http://www.rbc.org/ http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/09/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/09/devotion.aspx In the normal course of providence, God works in and through creation, not despite it. For this reason, some answers to prayer are difficult to prove with certainty. Philip Yancey Tue, 09 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/08/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/08/devotion.aspx If there were a contest for most popular virtue, I suspect that “fast” would beat “best.” Many parts of the world seem to be obsessed with speed. The “fast” craze, however, is getting us nowhere—fast. Julie Ackerman Link Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/07/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/07/devotion.aspx The university where I teach as an adjunct professor provides laptop computers for its students. While this can be an aid to the students in many ways, I have discovered one way it hinders learning: The laptops can become a distraction during class. Dave Branon Sun, 07 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/06/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/06/devotion.aspx The documentary In the Shadow of the Moon includes the story of Charlie Duke, one of the Apollo 16 astronauts launched to the moon in 1972. While the command ship orbited the moon, Duke and another astronaut landed the lunar module Orion on the moon’s surface. After 3 days of running experiments and collecting lunar rocks, the Apollo 16 crew safely returned to earth. Dennis Fisher Sat, 06 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/05/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/05/devotion.aspx In the quietness of my final years I plan to watch a tree grow—a birch tree I planted as a tiny sapling over 30 years ago. It stands now in mature splendor, just outside our picture window—beautiful in every season of the year. David H. Roper Fri, 05 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/04/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/04/devotion.aspx On a trip through Chicago, I saw a poster advertising a business management seminar. The poster’s message was intriguing: The Value of a Leader Is Directly Proportional to That Leader’s Values. The accuracy of that statement struck me. What we value shapes our character—and will ultimately define how we lead, or whether we can lead at all. This does not apply only to leaders, however. Bill Crowder Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/03/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/03/devotion.aspx A man who has been my mentor and friend for many years often says that his goal in studying the Bible is always personal application. I appreciate his emphasis on putting learning into practice, because it’s too easy for those of us who study, discuss, teach, and write about the Bible to take a merely intellectual approach to the Word. David C. McCasland Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/02/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/02/devotion.aspx A friend once told me, “In my lifetime I’ve seen a lot of things change, and I’ve been against them all!” Perhaps he overstated the point, but many of us would agree that we don’t like change—especially if it involves altering our habits and attitudes. Joe Stowell Tue, 02 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/01/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/02/01/devotion.aspx Last January, ESPN television ran a compelling feature about Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, who had just been named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player. But the feature was not about football. Instead, it explained that for several years, when certain competitors Manning admired were retiring from the NFL, he took time to handwrite a note to them, congratulating them on their careers and their character. Bill Crowder Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/31/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/31/devotion.aspx A friend of mine has the opportunity each winter to attend the Super Bowl as a journalist. His job is to garner interviews with Christian athletes and National Football League personnel for a faith-based radio program. Dave Branon Sun, 31 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/30/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/30/devotion.aspx Pastor and author Erwin Lutzer wrote: “One minute after you slip behind the parted curtain, you will either be enjoying a personal welcome from Christ or catching your first glimpse of gloom as you have never known it. Either way, your future will be irrevocably fixed and eternally unchangeable.” Marvin Williams Sat, 30 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/29/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/29/devotion.aspx Spiridon Louis isn’t well known around the world, but he is in Greece. That’s because of what happened in 1896 when the Olympic Games were revived in Athens. Bill Crowder Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/28/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/28/devotion.aspx The word connected captures our contemporary experience of life. Many people rarely go anywhere without a cell phone, iPod, laptop, or pager. We have become accessible 24 hours a day. Some psychologists see this craving to stay connected as an addiction. Yet a growing number of people are deliberately limiting their use of technology. Being a “tech-no” is their way of preserving times of quiet, while limiting the flow of information into their lives. David C. McCasland Thu, 28 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/27/devotion.aspx @/devotionals/our-daily-bread/2010/01/27/devotion.aspx William Adams (1564–1620) is believed to be the first Englishman to reach Japan. Taking a liking to Adams, the ruling Japanese shogun made him his interpreter and personal advisor concerning the Western powers. Eventually, Adams was presented with two swords with rank of a Samurai. This showed just how much the Japanese revered Adams. Because William Adams served his foreign king well, he was also rewarded with greater opportunity for influence. Dennis Fisher Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:00:00 EST