Document: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940506.TXT ----------------------------------------------------------- OUR DAILY BREAD Friday, May 6,1994 --------------- READ: Genesis 50:15-21 "ON PURPOSE" All things work together for good . . . to those who are the called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28 When a cowboy applied for an insurance policy, the agent asked, "Have you ever had any accidents?" After a moment's reflection, the applicant responded, "Nope, but a bronc did kick in two of my ribs last summer, and a couple of years ago a rattlesnake bit me on the ankle." "Wouldn't you call those accidents?" replied the puzzled agent. "Naw," the cowboy said, "they did it on purpose!" That story reminds me of the biblical truth that there are no accidents in the lives of God's children. In today's Scripture, we read how Joseph interpreted a difficult ex- perience that had seemed like a great calamity. He had been thrown into a pit and then sold as a slave. This was a great test of his faith, and from the human standpoint it appeared to be a tragic case of injustice, not a providen- tial means of blessing. But Joseph later learned that "God meant it for good" (Gen. 50:20). Are you passing through the deep waters of trial and disap- pointment? Does everything seem to be going against you? These apparent misfortunes are not accidents. The Lord al- lows such things for a blessed purpose. So, patiently trust Him. If you know the Lord, someday you will praise Him for it all! Author: Richard W. De Haan What looks like just an accident When viewed through human eyes, Is really God at work in us - His blessing in disguise. - Sper THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ------------------- God transforms trials into triumphs. The Bible in One Year: Psalms 76-78 Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per- mission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its Members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598- 7221 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUR DAILY BREAD Saturday, May 7,1994 --------------- READ: Matthew 19:13-30 "THE MEASURE OF OUR WORTH" Many who are first will be last, and the last first. - Matthew 19:30 A friend of mine who attended a class reunion vows he'll never go to another. He says he felt terribly worthless and unsuccessful. Some former classmates were doctors, lawyers, or dentists. Others owned thriving businesses. A few held high offices in large corporations. Almost everybody talked about brilliant and athletic grandchildren. My friend, on the other hand, holds an ordinary job. His grandchildren are not getting all A's or excelling in ath- letics. I told him that his feeling of worthlessness stemmed from measuring his value by the wrong standards. God doesn't think more or less of us based on our job, our bank account, our home, or the academic success of our offspring. Our worth and dignity are rooted in the fact that God created us and that His Son died for us. What's important to Him is our degree of trust and our service done for His sake. Jesus said that those who follow Him, regardless of their earthly status, will be rewarded for their faith and commit- ment (Matt. 19:16-30). And when God gives out the rewards, there will be many surprises (v.30). Lord, help us to measure our worth and that of others by Your standard, not ours. Author: Herbert Vander Lugt Though sin deformed creation's crown, God says, "My child, do not despair, For you alone are made like Me, And in Christ's death you fully share." - Dennis J. De Haan THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ------------------- No one is a failure who seeks to do God's will. The Bible in One Year: Psalms 79-81 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * OUR DAILY BREAD Sunday, May 8,1994 --------------- READ: Proverbs 6:20-24 "MOTHER'S LAW" My son,....do not forsake the law of your mother. - Proverbs 6:20 As I read Proverbs 6:20, which refers to "the law of your mother," I recall some of my mother's unique "laws" that have helped me many times. The first I call "the law of the warm kitchen." When we got home from school on a cold winter's day or when the holidays rolled around, the kitchen was always so warm from baking and cooking that the windows were steamed. It was also warm with a mother's love. A second law I call "the law of a mother's perspective." When I would come to her all upset over some childish matter, she would often say, "Pay no attention." Or, "Ten years from now you'll have forgotten all about it." That helped me put things into perspective. But above all was my mother's "law of faith." She had an unswering trust in God that kept her strong and gentle amid the fears, pressures, and sacrifices of the war years and of the 1950s. Mom's been with the Lord now for many years. Yet I'm still grateful for her "laws," because they have helped me through many difficult days. Christian mother, you too are writing "laws" for your chil- dren. Are they worth remembering? Author: David C. Egner I love you, Mother, for your quiet grace, For that dear smile upon your kindly face, For marks of toil upon each loving hand That worked for me ere I could understand. - Simpson THOUGHT FOR THE DAY ------------------- No man is poor who has a godly mother. - Abraham Lincoln The Bible in One Year: Psalms 82-84 Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1994, used by permission of Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA. Written per- mission must be obtained from RBC for any further posting or distribution. RBC provides a variety of Bible resources, which are free of charge. RBC is not funded by any group or denomination, and support comes voluntarily from its members and friends. Write for more information, or call 1-800-598- 7221