ODB: rescued (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 30, 2010

READ: Colossians 1:12-22

He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. —Colossians 1:13

ASouth African man surprised nine men robbing his home. Seven of the robbers ran away, but the homeowner managed to shove two into his backyard pool. After realizing that one of the robbers couldn’t swim, the homeowner jumped in to save him. The Cape Times reports that once out of the pool, the wet thief called to his friends to come back. Then he pulled a knife and threatened the man who had just rescued him. The homeowner said, “We were still standing near the pool, and when I saw the knife I just threw him back in. But he was gasping for air and was drowning. So I rescued him again.”

In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul wrote of another rescue:God the Father had saved them from the domain of darkness. This rescue occurred at the death of Christ, but also at the Colossians’ conversion. The imagery Paul used (1:12-13) suggests that believers have been rescued from the dark reign of Satan by being transferred as free people into the peaceable rule of Christ. By Jesus’ death, believers become free citizens in the kingdom of light.

The appropriate response to such amazing grace is to show joyous gratitude by offering God acceptable service with reverence and awe (Heb. 12:28). —Marvin Williams

Through the cross, Jesus rescued and redeemed the rebellious.

ODB: paul’s heart (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 29, 2010

READ: Philippians 1:12-21

With all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. —Philippians 1:20

According to a long-held Christian tradition, the apostle Paul was beheaded and buried in Rome around ad 67. In 2009, scientists conducted carbon dating tests on what many believe to be his remains. While these tests on the bone fragments confirmed that they date from the first or second century, positive identification re-mains in question. But no matter where Paul’s bones rest, his heart lives on through his letters in the New Testament.

While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote to the followers of Jesus in Philippi about his purpose in life. He spoke of his “earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21).

As we read Paul’s words today, they challenge us to examine our own hearts. Are we as passionate as he was about Jesus Christ? Is it our goal to honor Him in our everyday life?

Long after we’re gone, those who knew us will remember our hearts. May we, like Paul, create a legacy of hope and encouragement centered around Jesus Christ. —David McCasland

We are Christ’s “letters of recommendation” to all who read our lives.

ODB: toxic living (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 28, 2010

READ: 1 Samuel 13:7-14

Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord.”—1 Samuel 13:13

Picher, Oklahoma, is no more. Inmid-2009, this once-bustling town of 20,000 went out of business. In the first quarter of the 1900s, Picher was a boomtown because of its abundant lead and zinc. Workers extracted the ore, which was used to help arm the US during both World Wars.

The town faded as the ore began to run out—but the biggest problem was that while the lead and zinc brought wealth, they also brought pollution. Because nothing was done to deal with the pollution, Picher became a toxic wasteland, and the government condemned the land.

What happened to Picher can happen to people. Prosperity can look so good that it’s hard to think about possible downsides. Actions that are detrimental to long-term spiritual health are accepted, and unless the problem is corrected, destruction follows. It happened to King Saul. He began as a good king, but in seeking success he failed to see the damage he was doing. Turning his back on God’s commands, he acted “foolishly” (1 Sam.-:13) and lost his kingdom (v.14).

In our attempts to find success, we need to watch out for spiritual pollution that comes when we fail to follow God’s clear scriptural guidelines. Godly living always beats toxic living. —Dave Branon

No one can be a real success without God.

ODB: guilty of plenty (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 26, 2010

READ: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant. —1 Timothy 1:14

Aman was filling out a job application when he came to the question “Have you ever been arrested?” He wrote, “No.” The next question, intended for people who had answered “Yes” to the previous question, was “Why?” The applicant answered it anyway: “I never got caught.” He evidently knew he was guilty of plenty!

So was the apostle Paul. He knew he had personally done wrong and sinned against God. He wrote, “I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man” (1 Tim. 1:13). He even called himself the “chief” of sinners (v.15).

We too were once separated from the Lord because of our sin and were considered His enemies (Rom. 5:10; Col. 1:21). But when we confessed our sin and acknowledged our need for His forgiveness, He cleansed us and made us new.

Those of us who have known the Lord for many years may have the tendency to forget what we’ve been rescued from and forgiven of. Sharing about our past and current failures and giving praise to God for forgiveness will help us not to come across as “holier-than-thou” to people who don’t yet know the Lord.

The truth is we’ve all been guilty of plenty, and God deserves the glory for His mercy toward us. —Anne Cetas

Grace is everything for those who deserve nothing.

