Elizabeth George's Blog, page 24

Witnessing to Others During Trying Times

[image error]

Not long after I accepted a position at the seminary where I received my theology training, I attended a conference of professors from around the country. One of the speakers had a Ph.D. in religion and theology. It wasn’t long before it became apparent that this person knew a lot about God, but he did not have a personal relationship with God through Christ. So, during one of the lunch breaks, I sat with him and initiated a conversation about salvation and the gospel message. I will never forget this religion professor’s response: “Well, how can a good God let bad things happen?”

His question brings up one of the most common questions people ask, especially during times like these. They worry, “What if an unbeliever asks me a theological question that I can’t answer?” Well, rest easy — the fact that they are asking any questions at all is a good thing. Evangelism is not a monologue, but a dialogue. It is listening to other people; understanding their objections, fears, and questions; and then seeking to give solid biblical answers.

The Christian faith demands that we have enough compassion to learn the questions of our generation and go to the Bible for its answers. And to help you be prepared, I’m going to list the seven basic questions (objections) that unbelievers most often ask. Alongside each objection, I’ll also provide the most basic scriptures that will help you with the answers. My prayer is that you have developed the kinds of friendships with others that will make them feel comfortable asking you questions through these tough times.

Seven Basic Objections to the Gospel

Why do the innocent suffer? (Answer: Romans 5:12)
What about the heathen who have never heard the gospel? (Answer: Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:18-20)
How can miracles be possible? (Answer: John 1:1,14; John 3:2)
Isn’t the Bible full of errors? (Answer: 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 1:1-2; 2 Peter 1:20-21)
Isn’t the Christian experience psychological? (Answer: Acts 9—the conversion of Paul; Romans 5:8-10)
Won’t a good moral life get me to heaven? (Answer: Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:5; James 2:10)

My friend, I pray that you will take on the task of building those bridges, making those friendships, and becoming a good neighbor so that you will have an opportunity to “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). The rewards are eternal, for those who come to Christ through your witness—both verbal and nonverbal—will become fellow citizens of heaven.

 

PONDER

What type of objections have you experienced when sharing the Gospel with other people? What answers do you find most useful to help overcome someone’s skepticism?

RESPOND

Lord, give me the hope and faith I need to be a Godly witness during this time. With Your leading and Your power and grace, I can accomplish anything—and all things! Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

[image error]

Know Your Bible from A to Z makes personal exploration of the Bible more rewarding and life-transforming. Both new and longtime Christians will find this a must-have resource to keep alongside their Bibles.

REFLECT

Show people that you really care. Show them Christ’s love through your love. Show them your heart! 

REMEMBER

Witnessing is not a one-way street. It’s okay for others to ask questions.

Hope During Our Time in Dark Valleys

[image error]

Have you ever traveled down, down, down into any dark valleys? Can you remember a time of foreboding or panic? Of suffering and sorrow? Of terror as darkness seemed to overshadow you as you journeyed into the unknown? Do you feel as though this is one of those times?

Thank God we can praise Him for what we learn about Him during such times. On the other side of darkness, we know something of God’s promised presence—He was and is there with you. And His grace—it is always sufficient for terrifying times.

It’s true that the perilous valley is a part of life’s path, but we have hope. It’s also true that we can grasp the hand of God as we descend the frightening path into the valley of darkness. We can rest in the knowledge that He has already walked this path. And we can walk calmly with Him, remembering the words, “Yea, though I walk …”

So walk as you suffer! And keep on walking! Have hope. Don’t pause. Do not falter. Don’t ponder. Just proceed.

Walk, knowing that as the Shepherd’s dear sheep, and with the Lord beside you, you will walk through it. It comforts the soul to know that the Good Shepherd does not take His sheep into the valley of darkness to stay—but to pass through it. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death …” (Psalm 23:4). 

 

PONDER

When worry strikes, if we’re not careful, we can get discouraged or even depressed. We can respond to life negatively, and take our eyes off God and His promises to take care of us. Our hope in Him is the answer to all of life’s issues.

