Our Daily Bread

February 21 | Bible in a Year: Numbers 1-3; Mark 3

A Place of Belonging So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. Ephesians 3:17 READ EPHESIANS 3:14–21

LISTEN ONLINE

Some years after the tragic loss of their first spouses, Robbie and Sabrina fell in love, married, and combined their two families. They built a new home and named it Havilah (a Hebrew word meaning “writhing in pain” and “to bring forth”). It signifies the making of something beautiful through pain. The couple says they didn’t build the home to forget their past but “to bring life from the ashes, to celebrate hope.” For them, “it is a place of belonging, a place to celebrate life and where we all cling to the promise of a future.” That’s a beautiful picture of our life in Jesus. He pulls our lives from the ashes and becomes for us a place of belonging. When we receive Him, He makes His home in our hearts (Ephesians 3:17). God adopts us into His family through Jesus so that we belong to Him (1:5-6). Although we’ll go through painful times, He can use even those to bring good purposes in our lives. Daily we have opportunity to grow in our understanding of God as we enjoy His love and celebrate what He’s given us. In Him, there’s a fullness to life that we couldn’t have without Him (3:19). And we have the promise that this relationship will last forever. Jesus is our place of belonging, our reason to celebrate life, and our hope now and forever. By Anne Cetas REFLECT & PRAY I’m grateful that I belong to You, Jesus. Thank You for a life of hope for now and forever. In what ways has Jesus changed your life? What does it mean for you to belong to Jesus?

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Because Paul led the Ephesian believers to faith (Acts 19:1-10), he considers them his spiritual children and is unwaveringly committed to pray fervently for their spiritual growth (see Philippians 1:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12). Ephesians 3:14-21 is one of the few recorded prayers of Paul in the New Testament (see also Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12), and is the second of two prayers in Ephesians (also Ephesians 1:15-23). In these prayers, Paul doesn’t pray for their material well-being but focuses on their spiritual development and maturity. In the first prayer, which emphasizes knowledge, Paul prays they’ll have “the Spirit of wisdom and revelation” so that they may “know the hope to which [God] has called [them]” (1:17-18). In his second prayer (3:14-21), he focuses on love and prays that having been “rooted and established in love” they’ll “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (vv. 17-18). K. T. Sim

source: obd.org

Our Daily Bread

The Reality of God The Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he [saw] chariots of fire all around Elisha. 2 Kings 6:17 READ 2 KINGS 6:8–17

LISTEN ONLINE

In C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, all of Narnia is thrilled when the mighty lion Aslan reappears after a long absence. Their joy turns to sorrow, however, when Aslan concedes to a demand made by the evil White Witch. Faced with Aslan’s apparent defeat, the Narnians experience his power when he emits an earsplitting roar that causes the witch to flee in terror. Although all seems to have been lost, Aslan ultimately proves to be greater than the villainous witch. Like Aslan’s followers in Lewis’ allegory, Elisha’s servant despaired when he got up one morning to see himself and Elisha surrounded by an enemy army. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” he exclaimed (2 Kings 6:15). The prophet’s response was calm: “Don’t be afraid . . . . Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v. 16). Elisha then prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see” (v. 17). So, “the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha” (v. 17). Although things at first seemed bleak to the servant’s eye, God’s power ultimately proved greater than the enemy horde. Our difficult circumstances may lead us to believe all is lost, but God desires to open our eyes and reveal that He is greater. By Remi Oyedele REFLECT & PRAY Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness. What difficult times are you facing? How have you experienced that God is greater than any evil you face?

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Although the two Old Testament prophets Elijah (whose name means “Yahweh is God”) and Elisha (whose name means “God is salvation”) had similar names and missions—to serve God and the people of Israel—they are two different people. Their prophetic exploits are found in 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 13. Elijah departed this earth dramatically—caught up in a whirlwind into heaven (2 Kings 2:11); Elisha succumbed to sickness and died (13:14). Arthur Jackson

source: ourdailybread

Month Of May 2013, Food For Our soul!

It is written; IF I SAY, 'I WILL FORGET MY
COMPLAINT, I WILL CHANGE MY EXPRESSION,
AND SMILE.'          ( JOB 9:27 * NIV )

Dear Friend,
    We all have days when we feel overwhelmed
with life's many problems.  However complaining about
then doesn't change a thing!

