Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday) | ODB Devotional Message was written By Kirsten HolmbergĀ (Our Daily Bread Ministries).
Read Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday) and Be Filled With Godās Word.
Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 TOPIC:Gratitude on Earth Day
TODAYāS SCRIPTURE: Romans 14:13ā23
KEY VERSE: Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19
BIBLE IN A YEAR: 2 Samuel 16ā18; Luke 17:20ā37
Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday) INSIGHT: Two of the most difficult responsibilities for believers in Christ are seen in Paulās challenge in Romans 14:19āweāre to pursue the things that make for peace and the things that edify one another. The first is difficult because there are many divisive elements in the life of the church. A heart of peace, which is the fruit of wisdom (as seen in James 3:13ā18), is necessary if weāre to display relationships that honor God. The goal of edification is difficult because itās easy to look out only for our own interests. Keeping our responsibilities to one another is essential if weāre to display Jesus in our world.
READ: Gratitude on Earth Day | Our Daily Bread 22 April 2022 (Friday) ODB
Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday) ODB MESSAGE
My friend recounted how sheād pointedly been asked by a fellow believer and colleague which political party she belonged to. His aim in asking the question seemed to be to predict whether he agreed with her on any number of issues currently dividing their community. In an effort to find common ground between them, she simply replied, āSince weāre both believers, Iād rather focus on our unity in Christ.ā
People were also divided in Paulās day, though over different issues. Topics such as what foods were permissible to eat and what days were considered holy brought disagreement among the Christians in Rome. Despite being āfully convinced in their own mindā on whichever position they held, Paul reminds them of their common ground: living for Jesus (Romans 14:5ā9). Instead of passing judgment on one another, he encouraged them to ādo what leads to peace and to mutual edificationā (v. 19).
In an era when many countries, churches, and communities are divided over issues large and small, we can point one another to the unifying truth of Christās work on the cross to secure our life with Him eternally. Paulās reminder that we ought not ādestroy the work of Godā (v. 20) with our individual positions is as timely today as it was 2,000 years ago. Instead of passing judgment on one another, we can act in love and live in a way that honors our brothers and sisters.
Reflect & Pray(Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday)
When did a difference of opinion cause division between you and another believer? If you resolved your differences, how did you do so?
Jesus, thank You for saving me. Forgive me for the times I get distracted by lesser issues and allow division to occur between myself and other believers. Help me to bring unity through focusing on You.
Our Daily Bread 23 April 2022 (Saturday) ODB Devotional Message For Today. Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread booklet. Our Daily Bread 18 April 2022