 3:1-6 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 7-9; Acts 18

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They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid. Ezra 3:6

I’d never planned to start a non-profit organization about adult friendship, and when I felt called to do so, I had so many questions. How would the charity be financed, and who should help me build it? My greatest help on these matters ended up coming not from a business book, but a biblical one.

The book of Ezra is essential reading for anyone called by God to build something. Recounting how the Jews rebuilt Jerusalem after their exile, it shows how God provided funds through public donations and government grants (Ezra 1:4-11; 6:8-10), and how both volunteers and contractors did the work (1:5; 3:7). It shows the importance of preparation time, with rebuilding not beginning until the second year of the Jews’ return (3:8). It shows how opposition may come (ch. 4). But one thing in the story particularly stood out to me. A whole year before any building began, the Jews erected the altar (3:1-6). The people worshiped “though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid” (v. 6). Worship came first.

Is God calling you to start something new? Ezra’s principle is poignant whether you’re starting a charity, a Bible study, a creative project, or some new task at work. Even a God-given project can take our attention away from Him, so let’s focus on God first. Before we work, we worship.

Why do you think the Jews built the altar first? How could worship fit into your workflow today?

Heavenly Father, I worship You as Lord of all, including the tasks You’ve given me to do today.

INSIGHT

The book of Ezra is one of the post-exilic books in the Old Testament, meaning it recounts events following the exile of Judah to Babylon. After seventy years in captivity, when the people were allowed to return to the land of their forefathers, they found Jerusalem a mere shadow of its former glory. With both the impact of Babylon’s attack and the seven decades of neglect having taken its toll, the city needed to be rebuilt. However, the people also needed to be rebuilt in their relationship with God as His covenant people. Described as a teacher of the law (Ezra 7:6, 10), Ezra reestablished the law of Moses and called the people to worship the God their ancestors had forsaken—which had prompted the exile in the first place. Ezra was also of the priestly line, descending from Seraiah, the last chief priest to serve in Solomon’s temple (2 Kings 25:18).

By Sheridan Voysey|2024-07-13T02:33:20-04:00July 13th, 2024|

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Uncovered Sins

Read: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 4-6; Acts 17:16-34

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God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14

A thief broke into a phone repair shop, smashed the glass of a display case, and began pocketing phones and more. He tried to conceal his identity from the surveillance camera by covering his head with a cardboard box. But during the burglary, the box briefly tipped, uncovering his face. Minutes later, the store owner saw the video footage of the robbery, called the police, and they arrested the robber outside a nearby store. His story reminds us that every hidden sin will be uncovered one day.

It’s human nature to try to hide our sins. But in Ecclesiastes, we read that we should keep God’s commandments, for every hidden thing will be brought before His righteous gaze and just verdict (12:14). The author wrote, “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind” (v. 13). Even the hidden things which the Ten Commandments rebuked (Leviticus 4:13) won’t escape His evaluation. He’ll bring every deed into judgment, whether good or evil. But, because of His grace, we can find forgiveness for our sins in Jesus and His sacrifice on our behalf (Ephesians 2:4-5).

When we’re conscious of and internalize His commandments, it can lead to a reverent fear of Him and a lifestyle to match. Let’s bring our sins to Him and experience anew His loving, forgiving heart.

How can you maintain a reverent fear of God? What can you do this week to be conscious of His commandments?

Dear God, I repent of my secret sins. Please look on me with mercy and help me live rightly before You.

INSIGHT

The final two verses of Ecclesiastes 12 comprise the conclusion to a sobering chapter in which old age is looked at with an unflinching lens. These verses also serve as the conclusion to the entire book of Ecclesiastes—possibly the most depressing book in the Bible after Lamentations. In both the first and last chapters, the author tells us “everything is meaningless” (1:2; 12:8). The bulk of the twelve chapters examine the futility of everything we do to try to find meaning and purpose. Upon closer inspection, however, we see that the writer does find meaning. That’s why he writes, “Fear God and keep his commandments” (v. 13) for there’s a coming judgment (v. 14). Keep in mind that “the Teacher” (1:1) is writing from the perspective of this life only. Only when he acknowledges the next life does he find purpose and, ultimately, fulfillment.

By Marvin Williams|2024-07-12T02:33:26-04:00July 12th, 2024|

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The Winning Goal

INSIGHT

Taking Responsibility for Words

INSIGHT

Brokenness that Blesses

INSIGHT

Renewing Our Strength

INSIGHT

From Age to Age

INSIGHT

News Worth Celebrating

INSIGHT

Devoted to Prayer

INSIGHT

Better Together in Christ

INSIGHT

Worship First

INSIGHT

Uncovered Sins

INSIGHT

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