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God Brings Us His Peace

Today's Devotional

I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “His Peace“ Karen Huang wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Isaiah 26:3–7. The key verse is, “you will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Isaiah 26:3. My beloved children, grandchildren, cousins, nephews, brothers, and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.

Background:

The prophet Isaiah anticipates a day marked by swift divine judgment against those who ignore and defy God’s commands. A key target of God’s displeasure is the self-serving pride of human beings and their governments.

Reflect:

What do you do to experience peace? In what areas of your life do you need to trust God and lean on Him?

My Comments to You:

God’s peace comes to me when my mind is steadfast (Isaiah 26:3). This means I lean upon God and his word. As I lean on Him, I experience His calming presence.  I can trust in God, remembering that He’ll humble the proud and wicked and smooth the paths of those who love Him (vv. 5–7).

When we experienced peace in a season of difficulty rather than ease, We will discover that God’s peace isn’t an absence of conflict, but a profound sense of security even in distress. It’s a peace that surpasses human understanding and guards our hearts and minds in the midst of the most difficult of circumstances (Philippians 4:6−7).

My Prayer for Us:

Father, help us to trust You and have a steadfast mind. Thank You for the perfect peace that comes to us when we choose to trust You.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2022/28/03) His Peace, Karen Huang, retrieved from www.odb.org 22/03/2021, His Peace.

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We Are God’s Children

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “What Are You?” Xochitl Dixon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Galatians 3:26–4:7. The key verse is, “In Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.” Galatians 3:26. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
Paul says God treats everyone on the same basis that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23). Everyone needs to repent (Acts 2:38; 3:19). We’re all saved in the same way by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). “In Christ Jesus [we] are all children of God through faith” (Galatians 3:26). In Jesus, God embraces us equally. While we enter God’s family by being “born again,” Paul uses the concept of adoption to describe our standing in the family. We can immediately claim our status and enjoy our full privileges as His children “God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 4:7). We are “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
Reflect:
When have you doubted your value as a person due to the opinions, expectations, or biases of others? How does knowing all God’s children are His image-bearers help you love those who are different from you?
My Comments to You:
When I read Xochitl’s encounter with the ice cream clerk, my reactions were the same as hers. I was furious. The past Trump Administration brought out our country’s latent racism. When you encounter similar situations (and you will), use Xochitl’s example and pray for the individual. Repenting from your bitterness, ask God to give you a spirit of forgiveness.
The apostle Paul declares that believers in Jesus are “all children of God through faith,” equally valued and beautifully diverse. We are intimately connected and intentionally designed to work together (Galatians 3:26–29). When God sent His Son to redeem us, we became family through His blood shed on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins (Galatians 4:4–7). We are God’s image-bearers. Our worth cannot be determined by others’ opinions, expectations, or biases. What are we? We’re children of God.
My Prayer for Us:
Father God, please help us see ourselves and others through Your eyes. Help us love with Your heart as we encounter people different from us.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/16/12) What Are You? Xochitl Dixon, retrieved from www.odb.org 16/12/2021, What Are You?
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A Great Multinational Multitude Worshipping The Lamb

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “A Great Multitude.” Amy Boucher Pye wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Revelation 7:9–12. The key verse is, “Before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language.” My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
The beloved disciple John glimpsed this “great multitude” in a vision he recounts in the book of Revelation. Those gathered will worship God with the angels and elders. “Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever.” The beloved disciple John glimpsed this “great multitude” in a vision he recounts in the book of Revelation. (Revelation 7:10).
Reflect:
How do you picture the wedding supper of the Lamb? How does being invited to this celebration affect your daily life?
My Comments to You:
Sunday morning with a wonderfully multinational congregation is a small taste of the glory to come when people from “every nation, tribe, people and language” will stand before God in heaven (Revelation 7:9). The union and marriage of Jesus and His international bride in the “wedding supper of the Lamb” (19:9) will be an amazing time of worship and celebration. Your experience at a Sunday church service with people from many nations points to this celebration that one day we’ll enjoy.
While we wait in hope for that joyful event, we can embrace the practice of feasting and rejoicing among God’s people.
My Prayer for Us:
Lamb of God, thank You for the invitation to the heavenly wedding.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/09/12) A Great Multitude, Amy Boucher Pye, retrieved from www.odb.org 09/12/2021, A Great Multitude.
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True Worshipers Can Worship God Anytime and Anywhere

Today's Devotional

I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “True Worshipers.” John Blase wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from John 4:19–26. The key verse is, “True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and truth.” John 4:23. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.

Background: 

In John 4:19–26 took place when Jesus asked a Samaritan woman to draw water for Him from a well (John 4:7). This event is significant because “Jews [didn’t] associate with Samaritans” (Joh4:9), and the handling of anything held by a Samaritan would make Jesus ceremonially unclean. Jesus tells the woman about her life and many husbands (John 4:16–18). She sees that he is a prophet in verse. After Jesus explains that our worship location isn’t significant, the woman mentions the Messiah (John4:25). Jesus tells her in verse 26 that He’s the Messiah. 