ODB: the right people (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 25, 2010

READ: 1 Corinthians 12:7-18

God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. —1 Corinthians 12:18

The film Miracle tells the true story of the 1980 US Olympic ice hockey team as it marches to an improbable gold medal. At the outset of the story, coach Herb Brooks is shown selecting the players for his team. When he gives assistant coach Craig Patrick a list of names he has chosen, Craig says in surprise, “You’re missing some of the best players.” Brooks responds, “I’m not looking for the best players, Craig—just the right ones.”

Brooks knew that individual talent would take the team only so far. A willingness to fit into his style of selfless play would be far more important than talent. Clearly, team success, not individual glory, was the priority.

The biblical call to service has a similar emphasis. In God’s purposes, each believer does his or her part, but the results are team-oriented. After explaining the wide differences in the spiritual gifts of believers, Paul says, “the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all” (1 Cor. 12:7). When we use the skills God gives us, His purposes are accomplished, and He gets the glory. In God’s service, it’s not about being the best, the most talented, or the most gifted. It’s about being the right people—the ones God “set . . . in the body” (v.18)—joining together to serve the same team. —Bill Crowder

There are no unimportant people in the body of Christ.

The Paradise Band Concert @ Metro Tabernacle A/G Church

Hey,

The Paradise Band from Australia will be coming to Metro Tabernacle A/G Church for Worship Workshop and Concert as well to promote their new album ''One Heart''.

Paradise Band is the music & worship label of Paradise Community Church in Adelaide, South Australia. Worship & Creative Pastor, Mark Anderson, and Music Pastor, Daniel Thornton, lead a superb team of singers & musicians that have released multiple albums & toured extensively. They believe God created music & have actively cultivated a place where gifted musicians, singers & songwriters can develop into great praise & worship artists.

Their music team have had the opportunity to put on many great events including Influencers Conference, musicals, concerts & worship events. Some of their recent highlights include one of their worship vocalists Guy Sebastian becoming the inaugural winner of Australian Idol & the Paradise Christmas Carols which sees crowds in excess of 25000 each year.

In recent years they have produced many church albums which have brought great success throughout Australasia & ministered to thousands of people with a fresh sound of worship.

So, do come and enjoy the time of praising God with them.

Workshop:-

Venue: Metro Tabernacle A/G
Date: June 25
Time: 7.30 pm
Address: 1, Jalan Samudera Utama, Taman Samudera, Batu Caves 68100 Selangor, Malaysia (contact 03-61891322).

Concert:-

Venue: Metro Tabernacle A/G
Date: June 26
Time: 8.00 pm
Address: 1, Jalan Samudera Utama, Taman Samudera, Batu Caves 68100 Selangor, Malaysia (contact 03-61891322).

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: winners all (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 24, 2010

READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God loves a cheerful giver. —2 Corinthians 9:7

When the Los Angeles Times covered a 2008 conference championship soccer match between two Christian schools, Azusa Pacific University and Westmont College, it was about far more than winning the game. Three days earlier, a wildfire had swept through the Westmont campus, destroying several academic buildings, faculty homes, and student rooms. Unable to host the game, the rules required Westmont to forfeit. Instead, Azusa invited their opponents to play at their campus where they welcomed Westmont fans with free admission and lunch.

On the field, Westmont won an emotional 2-0 victory, while Azusa Pacific won admiration for their good will. LA Times reporter Bill Plaschke wrote: “Rarely in Southern California sports has there been a better show of sportsmanship than this, Azusa Pacific sacrificing its chance at a title defense to give Westmont a fair shot at taking it. As impressive as the resilience of the conquerors was the kindness of the conquered.”

So often, we think only of money when the Bible calls us to give willingly and bountifully “for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). Giving others a chance and offering hospitality to those who hurt is generosity that makes winners of everyone involved. —David McCasland

The manner of giving shows the character of the giver more than the gift itself.

ODB: briers and buttercups (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 23, 2010

READ: Acts 14:1-22

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. —Acts 14:22

The buttercups in our backyard were unusually bright and beautiful due to the generous amount of spring rain God sent our way. I wanted to take some pictures of them before they faded, but I had trouble getting close enough because they were growing in a very soggy wetland. One sunny afternoon, I pulled on a pair of boots and trudged through briers and brambles toward buttercup bog. Before I got any pictures, I got muddy feet, multiple scratches, and numerous bug bites. But seeing the buttercups made my temporary discomfort worthwhile.