RESPOND

Lord, it’s so easy for me to focus on the negatives. Help me redeem my worried thoughts by using them as reminders to pray, to express my trust in You, and to give thanks. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES

[image error]

In Loving God With All Your Mind, Elizabeth helps women handle their emotions and discover inner peace that comes from focusing on what is true. She shares six powerful Bible truths that will help readers draw closer to God and know His joy and love.

REFLECT

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Recount God’s goodness in your life and the lives of those you love by making a list of His faithfulness. 

REMEMBER

Give thanks-“In everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When you thank God even for the hard things in life, you are saying, “Lord, I am confident You will use this for my good.”

 

The Women at the Feet, the Cross, and the Tomb of Jesus

[image error]
THE WOMEN AT HIS FEET

The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 is remarkable for many reasons. For starters, in that time and culture, it was uncommon for women to sit at the feet of a rabbi. Mary’s actions were a clear indicator that she desired to learn from Jesus. Then she “fell at his feet.” This action shows us that she recognized who Jesus is and chose to submit herself fully to His teaching and authority. It was an open act of worship. It was also the ultimate act of trust.

THE WOMEN AT HIS CROSS

When I need strength and courage, I remember the women at the cross and the tomb of Jesus. Whenever I read Mark, chapters 15 and 16, I’m always amazed that a small band of ladies stayed with our Lord to the very end, even when His closest disciples left!

These women stood near the cross through Jesus’ horrendous torture and suffering. And their devotion didn’t end with His death. They followed those who carried the Lord’s body to the tomb where He was placed.

THE WOMEN AT HIS TOMB

Their devotion didn’t end with His burial. They returned to their homes after the worst day of their lives and prepared for the Sabbath. And then, “When the Sabbath was past, [they] bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him” (Mark 16:1). Very early the next morning, after all the trauma of the crucifixion, they came to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been laid.

Our natural human tendency is to look for loopholes, to conjure up an excuse or reason that will get us out of having to show up or having to do something. These women left for the sepulcher not even knowing who would roll the huge stone away from the door of the tomb (verse 3). Next to this verse, I’ve written in my Bible, “They didn’t let a little thing like a massive stone keep them from going.”

 

PONDER

Are you like these women? Do you serve faithfully in the midst of extreme difficulty—and to the end?

RESPOND

Lord, We want to do all can for You. May we be so faithful. Amen.

 

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Start or end your day with these powerful one-minute reminders of God’s work in the lives of women in the Bible. You’ll find encouragement for your own faith journey as you meet the women of the Bible.

REFLECT

Draw strength from these gallant women who endured a tumultuous day that ended with the horror of the crucifixion of their Lord and Savior.

REMEMBER

Whenever you want to take a shortcut or pass on something important or risky, remember the women at His feet, His cross, and His tomb.

Those Who Serve Shall Be Exalted

[image error]

Isaiah is considered among the greatest of the Old Testament prophets because of his many predictions of the Messiah. For instance, you’ve probably heard this one during the Christmas season:

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

What most people don’t notice is that Isaiah uses the word servant several times to describe the nature of Jesus’ earthly ministry. For example, He wrote, “Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One in whom My soul delights!” and “Behold, My Servant… shall be exalted and extolled and be very high” (42:1; 52:13).

Jesus was the Son of God, yet he was the ultimate servant. Perhaps my favorite verse about our Lord is Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” One thing that touches my heart about this truth is that it is written in the book of Matthew, and Matthew is the Gospel that also most exalts Jesus, as Messiah, the King! Yet, we read that serving was a strong quality in King Jesus’ life – a priority and a way of life for Him.

We are seeing much of this servanthood today all around the world: emergency responders, medical professionals, utility workers, cashiers and stockers, gas station attendants, chefs, teachers working remotely, governors, and our very own president. They are all working long hours in the face of a pandemic like none of us have ever seen before. They do it to serve their fellow man. They could stay home out of fear, but most are not.