Reflect:

What difference does it make to you knowing that God is spirit, always and ever-present? What will you praise Him for at this moment?

My Comments to You:

Jesus declares the time had arrived when worship was no longer specific to a place, but a Person: “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John4:23). God isn’t limited to any mountain or physical space. He’s present with us everywhere. The true pilgrimage we make each day is approaching His throne as we boldly say, “Our Father,” and He is there. I will praise him as “The Omnipresent. Omniscient, and Omnipotent One”. I can worship him anytime and anywhere. 

My Prayer for Us:

Father, thank You for Your constant presence no matter where we are

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/22/09) True Worshipers, John Blase, retrieved from www.odb.org 17/22/2021, True Worshipers.

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We Are Accepted and Approved

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “A True Disciple of Jesus.” Leslie Koh wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Isaiah 43:1–4. The key verse is, “You are precious and honored in my sight . . . . I love you.” Isaiah 43:4. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
Against the backdrop of an imminent Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 7:18–25; 10:5–6) and the future Babylonian destruction and exile (Isaiah 39:6–7), God reminded the people of Judah that as His chosen people, they had a special relationship with Him (43:1). He also assured them of His love and protection through a self-revelation of who He is (vv. 1–7). Because God greatly loves them, their Creator and Redeemer (v. 1), protector (v. 2), and Savior (v. 3), they need not fear the invading Assyrians or the Babylonians (vv. 4–5). Isaiah’s common designation for God, Isaiah extolled God’s complete holiness. Though God’s people remained unfaithful and unrepentant, God in His mercy had purposed to forgive them their sins. Although they are forgiven, they’d still be disciplined through the Babylonian exile.
Reflect:
How do you think God sees you? What does John 1:12 tell you about your relationship with Him? What comfort do you find in that knowledge? 
My Comments to You:
The story about Tenny mentioned in this devotion is like a devotion I read today from the Inspirations App-self-evaluation of oneself. 
In Isaiah 43:1–4, God told His chosen people that, having formed them, He would use His power and love to redeem them. “You are precious and honored in my sight,” God proclaimed. He would act on their behalf because He loved them (v. 4). The value God places on those He loves doesn’t come from anything we do but from the simple and powerful truth that He chose us to be His own.
These words in Isaiah 43 give great security and empower us with the confidence to do our best for God in whatever task we are called to do. We are accepted and approved in Jesus, and may we confidently live out this truth. 


My Prayer for Us:
Heavenly Father, We know You love us, accept us, and cherish us. Thank You for adopting us as Your children and loving us without conditions. 
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/17/09) Accepted and Approved, Leslie Koh, retrieved from www.odb.org 17/11/2021, Accepted and Approved.
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Do You Doubt You Are A True Disciple of Jesus?

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “A True Disciple of Jesus.” Mike Wittmer wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from John 15:1–8. The key verse is, “We can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
When Jesus spoke of Himself as the true vine and His disciples as His fruit-bearing branches (John 15:1–8), He gave them a word picture they are familiar with. Jesus described himself as the true vine that produces the harvest His Father is looking for.
Reflect:
What things cause you to wonder if you’re a true disciple of Jesus? How might this fear drive you to Him?
My Comments to You:
My wife and I know we are Christ’s disciples. How about you? Do you feel like a fake? If you turned from your ways and put your faith in Jesus, then you are part of His vine. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5). Resting in Jesus makes you a true disciple of His. He said, “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (v. 5).
My Prayer for Us:
Jesus, we rest in You like a branch cling to its vine.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/11/09) A True Disciple of Jesus, Mike Wittmer, retrieved from www.odb.org 09/11/2021, A True Disciple of Jesus.
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Let’s Share the Comfort That Christ Gives Us

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Comfort Shared.” Goh Bee Lee wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from 2 Corinthians 1:3–8. The key verse is, “We can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
The Greek word for “comfort” in 2 Corinthians 1:3 (paraklesis) means “coming alongside to help or encourage.” The Holy Spirit is another parakletos (John 14:16–17, 26; 15:26; 16:7). This word is so rich in meaning that Bible translations and paraphrases use different words to translate it: “Helper” (ESV), “Counselor” (NIV 1984), “Comforter” (KJV), “Companion” (CEB), and “Friend” (the message).
Reflect:
Whom has God helped you to comfort through your own experiences of suffering? What can you do to help them appreciate Christ’s suffering on the cross through their pain?
My Comments to You:
My wife and I suffered many trials; the death of our daughter by COVID, financial hardships, spiritual and faith-testing. My wife is ministering to members of her family about the loss of a young child. She ministered to her family on finances and helped when she could.
God allows us to go through trying times such as an illness, loss, or crisis. He teaches us through our suffering to appreciate the greatest suffering that Christ went through on our behalf on the cross. When we rely on Christ for comfort and strength, we’re able to comfort and encourage others in their suffering. Let us reflect on whom we can extend comfort to because of what God has brought us through.
My Prayer for Us:
God, help us experience Your comfort in our sufferings and become a source of comfort to others.
Copy and paste this link to read more about comforting others https://discoveryseries.org/courses/when-you-dont-know-what-to-say/
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/11/03) Comfort Shared, Goh Bee Lee, retrieved from www.odb.org 03/11/2021, Comfort Shared.
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We Received Grace To Tell Others About Jesus

Today's Devotional

I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Set Apart.” Asiri Fernando ( ゲスト寄稿者 ) wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Romans 1:1–6. The key verse is, Paul was . . . set apart for the gospel of God.” Romans 1:1. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.