Much of life is about “getting through” the trials and troubles that are inevitable in our sinful world. One of these trials is persecution. The disciples certainly found this to be true. They knew the good things that Jesus has ready for those who follow Him, but they met harsh resistance when they tried to tell others (Acts 14:5).

Those of us who have chosen God’s way, and who know from experience that it’s “a more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), will persevere even when we have to go through danger and difficulty. By doing so, we show others a beautiful picture of God’s peace, mercy, and forgiveness. The joy that awaits will make our temporary discomfort worthwhile. —Julie Ackerman Link

Earth—the land of trials; heaven—the land of joys.

ODB: no one remembered! (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 22, 2010

READ: Ecclesiastes 9:13-18

He by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. —Ecclesiastes 9:15

In a commentary on Ecclesiastes 9:15, Martin Luther cites the story of Themistocles, the soldier and statesman who commanded the Athenian squadron. Through his strategy, he won the Battle of Salamis, drove the Persian army from Greek soil, and saved his city. A few years later, he fell out of favor, was ostracized by his countrymen, and was banished from Athens. Thus, Luther concludes, “Themistocles did much good for his city, but received much ingratitude.”

The crowd, for some reason, seems to ignore or quickly forget the good that the poor and humble man accomplishes through his wisdom. No matter. “Wisdom is [still] better than strength” even if “the poor man’s wisdom is despised” (v.16). It’s better to be a quiet, honest sage who, though forgotten, leaves much good behind, than a swaggering, strident fool who, though many applaud him, “destroys much good” (v.18).

Accordingly, what matters in the end is not the recognition and gratitude we receive for the work we’ve done, but the souls of those gentle folk in whom we’ve sown the seeds of righteousness. Put another way: “Wisdom is justified by all her children” (Luke 7:35). Whom have you influenced through your wise and godly wisdom? —David Roper>

A wise person sets his earthly goals on heavenly gains.

ODB: an imaginary threat (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 21, 2010

READ: Genesis 33:1-4

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

Last spring the window to one of the rooms in our house was repeatedly attacked by a robin. The bird would perch at the base of the window, ruffle its feathers, chirp loudly, and then fly headfirst into the glass.

I did some research and learned that robins are territorial. While nesting, they drive out any competing robins. This bird apparently saw its reflection in our window and thought it was another robin. The threat was not real; it was only an illusion.

In the Old Testament, we see an instance when Jacob imagined a threat that wasn’t really there. Years earlier, Jacob had stolen his brother Esau’s blessing by their father. Now, after many years of separation, they were going to meet again. Jacob thought Esau would harm him, so he sent gifts ahead as a peace offering of sorts. Then, when he saw Esau approaching with 400 men, Jacob panicked. Yet what Jacob thought was an attack force turned out to be a welcoming committee. “Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept” (Gen. 33:4).

In interpersonal relationships, we sometimes misinterpret a situation. We must ask the Lord for discernment so we don’t miss a friendship because of an imaginary threat. —Dennis Fisher

Don’t be afraid of a presumed enemy, but trust in the Lord to make a new friend.

ODB: thanks, dad (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 20, 2010

READ: 1 Thess. 2:1-12

We exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children. —1 Thess. 2:11

In the US, more long distance calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day. But on Father’s Day, the most collect calls are made. It seems that children still depend on their fathers to provide, even when they are far away from home.

Fathers are needed and wanted for much more than financial help. While 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 is primarily directed toward church leaders, Paul talks about how their role is similar to a father’s. He states: “You know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children.”

Exhorted is “to call near.” It is easy for fathers to think that all that’s required of them is to bring home a paycheck. But children need their close encouragement.

The word comforted is “to console.” Nothing is more valuable to a child than the time given by a father to listen and talk. Without constant relating, relationships turn cold.

Charged is “to affirm.” Fathers challenge their children by affirming the truth of God’s Word as they live it out in front of them. And even in failings, they affirm what is right through the asking of forgiveness.

How thankful we can be for fathers who help their children “walk worthy of God” (v.12). —Albert Lee

Good fathers reflect the heavenly Father.

