Entries by YMI

ODJ: thank you cards

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November 28, 2013 

READ: Colossians 2:6-8 

Always be thankful (3:15).

Today I read a eulogy written by a man in memory of his 6 year old daughter who died of leukemia. “Our daughter was full of gratitude for God and others,” the father shared. “She carried a little purse—containing paper and coloured pencils—with her wherever she went so she could write thank you cards when someone gave her a gift or did something nice for her.”

This young girl left a legacy of appreciation, a legacy worth emulating. Colossians 2:6-8 says our hearts will likewise overflow with thankfulness when we do the following:

• Receive Jesus as Saviour and continue to follow Him (v.6).

• Grow our roots down into Him and build our lives on Him (v.7).

• Mature in the faith we were taught (v.7).

• Refuse to be enticed by empty philosophies and high-sounding powers of this world, choosing to follow Jesus instead (v.8).

We should make thankfulness our “sacrifice to God,” states Psalm 50:14. Today Christians do not practise animal sacrifice in worship. However, the principles behind the sacrifices—forgiveness for sin and thankfulness to God—still apply. And we give thanks to God because “He is good! His faithful love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1-3). When we exhibit “thankfulness to God” (Ephesians 5:4), we proclaim His greatness and “let the whole world know what He has done” (Psalm 105:1).

In his message, “Why Give Thanks?”, ministry leader Mark Orr writes that giving thanks pleases God and brings us close to Him, makes us emotionally healthy and helps us deal with depression and lift heavy sorrow.

Whether it’s writing thank you cards for people who have blessed us or acknowledging God’s goodness, let’s strive for a life that reflects a thankful heart. —Roxanne Robbins

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Ephesians 5:20 says we should “give thanks for everything to God.” What does that mean to you? 
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Why is gratitude a powerful witness for our faith in God? How will you live out a thankful heart today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Place Of Water

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November 27, 2013 

READ: Psalm 42:1-5 

The water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life. —John 4:14 

East Africa is one of the driest places on earth, which is what makes “Nairobi” such a significant name for a city in that region. The name comes from a Masai phrase meaning “cold water,” and it literally means “the place of water.”

Throughout history, the presence of water has been both life-giving and strategic. Whether a person lives in a dry climate or a rainforest, water is a nonnegotiable necessity. In a dry and barren climate, knowing where to find the place of water can mean the difference between life and death.

Our spiritual life also has certain nonnegotiable elements. That is why Jesus, upon encountering a spiritually thirsty woman at a well, declared to her that He alone could provide living water. He told her, “Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).

Like the deer mentioned in Psalm 42:1-2 who pants for water, our souls thirst for God and long for Him (63:1). We desperately need the sustenance that comes only from Jesus Christ. He is the source of living water that refreshes our hearts.

— Bill Crowder

Rivers of living water,
Rivers of life so free,
Flowing from Thee, my Savior,
Send now the rivers through me. —Wood

Jesus is the fountain of living water. 

ODJ: just enough

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November 27, 2013 

READ: Proverbs 30:7-9 

Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs (v.8).

In the film Fiddler on the Roof, Tevye talked very honestly with God about His economics: “You made many, many poor people. I realise, of course, that it’s no shame to be poor. But it’s no great honour either! So what would have been so terrible if I had a small fortune? . . . Lord, who made the lion and the lamb, you decreed I should be what I am. Would it spoil some vast, eternal plan if I were a wealthy man?”

Many centuries before Sholem Aleichem’s writings served as inspiration for the honest words of Tevye’s tongue, a man named Agur prayed an equally honest but somewhat different prayer to God regarding His economics. He said, “Give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs” (Proverbs 30:8). He recognised God as his sole provider and asked Him for “just enough” to satisfy his daily needs.

He didn’t ask for overflowing prosperity, because he knew it had the potential to make him proud and to cause him to become a practical atheist by denying the character of God. He wrote, “If I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name” (v.9). Recognising his limitations and possessing great self-awareness, Agur asked God to keep him from dishonouring His name by turning to a life of thievery. His prayer reveals a heart that pursues God and seeks contentment in Him alone.

May we live out the same attitude: (1) recognise God as our sole provider of all we have; (2) pursue God and a financial path that honours His name; (3) live in contentment before Him, accepting with gratitude the daily—“just enough”—bread He provides.

Let’s find our contentment and pleasure in the God who’s more than enough. — Marvin Williams

MORE
Though being wealthy isn’t sinful, it can be dangerous. Read 1 Timothy 6:9-10 to see what kinds of trouble the desire for wealth can bring.  
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What are you truly desiring today? What will help you to pursue God and to find contentment in Him? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Real Love

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November 26, 2013 

READ: 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. —1 Corinthians 13:7-8 

A few years ago, my friend’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, Beth has been forced to make tough decisions about her mom’s care, and her heart has often been broken as she watched her vibrant and fun-loving mom slowly slipping away. In the process, my friend has learned that real love is not always easy or convenient.