The Bible tells us that Jesus, very early in His ministry, was “tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1-11). With each temptation, Jesus resisted Satan by quoting Scripture. Satan’s last enticement was a trade-off of power and glory if Jesus would fall down and worship Satan. Jesus replied to the devil, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve” (verse 10).

We serve a great and mighty God. We will overcome this challenging time by holding on to the promises of His word and by following his commandments to love our neighbor as ourselves and to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

 

PONDER

As a believer in Christ, each and every day offers an opportunity to love the Lord with all your heart. But, especially in these trying times and in the days before Easter, take time to read again the story of His servanthood and sacrifice for you in Luke 22, 23, 24.

RESPOND

Lord, help us to overcome our own selfish desires and instead, model our life after You in service to others. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  [image error]

There is much we can learn from His perfect life example: His generosity in caring for the needs of others, the abundance of His kindness and forgiveness even to His enemies, His persistence in watching over His own, and His willingness to give His all even though He had nothing.

REFLECT

Open your heart and behold the greatest man—and servant—who ever lived and modeled what it means to serve and sacrifice. 

REMEMBER

As you consider the character quality of service, give praise to God that Jesus, the Messiah, the Savior of the World, came first as a lowly servant.

Proclaim His Coming: Preparing the Way

[image error]

The Savior of the world certainly did come to Earth in an unexpected way. He came as a servant of God to sacrifice Himself for us. It wasn’t immediately apparent to others that Jesus was the Messiah; the King they had been waiting for.

Still, God prepared the way for Him. Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, was popular among the people of Israel. Large crowds followed him, listened to him preach, and submitted to his call for repentance from their sinful lifestyle. At the peak of John’s popularity, Jesus came to the Jordan River, where John was con­ducting his ministry. John recognized Him and humbly told his followers, “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent ahead of Him… He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28,30).

Yet, even John the Baptist wasn’t entirely enlightened about Jesus’ full mission. John the Baptist had introduced Jesus to the people as the One who would bring judgment with His coming (Matthew 3:11-12). Later, when John was put in prison, he heard that Jesus was heal­ing the sick, not bringing judgment as John had thought. He wondered was Jesus really the One?

Some of John’s disciples were sent to ask Jesus to confirm that He was the Messiah. In response, Jesus reiterated John’s message that He was the Messiah and sent them back with the confirmation of many miracles and fulfilled prophecies.

Rather than reprimanding John for his unbelief, Jesus assured his cousin that he was “more than a prophet,” and that, “among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Mat­thew 11:9,11). Using Old Testament scripture, Jesus shared God’s description of John: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”

Jesus wanted the people to know how unique John was. Jesus was grateful that the Father had sent John as His herald, His messenger. Unless someone preceded the King to tell people of His arrival, how would they know that the King was coming? Jesus’ words conveyed how thankful He was for John. And He wanted to ensure that John was never forgotten. Jesus also must have been considering His own future suffering when He encouraged John that his suffering and humble service were for the greater purpose of offering redemption and eternal life for all.

PONDER

Are you proclaiming Jesus as the Savior of the world to the people in your world?

RESPOND

Lord, thank you for your Son, His sacrifice, and the Word that guides us each day. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES  [image error]

There are so many fascinating and inspirational characters and stories in the Bible. If you’d like to gain a complete understanding of how all of the books of the Bible come together as one grand story of salvation, you will find  The Bare Bones Bible Handbook the perfect tool. This resource by Jim is a fast and friendly overview of every book of the Bible.

 

 

REFLECT

Take time to consider who you could proclaim the gospel to this Easter season, whether it is in person (after these various pandemic quarantines end) or virtually.

REMEMBER

This is a wonderful time to thank God for the gift of His Son, our Savior, and those saints who came before us proclaiming the Gospel.