ODB: the brevity of life (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 19, 2010

READ: Psalm 90

The days of our lives are seventy years; . . . yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. —Psalm 90:10

On October 19, 2008, I heard the news that Levi Stubbs, lead singer for Motown’s vocal group The Four Tops, had died at age 72. As a boy, I enjoyed the Four Tops, especially Stubbs’ emotion-filled, passionate voice. I had never met him or heard the group in concert, yet his passing affected me at an unexpected level.

Behind my sadness, I think, was the reminder that I too am getting older. The death of someone I listened to when I was young reminded me that time isn’t marching on—it’s running out!

In the only psalm attributed to Moses, he wrote, “The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (90:10). Those aren’t words we want to hear. We want to remain forever young, but Scripture reminds us that the years pass and death will one day arrive.

That leaves us to wrestle with two essential questions: Am I ready to “fly away” at life’s end, having trusted Christ as my Savior? And am I using my fleeting days to please the One who loves me eternally?

How are you doing—no matter what your age—with the challenges raised by the brevity of life? —Bill Crowder

You can’t control the length of your life, but you can control its depth.

Skate Church

Skateboarding to the Savior from Angela Grant on Vimeo.

Great video of skatechurch. :)

God bless,
Ezra

Chad Tim@Ramp 48

Chad Tim Tim Ramp 48 Christian Skaters Bible Study from Christian Skaters on Vimeo.

Great testimony by Chad Tim at Ramp 48 during Bible Study (Christian Skaters International Ministry)

God bless,
Ezra

Vampirism: What It's All About and Why It's Against Christianity

Most of us watched all kinds of movies on vampires especially what we known as ''Twilight''. Christians have been influence by those movies and they started to join this new religion or philosophy known as ''Vampirism''.

Vampirism is a practice of 19th century pagans where they believed to have a new immortal live just by drinking blood. The Vampiric pagans belived that they will have more powers and more strength. Rituals are to be conducted for new members and new names will be given. Vampirism believes in new life, death, spiritualism, magic, drinking blood in possession of new powers, psychic and more.

There are few reasons why Vampirism is against Christianity.

1) Vampirism practicing occultic rituals:

There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God (Deuteronomy 18:10-13)

Their ritual is based on Satanic rituals and blood oaths that silently bring them to worship a devil known as Lucifer. Mantras are written by famous witches and occultist and Spell books are been used in every rituals.

2) The Bible commands us to abstain from blood:

And wherever you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal. (Leviticus 7:26)

The blood is known to be the source of life and when that person drinks the blood, that person are consider taking the life away. The Bible tells us not to kill.

It is obvious that Vampirism have a lot of links with Satanism especially on human sacrifices and chalice of blood (its been practice in Vampiric Coven in England, Ireland and USA). DON'T EVER GET YOURSELF INTO THE PRACTICE OF VAMPIRISM.

God bless,
Ezra

Religion vs. Christianity

Something interesting that I got from my friend's note:-

"Why are you Christians always sending missionaries overseas? People have their own culture, their own religion, why don't you just leave them alone?!"

This is one of the most common statements we hear around the world.

"What is so special about Christianity, different from every religion in the world?"

To be sure, this is a very significant question; and probably one of the most significant questions that any Christian could ask themselves: what is so special about Jesus Christ?

Allow me to tell you a story about a man named Lou.

Lou grew up in the nation of Thailand and he was a Buddhist for the first 20 years of his life until he met some Christian missionaries who introduced him to Jesus Christ.

If you were to ask Lou today, "What is so special about Jesus Christ and Christianity, different from every other religion in the world?"

Lou would share with you the following story:

"When I was a Buddhist I felt like I was in the middle of a large lake. I was drowning and I didn't know how to swim. As I struggled to keep my head above water, I looked out towards the shore and saw Buddha walking up to the edge of the lake. I was going under for the third time, when suddenly Buddha began shouting out instructions to me, teaching me how to swim. Buddha shouted, 'Kick your legs and paddle your arms.' But then Buddha said, 'Lou, you must make it to shore by yourself.' As I desperately struggled to follow the instructions of Buddha, I looked out towards the shore again, but this time I saw Jesus Christ walking towards the edge of the lake. However, Jesus did not stop at the edge of the lake. Jesus dove into the lake and He swam out and rescued me! And once Jesus had brought me safely back to shore, then He taught me how to swim, so that I could go back and rescue others!"

You see, this is the key difference between Christianity and every other religion in the world: Christianity is NOT a religion!