After her mom was hospitalized for a couple of days last year, Beth wrote these words to some of her friends: “As backwards as it may seem, I’m very thankful for the journey I am on with my mom. Behind the memory loss, confusion, and utter helplessness is a beautiful person who loves life and is at complete peace. I am learning so much about what real love is, and even though I probably wouldn’t have asked for this journey and the tears and heartache that go with it, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”

The Bible reminds us that love is patient and kind. It is not self-seeking or easily angered. It “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7).

Real love originated with our Father, who gave us the gift of His Son. As we seek to show His love to others, we can follow the example of Christ, who laid down His life for us (1 John 3:16-18).

— Cindy Hess Kasper

Real love is helping others for Jesus’ sake even if they can never return the favor. 

ODJ: blameless

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November 26, 2013 

READ: Titus 1:1-9 

An elder must live a blameless life. . . . An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life (vv.6-7).

Many people trust their pharmacists more than their pastors! According to a 2012 poll, respondents were asked to rate the “honesty and ethical standards” of 22 different professions. Seventy-five percent ranked pharmacists as high/very high. Car salesmen and members of congress were trusted least. Sadly church leaders ranked eighth, and only one in two said the ones they know are men of integrity.

Paul had left Titus on the island of Crete to lead the unfinished work there. He was to “appoint elders in each town” (Titus 1:5). But what kind of man was Titus to appoint to church leadership?

“An elder must live a blameless life” ranked first of the 17 qualifications (vv.5-9), a quality so important that Paul repeated it (v.7): “An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life.” Why is this so important? Damage to a church leader’s reputation is damage to God’s reputation (Nehemiah 5:9; Romans 2:24; 1 Peter 2:12).

A church leader “must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent or dishonest with money” (Titus 1:7). But he should be hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined (v.8). Not only must a leader meet high moral standards in his personal life; he must have a strong grasp and understanding of God’s Word—firmly holding to it, able to teach it to encourage others and refuting those who oppose it (v.9; 2 Timothy 2:15).

An elder “must live a blameless life” (Titus 1:6-7). The person who leads God’s church should possess high moral character and a godly reputation (1 Timothy 3:7). Compromising on these qualifications may be the reason many people trust their pharmacists more than their pastors. —K.T. Sim

MORE
Read 1 Timothy 3:1-13 to see what else Paul says about the qualifications for church leadership. 
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Why do we sometimes choose church leaders based on their abilities instead of their character and spirituality? What qualities do you feel are most important for a church leader?  

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ODB: Spiritual Plagiarism

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November 25, 2013 

READ: John 1:1-18 

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. —John 1:14 

When I teach English composition, I require students to write in class. I know that in-class writing is their own work, so in this way I become familiar with each student’s writing voice and am able to detect if they “borrow” a bit too heavily from another writer. Students are surprised to learn that their writing voice—which includes what they say as well as how they say it—is as distinctive as their speaking voice. Just as the words we speak come from our hearts, so do the words we write. They reveal who we are.

We become familiar with God’s voice in much the same way. By reading what He has written, we learn who He is and how He expresses Himself. Satan, however, tries to make himself sound like God (2 Cor. 11:14). By using God’s words in a slightly altered fashion, he comes up with convincing arguments for things that are untrue. For example, by convincing people to do things that simulate godliness, such as trusting in an outward regimen of self-discipline rather than Christ’s death for salvation (Col. 2:23), Satan has led many astray.

God went to extremes to make sure we’d recognize His voice. He not only gave us His Word, He gave us the Word made flesh—Jesus (John 1:14)—so that we will not be easily deceived or misled.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Instill within my heart, dear Lord,
A deep desire to know Your Word,
I want to learn to hear Your voice
That I may make Your will my choice. —D. DeHaan

Your Word is very pure; therefore Your servant loves it. —Psalm 119:140 

ODJ: wrestling with God

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November 25, 2013 

READ: Genesis 32:13-32 

A man came and wrestled with [Jacob] until the dawn began to break (v.24).

Often, on Saturdays in the 1980s, my brother and I watched professional wrestling on TV. We were mesmerised by the acrobatics and the seemingly super-human body slams that shook the wrestling ring. We rooted for the good guys and pointed at the screen exclaiming things like “Did you see that?” and “Ooooh, that had to hurt!” Fortunately we did not try (many of) those moves at home.