 

 

Choosing Friends Wisely

[image error]

While commencement exercises might look a bit different this spring, or even be canceled outright in light of the recent pandemic, there are many young people well-deserving of praise for a job well done! If you are a soon-to-be high school graduate (or the parent of one) this devotion is particularly for you. May God bless you in this new phase of life!

You may be one of those guys who’s never met a stranger. Maybe you can talk to just about anyone and make friends eas­ily. Or maybe, you have a longtime childhood friend and the two of you are inseparable. But, for a lot of guys, it’s not easy to find a good friend. So whether you have many friends or a few, I’m sure you will agree that friendship is a two-way street. If you want a good friend, you have to be a good friend.

In the Bible, God gives guidelines on how to be a good friend:

“As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17).

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but who­ever repeats the matter separates close friends” (Prov­erbs 17:9).

“Do not forsake your friend” (Proverbs 27:10).

How can you choose friends that last? As I said earlier, devel­oping the right friendships starts with you. You need to be the right kind of friend. Here are some choices you’ll need to make if you want to be a top-notch friend.

Choose to Be Yourself

Don’t try to impress others by saying and doing things you think will make them like you. And this goes double if your ac­tions would be contrary to God’s Word in any way. Remember, you are looking for a friend who isn’t phony—who isn’t pretend­ing to be one person when he’s really someone else. Choose to be what God wants you to be. Be genuine, and when you are comfortable with who you are, then others will also feel comfortable when they’re around you. They might not share your beliefs, but they will respect you for what you stand for. 

Choose to Be Honest

Trust is essential in any relationship. If you want to have friends who are honest with you, then (you guessed it) you must be honest with them, even if it means having a difficult conversation. Honesty is one of the benefits of a true friendship. The Bible puts it this way: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted… and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:6, 9).

Choose to Be Loyal

Don’t be a fair-weather friend. Make sure you’re not the kind of buddy who bails as soon as something goes wrong. Friendships will face challenges. When you stick together in spite of your circumstances, the relationship strengthens. Loyalty is essential in friendship. Therefore, you must become a loyal friend yourself. In the Bible, David and Jona­than’s friendship was characterized by loyalty even in the midst of severe adversity (1 Samuel 20:14-18).

PONDER

Think about your friendships and determine whether you are trying to be the kind of friend God describes.

RESPOND

Lord, help me to be the kind of friend You describe in Your Word and please, place people in my life who model those friendships to me.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Jim George is the perfect gift for the graduate in your life. Young ladies will enjoy A Young Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Elizabeth George.

 

REFLECT

How genuine are you with your friends? How honest are you? How loyal are you?

REMEMBER

Be the kind of friend “who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). Don’t you want the same from your friends?

5 Virtues of a True Friend

[image error]

Being friendly and approachable is a Jesus quality. You may believe that anyone could talk to you or ask something of you, but you may also be sending a message that says you already have enough friends, or you’re too busy to be bothered.

Stop and think about Jesus’ friendliness. Jesus meant it when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Are you sure you are friendly and approachable? To your family at home? To the people at school, at church, or next door? Is your heart tuned in to those who are new, lonely, not a part of the in crowd—the outsiders?

Let’s take a look at Jesus’ traits, or five virtues we can draw from Him, and become a true friend to those around us.

A good friend is … 

Forgetful—God has forgiven our sin and will remember it no more, and we are to do the same with our friends.

Loyal—… and truehearted, and steady as a rock. During adversity a real friend is present, praying, caring, helping, calling, crying, providing whatever is needed.

Not shallow—Real friends pray together and for one another. They share spiritual truths and encourage each other’s spiritual growth.

Trustworthy—… to protect confidences. Keep this Spanish proverb in mind: “Whoever gossips to you will gossip about you.”

An adviser—… who braces, steadies, and sharpens her friends, pulling them up—up toward God, up in godliness, up in character, up in ministry and service to others.

And as Proverbs 17:17 sums it up, “A friend loves at all times.”

