Daily Bread Bible Notes 5

nobody@vox.com(elsalioness) — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 10:35:12 -0800

Relief From Guilt
In Matthew 5:21-26 we learn in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told us to deal with conflict by taking the initiative and going to the offended brother to apologize for the offense (see also Matt. 18). In fact, Jesus taught that the problem of human estrangement is so serious that we should even interrupt our worship to go on a personal mission of reconciliation (Matt. 5:24). The Master encouraged His followers to be reconciled with one another eagerly, aggressively, quickly, and personally (v.25).
Are any of your relationships broken or estranged because of something you said or did? Take the initiative. Go now and do all you can to be reconciled.
At the heart of all conflict is a selfish heart.

Walk In Integrity
Psalm 101 teaches us to walk in integrity and maintain a clear conscience. When we honor our commitments to God and others, we will walk in fellowship with God. Our integrity will guide us (Proverbs 11:3) and help us walk securely (vs. 10:9)

Strengthen Ourselves In The Lord
READ: 1 Samuel 30:1-6
“David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (v.6). Other translations use the words encouraged or refreshed.
The text doesn’t say exactly how David did this. But it makes me wonder, In what ways can we strengthen, encourage, or refresh ourselves in the Lord when we’re feeling discouraged?
First, we can remember what God has done. We can list the ways He has cared for us in the past, and how He has provided for us or answered a prayer request.
Second, we can remember what God has promised. “Be strong and of good courage; . . . for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9).
Like David, let’s learn to strengthen ourselves in the Lord, and then let’s leave the rest with Him.
Our greatest strength is often shown in our ability to stand still and trust God.

Ripple Effect
READ: Philippians 1:3-11
Every choice we make creates a ripple effect on our lives as well as on the lives of others. The choices we have made throughout life determine where we are and what we are becoming.
Choices are also telling. What we really want, love, and think show up in the choices we make.
It’s no wonder then that Paul urged us to make “excellent” choices—choices that emanate from a heart fully committed to Jesus. He stated that when our love abounds in knowledge and discernment, we are able to understand what is best, so that we may “approve the things that are excellent” (Phil. 1:9-10). Excellent choices are the proof of a life that is deeply committed to Jesus and His ways, and they have the ripple effect of filling our lives “with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” (v.11).
Make an excellent choice and watch the ripple effect of blessing.

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Daily Bread Bible Notes 5