Background: 

Paul explained the theological foundation of the gospel (chapters. 1–8). In chapters 1–3, Paul set out to show that all human beings are sinners, concluding that “all have sinned and fall short” of God’s standards (3:23). We aren’t saved by obeying the law but by God’s action of justifying us through faith in Jesus (1:16–17; 3:22–26). We’re justified (declared righteous and made right with God) by grace alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide), and in Christ alone (solus Christus).

My Comments to You:

The barriers I face in sharing my faith are how to do it. I use my writing talents and interests in the scriptures to present The Gospel. 

Sharing The Gospel is a privilege all believers in Jesus are given. We have “received grace” to call others to this faith (vv. 5–6). God has set us apart to carry the exciting news of the gospel to those around us, whether on tuk tuks or wherever we are. May we look for opportunities in our daily lives to tell others the good news that is Jesus

.Reflect:

What barriers do you experience in sharing your faith? What talents or interests can you use to present the good news?

My Prayer for Us:

Jesus, thank You for making us Your mouthpiece for Your good news. May Your Spirit give us the courage and love to share about You today.

Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/10/26) Set Apart, Asiri Fernando ( ゲスト寄稿者 ), retrieved from www.odb.org 26/10/2021, Set Apart.

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Study The Scriptures To Know Jesus

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “Studying the Scriptures.” Arthur Jackson wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from John 5:39–47. The key verse is, [Jesus said], “These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.” John 5:39. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
In John 5:39, Jesus stresses the importance of studying Scripture because it points to Him. Both the Old and New Testaments declare Scripture’s impact. In 2 Timothy 3, Paul encourages Timothy to continue in the Scriptures, and he notes that “all Scripture is God-breathed” and trains and equips us for personal growth in holiness and to serve others (vv. 16–17). Before installing Joshua as the new Israelite leader, God urged him to “meditate on [the Law] day and night” so that he’d be obedient and successful (Joshua 1:8). 
My Comments to You:
Bible “beavers” mentioned by Author Jackson in the devotion are more than Bible readers. They prayerfully and carefully “gnaw” away at Scripture in ways that open their eyes and hearts to see and love Jesus, the One revealed in it.
You must read and understand that The Holy Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments all point to Jesus. Get into the habit of reading scriptures to know Jesus on a heart and spiritual level, not just an academic level. 
Reflect:
What are some Old Testament Scripture passages that you recognize as “testifying” about Jesus? What better habits do you need to develop to become a better student of the Scriptures? 
My Prayer for Us:
Father, open our eyes to see Jesus in all of Scripture so that we might love, obey, and serve Him more. 
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/10/21) Studying the Scriptures, Arthur Jackson, retrieved from www.odb.org 21/10/2021, Studying the Scriptures.
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When You Encounter Injustice, Speak Out!

Today's Devotional
I pray that you start every day with God. I chose to read daily devotions from Our Daily Bread. Today’s devotion is titled “A Time to Speak.” Patricia Raybon wrote this devotion. The scripture reading is from Ecclesiastes 3:1–7. The key verse is, “There is a time for everything . . . a time to be silent and a time to speak.” Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7. My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ; before I write, I first pray to God to guide my words to serve as spiritual food and guidance. I desire God to be my sole source of writing. All the credit goes to God, not me. I am his humble servant. I thank God that He led me to use Our Daily Bread Ministries to inspire comments and witnessing.
Background: 
Ecclesiastes may seem pessimistic, and we might easily read today’s poem about time in a depressingly fatalistic light. We can live joyfully in the acknowledgment of our great eternal God, who gives us genuine meaning in this life and a forever future in the next.
My Comments to You:
It is essential to speak out against injustice. I have no problem speaking out and engaging in dialogue concerning injustices. Christians must speak against injustices in this world and pray. It takes courage and love to speak up against injustice. Seeking God’s help, however, we recognize the time to speak is now.
Reflect:
Why is it important not to be silent during discussions about injustice? What hinders your willingness to engage in such dialogue? 
My Prayer for Us:
Dear God, release our tongues and hearts from the enemy’s grip. Equip us to see and feel the harm of injustice so that we may speak up for those hurt by this sin. 
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/10/18) A Time to Speak, Patricia Raybon, retrieved from www.odb.org 18/10/2021 A Time to Speak.