PONDER

What are the marks of a true friend? Do you have them?

RESPOND

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are always available to me when I’m alone or lonely. I know how good it feels to have a friend like You. I want to reflect Your heart and be a Jesus kind of friend to others. Help me be open and available to others who need Your help through me. Amen.

  [image error]

RENEWING RESOURCES

Drawn from Proverbs for a Woman’s Day by Elizabeth George. Don’t guess about the next step and hope for the best. Get a clear view of the right path as you follow God’s wisdom. In this book, Elizabeth takes you on a journey through the 31 chapters of Proverbs, which cover the matters closest to your heart, including friendship!

REFLECT

Ask God to look into your heart. Pray for an approachable spirit that will reflect the heart of Jesus.

REMEMBER

Be like the One who never refused the cries of anyone who needed a friend and help … including you.

Our Closest Friends

[image error]

As a Christian, you already have a perfect friendship. You have a friend in Jesus Christ. God’s Son, Jesus, has chosen you to be His friend. Just as He did with His disciples, Jesus speaks of you as His friend: “You are My friends… I have called you friends” (John 15:14-15). With Jesus as your friend, you really don’t need anyone else.

But God also provides other people with whom you can and should have friendships. The bible teaches us that it is not good for man to be alone and that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another (Genesis 2:18 and Proverbs 27:17). Women you meet at church are a natural starting point. And what about making friends with those in your community? Recently I spoke at a women’s conference in California, and while I was there, I spent time visiting with a former next-door neighbor I hadn’t seen in several decades. Amazingly, we picked up right where we had left off before we both moved away those many years ago!

There are two other sources of friends that we often forget about; one is your parents. There is nothing weird about having your mom and dad as best friends. They are God’s gift to you. No one loves you more, or cares for your best interests more than your parents. Make it a goal , and put in the time, effort, and money, to develop a deeper level of friendship with your parents. Work on it today and every day then, in later years, you will be blessed you did.

Second, you also have friends in your brothers and sisters. As a child, you probably thought, friends with my goofy brother? No way! Or, friends with my pesky little sister? You’ve got to be kidding! The truth is, friends throughout life come and go. You may stay in touch with some, but most of your friends will move on.

But your family is just that – your family. They will always be there, especially if you work at building and maintaining friendships with them. And that goofy brother of yours is all grown up and not so goofy anymore. And that pesky little sister is a woman with a family of her own.

PONDER

How often do you pray for your family members, and your nieces and nephews? Can you make more of an effort?

RESPOND

Lord, help me to always see you as the most important friendship in my life. And help me to seek and develop relationships that are healthy, godly, and meaningful to both my life and theirs.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

There's no better mentor for young women than Jesus. From His life and dealings with people they can discover what really counts in life and live Jesus before others! Learn more about A Young Woman Who Reflects the Heart of Jesus  by Elizabeth George.

 

REFLECT

Ask God to show you what you can do today to strengthen your friendships with family.

REMEMBER

Make an effort to stay tight and close to your family.

 

What We Can Learn from David and Jonathan

[image error]

David and Jonathan were polar opposites: David was a giant-slayer who played the harp and tended sheep. Jonathan was the coveted prince and extensively trained in battle. The interesting twist to their friendship is that David was anointed to be King of the very throne Jonathan was supposed to inherit. Still, this unlikely pair became the epitome of what friendship should look like.

Their journey to friendship began not long after David slew Goliath. I’m sure this young warrior who could calm his father’s internal demons with the strings of a harp intrigued Jonathan. While either of them had reason to be envious of the other, instead they wholeheartedly supported and challenged each other until Jonathan’s untimely death. While reading of their journey three things stood out to me:

Friendship is Commitment: 1 Samuel 18:1-4 tells us that this pair valued each other so much that a covenant was made to seal their friendship. Even after Jonathan’s death, David continued to honor and love his friend through the raising of his son and through his writing.