What are religions?

Religions are about human attempts to make our lives right with God through our good works, sacrifices, rituals and money. However, Christianity is NOT a religion. Christianity is about God entering human history to graciously save men and women through His Son Jesus Christ. It is only by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and submitting to His Lordship that we will be saved.

A relationship with God will never be found in any religion, because religions only offer swimming lessons to people drowning in the sea of sin. And it doesn't matter how sincere or devout you are in your religious faith and practice, because the sea of sin is eternally immense.

The only hope for men and women drowning in the sea of sin is Jesus Christ. God entered human history in the person of Jesus Christ; He dove into the sea of sin in order to save desperate and drowning people.

If you'll allow Him to take you there, He'll hold you in His loving arms and bring you safely to shore. And after arriving safely to shore, then your swimming lessons begin, so that you can go back and rescue others!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.-Romans 6:23

God bless,
Ezra

Holy Spirit Rain Down

When you are getting down and you need someone to help out, call upon the name of Jesus and the Holy Spirit will come and fill you and works in you as long as you are doing something according to His will. God will always there and He will never leave us. Somehow, we don't realized that God works something in you and you did not know what happen. It's all because of the power of Holy Spirit. We are His temple. Ask for anointing and it will be given. Let God works wonders in you.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. (John 14:16-17)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38)

God bless,
Ezra

ODB: it’s not fair (from RBC Ministries' blog)

June 9, 2010

READ: Psalm 103:1-10

He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. —Psalm 103:10

Not fair!” Whether you’ve said it or at least thought it, you’ve got to admit, it’s hard to see someone get away with something and not get what they deserve. We learn this early in life. Just ask the parent of any teenager. Kids hate to see their siblings get off scotfree for the things they got spanked for. Which is why they so readily tattle on each other. But then, we never really grow out of this. To our way of thinking, fairness means sinners deserve God’s wrath and we, the good people, deserve His applause.

But if God were into being “fair,” we would all be consumed by His judgment! We can be thankful for this: “[God] has not dealt with us according to our sins” (Ps. 103:10). We should be glad, not grumpy, that God chooses mercy over fairness and that He is willing to extend grace even to those who are undeserving and hopelessly lost. And while we are thinking about it, when was the last time we let mercy trump fairness with someone who offended us?

It’s not God’s fairness but His mercy that drives Him to pursue us so that heaven can have a party when we are found (Luke 15:7). Personally, I’m thankful that God has not been “fair” with me! Aren’t you? —Joe Stowell

We can show mercy to others because God has shown mercy to us.

ODB: give me a hand (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 8, 2010

READ: Psalm 9:7-12

Let Your hand become my help. —Psalm 119:173

Recently I was fishing with some friends and waded into a current that was too strong for my old legs. I should have known better; it’s a well-known fact that you can wade into flows that you can’t back out of.

I got that panicky feeling you get when you realize you’re in deep trouble. One more step and I would have been swept away.

I did the only thing I could think of: I called out to a friend nearby who is younger and stronger than I. “Hey, Pete!” I shouted. “Give me a hand, will you?” My friend waded into the current, reached out his strong hand, and pulled me into quiet water.

A few days later as I read Psalm 119, I came across verse 173: “Let Your hand become my help.” I thought of that day on the stream and other days when I have “waded” into difficult situations, overestimating my feeble abilities and putting myself or my loved ones in jeopardy. Perhaps you find yourself in that place today.

There is help nearby, a Friend much stronger than you and I—one whose hand can hold us (Ps.-9:10). The psalmist also says of Him, “You have a mighty arm; strong is Your hand” (89:13). You can call out to God: “Give me a hand!” and He will rush to your side. —David Roper

When adversity strikes us, God is ready to strengthen us.

ODB: a steward of grace (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 7, 2010

READ: 1 Cor. 15:1-11

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

Last week I had several opportuni- ties to show grace. I wasn’t perfect, but I was pleased with the way I handled one situation in particular. Instead of getting angry, I said, “I understand how that could have happened. I’ve certainly made my share of mistakes,” and I left it at that.

According to my own grading scale, I deserved a high score. Not perfect, but close. Lurking in the back of my mind (I hate to admit) was the thought that maybe by being gracious I could expect to be treated that way at some future date.

The following Sunday morning our congregation was singing “Amazing Grace,” and suddenly the audacity of my attitude came through to me in the words, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.”