The Bible records one incredible wrestling match between Jacob and an opponent—God in the form of a man. Obscured by the veil of night, He approached and “wrestled with [Jacob] until the dawn began to break” (Genesis 32:24). Apparently Jacob was one scrappy guy, because he hung in there until his Opponent dislocated Jacob’s hip with just a touch (v.25). Despite Jacob’s efforts to out-manoeuvre God, God was still in control.

Even with a disabled hip, Jacob refused to loosen his grip unless he received a blessing. God renamed Him “Israel” (which means “God fights”), blessed him and then went on His way. Left alone, Jacob realised, “I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been spared” (v.30). Jacob met the day injured, sleep deprived, but astonished by his encounter with his Maker.

Are you struggling with God today? Maybe His Word has revealed His will for your life in a certain area, but you’re not ready to surrender. You know He wants you to give up an addiction, regain your integrity at work or abandon a relationship that’s not honouring to Him.

Don’t wrestle through the night as Jacob did. Acknowledge God’s perfect, loving ways and surrender to Him. Let His comfort renew your hope (Psalm 94:19). Cling to Him and stand amazed as you encounter the living God. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

MORE
Read Lamentations 3:1-23 for a look at one prophet’s struggle with God. Look up Acts 22:6-11 and compare that story with Jacob’s experience.  
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What happens when we try to out-manoeuvre God in our lives? What things are typically at the centre of our struggles with God? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: What Time Is It?

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November 24, 2013 

READ: Galatians 3:26–4:7 

When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son. —Galatians 4:4 

The old adage is true: Timing is everything! That’s why Paul’s statement, “When the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” intrigues me so much (Gal. 4:4).

A quick look at history reveals that the coming of Christ was at just the right time. Centuries earlier, Alexander the Great conquered most of the known world, bringing with him the Greek culture and language. On the heels of his demise, the Roman Empire picked up where Alexander left off and expanded the territory under the unifying influence of the culture and language of the Greeks. It was under Roman rule that the crucifixion took place, where the blood of Christ was shed for us. It was under the rule of Rome that conditions were made ready for the spread of the gospel across three continents: good roads, territorial boundaries free of “passport” restrictions, and a unifying language. The providence of God had put all the pieces in place for the perfect time to send His Son.

God’s timing is perfect in everything. While you are waiting, perhaps wondering why God doesn’t seem to be acting on your behalf, remember that He’s working behind the scenes to prepare His moment of intervention at just the right time. Trust Him. He knows what time it is.

— Joe Stowell

Lord, in Your infinite wisdom and power, You work
behind the scenes to prepare all things for just the
right time. Teach me to wait well and to trust You
to know when the fullness of time has come.

Teach us, O Lord, the disciplines of patience, for to wait is often harder than to work. —Marshall 

ODJ: groaning or grumbling?

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November 24, 2013 

READ: Numbers 11:1-15 

Soon the people began to complain about their hardship, and the Lord heard everything they said. Then the Lord’s anger blazed against them, and He sent a fire to rage among them (v.1).

Ravi and Prakash received redundancy notices from their employer, an insurance company that was being downsized by its new owner. “Once again the little man gets squeezed,” sighed Prakash, “is this the thanks I get for 15 years of loyal service?”

“Yeah, this stinks,” replied Ravi, “but God is still with us if we continue to trust Him, even in hard times.” “Seriously?” blurted Prakash. “Faith isn’t going to keep a roof over our heads or feed our kids. Where is God now? Why won’t He protect what He knows we deserve? I wish I had looked out for myself—inflated my commissions like everyone else—at least I’d have a little nest egg built up.”

Ravi and Prakash illustrate the difference between groaning and grumbling. We’re right to groan beneath the burdens of a fallen world, for “all creation has been groaning” right along with us. But we groan in hope, believing that one day all will be made right when Jesus returns to set us free “from sin and suffering” (Romans 8:22-23).

Groaning that lacks this faith soon turns into grumbling, for we feel alone and defeated in the world. The Israelites complained during their journey through the wilderness: “Oh, for some meat! . . . We remember the fish we used to eat for free in Egypt” (Numbers 11:4-5). We can also allow our present sufferings to take our eyes off God. Perhaps this is why grumbling is such a serious matter. The apostle Paul warns, “Don’t grumble as some of them did, and then were destroyed by the angel of death” (1 Corinthians 10:10).

The only way to the Promised Land is through the wilderness of testing. You may groan when you’re tried. But never grumble. It’s truly a matter of life and death. —Mike Wittmer

MORE
Read James 1:2-18 to learn how to respond to the trials of life. 
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What trials are causing you to grumble? How can your identity in Jesus help you groan but not grumble in the days ahead? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)