    So why not smile instead of complain, for it is said; "Smile
and the whole World smiles with you, frown and you frown
alone!"

    Now what better way to find a smile than to laugh with
joy.  So enjoy today's message, and let it be said; OUR
MOUTHS WERE FILLED WITH LAUGHTER, OUR
TONGUES WITH SONGS OF JOY. For; THE LORD
HAS DONE GREAT THINGS FOR US, AND WE
ARE FILLED WITH JOY.      ( PSALM 126:2-3 )

    Therefore friend, today's message is one that was
sent to us by one of our Dear Subscribers. It will not only
cause a laugh or two, it may try your Bible knowledge a
little as well!  It is titled:

                        "Smiles From The Bible"

Q:  What kind of man was Boaz before he married?
A:  Ruthless

Q:  What do they call Pastor's in Germany?
A:  German Shepherd's.

Q:  Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A:  Noah.  He was floating his stock while everyone else was
      in liquidation.

Q:  What was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A:  Pharaoh's daughter.  She went to the bank of the Nile
      and drew out a little Prophet.

Q:  What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A:  Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Fury.
      David's Triumph was heard throughout the land.  Also,
      probably a  Honda, because the apostles were all in
      one Accord.

Q:  Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A:  Samson.  He brought the house down.

Q:  Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in
      the Bible?
A:  Moses.  He broke all 10 commandments at once.

Q:  Which area of Palestine was especially wealthy?
A:  The area around Jordan.  The banks were always
      overflowing.

Q:  Who is the greatest babysitter mentioned in the Bible?
A:  David.  He rocked Goliath to a very deep sleep.

Q:  Which Bible character had no parents?
A:  Joshua, son of Nun.

    Now who knew the Bible was so full of puns and jokes? 
I hope you have enjoyed!

    

source:  http://www.godsminute.com

Month of April 2013 , Food For Our soul

THESE THINGS I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT
IN ME YOU MAY HAVE PEACE. IN THE WORLD
YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION; BUT BE OF GOOD
CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD."
          ( John 16:33 *NKJV )

Dear Friend,
  Now in this World today, there are times when we may
feel overwhelmed by what is going on all around us.  After
all with terrible disasters, wars and terrorist's threats, etc
happening, it is enough to make one wonder what is
happening to this World today.

  If all of these events cause you to feel overwhelmed, and the
tribulation in this World is weighing heavily on your mind,
remember that God is always with you, and these events are
unfolding as prophesied.  Also remember that our Savior Jesus
Christ said, "LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED; YOU
BELIEVE IN GOD, BELIEVE ALSO IN ME. ( John 14:1 )
For when we put all of our trust in Jesus' hands, we will find peace
for; FOR HE HIMSELF IS OUR PEACE.
                                    ( Ephesians 2:14 )

    Finally, brethren, whatever things are true,
whatever things are noble, whatever things
are just, whatever things are pure, whatever
things are lovely, whatever things are of
good report, if there is any virtue and if
there is anything praiseworthy - meditate
on these things, instead of the troubles of thi
World.  After all it is then that; THE PEACE OF GOD, WHICH
SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD YOUR
HEART AND MIND THROUGH CHRIST JESUS, AND YOU
WILL KNOW TRUE PEACE AS YOU HAVE NEVER KNOWN
IT BEFORE.  AMEN. 
                                  (Philippians 4:7-8)


Source: http://www.godsminute.com

Month Of March 2013, Food for our Souls!

FOR GOD IS NOT THE AUTHOR OF CONFUSION
BUT OF PEACE, AS IN ALL THE CHURCHES OF
THE SAINTS.
    ( 1 Corinthians 14:33 *NKJV )

Dear Friend/s,
      In this world today it is hard for most people to find any
peace at all.  Confusion abounds no matter where we go. 
Jesus warned us about that for He said, THESE THINGS
I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU, THAT IN ME YOU MAY HAVE
PEACE. IN THE WORLD YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION;
BUT BE OF GOOD CHEER, I HAVE OVERCOME THE
WORLD."                            ( John 16:33 )

      After all it is written that; THE LORD WILL GIVE
STRENGTH TO HIS PEOPLE; THE LORD WILL BLESS
HIS  PEOPLE WITH PEACE.  ( Psalm 29:11 )