Friendship is Loyalty: Proverbs 17:7 teaches us that, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” I think it goes without saying that David and Jonathan dealt with adversity in their friendship. They were in-laws, their lives were threatened over the friendship, they were both headed for the same throne, and then there was the issue of Jonathan’s father attempting to kill David, repeatedly. Still, the two remained closer than brothers.

Friendship is Selfless: John 15:13 is the ultimate instruction for friendship. It reads, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This pair made many sacrifices for each other in the name of their friendship. They practiced loving each other as they loved themselves, which we know is one of the greatest commandments.

Choose to be like David and Jonathan. Don’t be a fair-weather friend. I’m sure you know exactly what that means. It’s a so-called friend who bails on you as soon as something bad happens. These people are great friends as long as nothing gets complicated or sticky. Usually, this type of friendship is one-way. As long as you do things they want to do or agree with them, everything is fine. But the minute you speak up, cross them, or try being your own person, that friend fades faster than the sun at dusk.

As we see by the example David and Jonathan have set for us, being loyal means being supportive, being ready to assist, and to encourage - even when things are complicated and sticky. That’s why commitment, loyalty, and selflessness are so essential in any friendship. David and Jonathan’s friendship was characterized by these qualities even in the midst of adversity. They loved and encouraged each other in the Lord. They stood together through tough times like a set of identical stone bookends. They met as young men and warriors, and our last glimpse of their faithful friendship is of David mourning Jonathan’s death. Theirs was a to-the-end-no-matter-what friendship. You can read about their friendship in 1 Samuel 20:14-17.

PONDER

How does your loyalty rate as a friend? Are you “a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24)?

RESPOND

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of friendship between David and Jonathan. Thank You for being my closest friend. I know how good it feels to have a friend like You. I want to reflect Your heart and be a Jesus kind of friend to others. Help me be open and available to others who need Your help through me. Amen.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

Growing as a man after God's own heart happens one step at a time. Bestselling author Jim George shares quick, focused devotions that will enable you to make every step count. />Learn more about the A Man After God's Own Heart Devotional by Jim George.

 

REFLECT

Ask God to look into your heart. Pray for an approachable spirit that will reflect the heart of Jesus.

REMEMBER

Loyalty in others starts with you being loyal.

Prayers for Friends

[image error]

When we love people, we can’t help but pray for them because we carry them in our hearts!

And when friends are far away and we’re unable to express our love and support personally, we can pray, knowing that God hears us.

Jesus prayed for His disciples. Paul prayed for the believers in Philippi, the Christians in Colossae, and his friends in Ephesus. When it comes to your friends and friendships, there are many reasons to turn to God in prayer! 

Praise God for your friends. You’ve been blessed with special people in your life. Give thanks for them.

Pray for their spiritual insight.Paul prayed for believers to have their spiritual eyes opened so they would recognize their spiritual blessings.

Every prayer you lift up for your friends reaches God’s ears and heart. Ask Him to use His power, might, strength, and wisdom to help the people you care about.

You should cultivate friendships with others, especially other Christians who will encourage you in your faith and give good advice. The Bible says, “He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20).

If you are in need of such friends, ask God to lead you to the right people. Be willing to take time to be a friend to other men who would benefit from your wisdom and experience.

PONDER

Who can you look to as an example? Who can you encourage?

RESPOND

Lord, thank You for hearing my prayers for my friends. For those who don’t know You, help me be an example of Your love and grace. And for those friends who know You, I pray they will see Your hand in their lives.

RENEWING RESOURCES [image error]

A Young Man’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Jim George is the perfect gift for the young man in your life. Young ladies will enjoy A Young Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices by Elizabeth George.

 

REFLECT

Are you friends with others who are a positive influence on your life; who encourage and build you up in the faith? Are you making the effort to grow spiritually, so you, in turn, can be that kind of friend to others?

 

REMEMBER

Friends are a gift from the Lord.