Commit our struggles unto the LORD

https://odb.org/2026/09/17/look-to-god Nehemiah 4:6–14 (NIV): 6 So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.7 But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, theyContinue reading “Commit our struggles unto the LORD”

Providence or coincidence?

https://odb.org/2026/09/07/gods-loving-eye Psalm 32:6–8 (NIV): 6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.       7 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.       8 I will instruct you and teach youContinue reading “Providence or coincidence?”

Like a roaring lion

https://odb.org/2026/08/07/the-conqueror 1 Peter 5:6–11 (NIV): 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standingContinue reading “Like a roaring lion”

Our life stories are a part of the LORD’s story

https://odb.org/2026/08/06/part-of-his-story Judges 4:4–9 (NIV): 4 Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went up to her to have their disputes decided. 6 She sent for Barak son of AbinoamContinue reading “Our life stories are a part of the LORD’s story”

Waiting on God

https://odb.org/2026/08/03/waiting-6 Psalm 27:13–14 (NIV): 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heartand wait for the LORD. Kazuto and his wife, Migiwa, waited with trepidation for the ultrasound exam results. Migiwa’s liver had been failing forContinue reading “Waiting on God”

The battle is God’s

https://odb.org/2026/07/31/a-battle-won 2 Chronicles 20:14–19 (NIV): 14 Then the Spirit of the LORD came on Jahaziel son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly.15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This isContinue reading “The battle is God’s”

The Company We Keep

https://odb.org/2026/07/29/the-company-we-keep Proverbs 13:20 NIV Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. A scientific study revealed that watching TV programs featuring mean characters can actually lead people to be mean. This connection is often subconscious, meaning that even shows with seemingly “harmless” jokes at others’ expense can subtly influence howContinue reading “The Company We Keep”

Created for good works

https://odb.org/2026/07/23/prepared-to-help Ephesians 2:1–10 (NIV): 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of usContinue reading “Created for good works”

A plumb line

https://odb.org/2026/07/21/doing-right Amos 7:1–8 (NIV): 7 This is what the Sovereign LORD showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king’s share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up. 2 When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign LORD, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is soContinue reading “A plumb line”

A sign from God

https://odb.org/2026/07/14/cant-explain Judges 6:36–40 (NIV): 36 Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised—37 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by myContinue reading “A sign from God”