      Therefore when you find yourself confused, Friend/s,
always look to Jesus Christ for; FOR HE HIMSELF IS
OUR PEACE, ( Ephesians 2:14 )  After all He
said, PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU, MY PEACE I GIVE
TO YOU; NOT AS THE WORLD GIVES DO I GIVE TO
YOU.                              ( John 14:27 )

      Now that is a loving caring peace that we become filled
with on our spiritual journey, and peace is only one of the
many blessings we receive on that journey, for it is also
written, THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT IS LOVE, JOY,
PEACE, LONG SUFFERING, KINDNESS, GOODNESS,
FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS, SELF-CONTROL. AGAINST
SUCH THERE IS NO LAW.  ( Galatians 5:22-23 )

      So Friend/s, it is my prayer that you are well on your way
down that spiritual path right now, and that; THE PEACE OF GOD,
WHICH SURPASSES ALL UNDERSTANDING, WILL GUARD
YOUR HEART AND MIND THROUGH CHRIST JESUS.
AMEN!                            ( Philippians 4:7 )

     Source:  http://www.godsminute.com

Month Of February 2013, Food For Our Souls!

TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, A TIME
FOR EVERY PURPOSE UNDER HEAVEN.       
        ( Ecclesiastes 3:1 *NKJV )

Dearest Friend/s,
  In this fast paced World we live in, patience has become a
lost art!  We may even think that God isn't hearing our prayers
because they aren't answered instantly.

  When you find yourself feeling that way remember to; REST
IN THE LORD, AND WAIT PATIENTLY FOR HIM.
(Psalms 37:7)

Therefore , why not slow down and practice patience,
as well as, take time to enjoy the simple things in life like just::

                      TAKING TIME
      Take time to think...It is the source of
      power.

      Take time to play...It is the secret of
      perpetual youth.

      Take time to read...It is the fountain of
      wisdom.

      Take time to pray...It is the greatest power
      on Earth.

      Take time to love and be loved...It is a God-
      given privilege.

      Take time to be friendly...It is the road to
      happiness.

      Take time to laugh...It is the music of the
      soul.

      Take time to give...It is too short a day to be
      selfish.

      Take time to work...It is the price of
      success.

      Take time to do charity...It is the key to
      Heaven.
                                        Author Unknown

source: http://www.godsminute.com

 

Month of January 2013, Food For Our Souls!

NO TEMPTATION HAS SIEZED YOU EXCEPT WHAT IS COMMON
  TO MAN.  AND GOD IS FAITHFUL; HE WILL ALSO PROVIDE A
  WAY OUT SO THAT YOU CAN STAND THE TEST.
                          ( 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 *NIV )

  Dear Friend/s,
      Now as you know this World is filled with sinful desires. 
  Temptations are everywhere, for you can find them on Television,
  in the Movies, or even on the Internet as well!

      Now this isn't something new for even our Savior Jesus Christ
  even faced temptation on this Earth as well!  That is written in
  the Book of Luke, ( 4:1-13.)  Therefore when you find yourself
  being tempted, remember who the great tempter is and: BE
  SELF-CONTROLLED AND ALERT YOUR ENEMY THE DEVIL
  PROWLS AROUND LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO DEVOUR.
  ( 1 PETER 5:8 )

      Also never think that God is tempting you, for it is written:
  WHEN TEMPTED, NO ONE SHOULD SAY, "GOD IS TEMPTING
  ME."  FOR GOD CANNOT BE TEMPTED BY EVIL, NOR DOES
  HE TEMPT ANYONE; BUT EACH ONE IS TEMPTED WHEN,
  BY HIS OWN EVIL DESIRE, HE IS DRAGGED AWAY AND
  ENTICED.  ( JAMES 1:13-14 )

      So friend/s, always turn to prayer when you find yourself being
  tempted. FOR WE DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PRIEST WHO IS
  UNABLE TO SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES, BUT
  WE HAVE ONE WHO HAS BEEN TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY,
  JUST AS WE ARE YET WITHOUT SIN.  LET US THEN
  APPROACH THE THRONE OF GRACE WITH CONFIDENCE,
  SO THAT WE MAY RECEIVE MERCY AND FIND GRACE TO
  HELP US IN OUR TIME OF NEED.  ( HEBREWS 4:15-16 )

      Now may: THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST BE
  WITH YOUR SPIRIT, the next time you face temptation!  Amen.
  (PHILIPPIANS 4:23 )

source:  http://www.godsminute.com