What in the world was I thinking?! The grace we show to others is not our own. The only reason we can “give” grace to anyone is because God has already given it to us. We can pass along only that which we have received from Him.

Good stewards look for opportunities to pass along to others what we have received from the Lord. May all of us be “good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:10). —Julie Ackerman Link

When you know God’s grace, you’ll want to show God’s grace.

ODB: a hero who healed (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

June 6, 2010

READ: 1 Peter 3:8-17

Do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. —1 Peter 3:14

Corporal Desmond Doss was the first conscientious objector to earn the Congressional Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award. A devout follower of Christ, Doss believed that it was not right for him to kill others, but he wanted to serve his country so he volunteered as a medic. During boot camp, his fellow soldiers ridiculed him for refusing to fire a rifle. They mocked him when he read his Bible and knelt beside his bunk at night to pray. But in combat, it was a different story.

During the World War II battle for Okinawa in May 1945, Doss repeatedly risked his life to rescue scores of wounded men. Through his unselfish actions, he earned the gratitude and respect of his former critics and of those whose lives he saved.

In the face of unjust criticism, Peter told his fellow Christians, “Even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. ‘And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled’ ” (1 Peter 3:14). He urged them to honor God in their hearts and be ready to give a respectful reply to anyone who asked about the hope within them (v.15).

May our response to a hurting world that’s often hostile to Christ be one that demonstrates God’s love. —David McCasland

To return good for good is human; to return good for evil is divine.

ODB: plausible deniability (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

READ: Psalm 51:1-10

The Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. —1 Samuel 16:7

Answering media charges of scan- dal and impropriety, the guilty politician responded with the plea, “I have no recollection of those events.” It was yet another attempt of a public figure to apply a strategy called “plausible deniability.” This is when individuals try to create a personal safety net for themselves by seeking to convince others that they had no knowledge of the events in question. Someone else gets blamed and becomes the scapegoat for the guilty person’s wrongs.

Sometimes Christians have their own kind of plausible deniability. We claim ignorance of our wrong behavior, rationalize, or blame others—but God knows the truth. The Bible tells us: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). This is true whether the heart is pure or if it’s a corrupt heart robed in false claims of innocence. We may fool others who see us only on the outside, but God sees the reality of our hearts—whether good or bad.

It is wise, therefore, to humbly confess our faults to the Lord. He desires that we admit the truth (Ps. 51:6). The only way to escape the sin and restore our fellowship with God is to acknowledge and confess it to Him (vv.3-4). —Bill Crowder


We may successfully fool others, but God knows our hearts.

A REMARKABLE THING

I have a friend
I know Him in a wonderful way
He knows me since I'm existed into this world
He saves me
He listens to my cry
He forgives me
He's always there for me
He provide
He died for me

He wants to be with others as well
He wants to see people happy
He wants to see people in joy
No more suffering
No more pain
No more sin could control us
His blood cleanse us
He suffered for us
How great is that?

Will you accept Him?
Will you be His friend?
Will you come to Him?
He died for you
He suffered for you
He listens to you
He wants to give you this life
And His name is Jesus

He's the King of Kings
He's the Lord of Lords
He's our Friend
He's our Saviour
He's our Great Counselor
He's always with us


God bless,
Ezra

ODB: champion marksman (from RBC Ministries' blog YMIblogging)

READ: Philippians 3:7-14

I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 3:14

Matt Emmons, Olympic gold medalist in rifle shooting in 2004, was set to win another event at Athens. He had a commanding lead and hoped to make a direct bull’s-eye on his last shot. But something went wrong—he hit the target, but he was aiming at the wrong one! That wrong focus dropped him to eighth place and cost him a medal.

In Paul’s letter to the Philippians, he expressed the importance of focusing on the right target in our Christian life. “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus,” he said (3:14).

Paul used the term “goal” in an illustration of an athlete running a race. Interestingly, the same word was also used of a target for shooting arrows. In both cases, the prospect of winning depends on being focused. For the believer that focus should be a lifetime pursuit of becoming more like our Savior Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28-29; Gal. 5:22-23).

What is your focus today? Are you preoccupied with getting ahead and making life more comfortable? If you’re a believer, the right target to shoot for is to become more like the Son of God (2 Cor. 3:18). Today make sure you are aiming at the right target! —Dennis Fisher

To make the most of your life, make God’s goals your goals.