Entries by YMI

ODB: Her Worst Day Ever

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June 26, 2013 

READ: Job 7:11-21 

I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. —Job 7:11 

In May 2011, a young woman took cover in a bathtub during a tornado that devastated her city of Joplin, Missouri. Her husband covered her body with his and took the blows from flying debris. He died, and she survived because of his heroism. She naturally wrestles with the question, “Why?” But a year after the tornado, she said that she finds comfort because even on her worst day ever, she was loved.

When I think about “worst days ever,” I think of Job right away. A man who loved God, he lost his animals, his servants, and his 10 children in one day! (Job 1:13-19). Job mourned deeply, and he also asked the “Why?” questions. He cried out, “Have I sinned? What have I done to You . . . ? Why have You set me as Your target?” (7:20). Job’s friends accused him of sinning and thought he deserved his difficulties, but God said of his friends: “You have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has” (42:7). God did not give him the reasons for his suffering, but He listened to Job and did not fault him for his questions. God assured him of His control over everything, and Job trusted Him (42:1-6).

The Lord may not give us the reasons for our trials. But, thankfully, even on our worst day ever, we can know for sure we are loved by Him (Rom. 8:35-39).

— Anne Cetas

We’re grateful, Father, that You know our hearts
with our pain and joy. Thank You that You never
leave us nor forsake us, as Your Word tells us.
Please hold us close during our trials.

God’s love does not keep us from trials,
but sees us through them. 

ODJ: stop trying

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June 26, 2013 

READ: Romans 7:14-25 

I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway (v.19).

Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as “AA,” is a worldwide movement that attempts to helpalcoholics break free from their addiction to drinking. One of the first things AA leaders tell those who “can’t lay off the sauce” is that they have to come to the end of themselves. In order to break free from their addiction, they have to admit that they are powerless to stop—no matter how hard they try.

Some have felt uncomfortable with this aspect of AA’s approach because they believe it downplays personal responsibility. But that’s not the point. AA is rightly emphasising that a person can’t get free from the addiction through self-effort.

This is precisely one of the points Paul was conveying when he wrote of his personal struggles with his sinful nature. In his letter to the Christians in Rome, Paul described himself as a “slave to sin” (Romans 7:14). He wrote, “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway” (v.19).

Paul had a big problem with sin, something we can all relate to. We have the issue. But the apostle doesn’t seem to tell us how to deal with it—a reality that can leave us feeling confused and frustrated.

But that’s his point! No matter how hard we try, we can’t get out of it on our own. We need Jesus! He’s the only one who can free us from sins that dominate us (vv.24-25).

Do you have an addiction or obsession that is taking over your life? Stop trying so hard to get free. Surrender! Wave the white flag and admit defeat. Then run to the only One who can meet your need—Jesus.—Jeff Olson

› John 5:1-47

MORE
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9 and consider what it says about our weakness and the power of God’s grace. 
NEXT
Do you view God as condemning or as merciful? Why? What does it mean for you to know that you are anew person in Christ?(2 Corinthians 5:17). 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Country Doctor

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June 25, 2013 

READ: Philippians 2:1-11 

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. —Philippians 2:3 

Sinclair Lewis’ novel Main Street tells the story of Carol, a sophisticated city woman who marries a country doctor. She feels superior to others in her new small-town environment. But her husband’s response to a medical crisis challenges her snobbery. An immigrant farmer terribly injures his arm, which needs to be amputated. Carol watches with admiration as her husband speaks comforting words to the injured man and his distraught wife. The physician’s warmth and servant attitude challenges Carol’s prideful mindset.

In all of our relationships as Jesus’ followers, we can choose to think we’re superior or we can humbly serve the interests of others. Paul, the apostle, tells us, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3-4).

We can learn to consider others’ needs more important than our own as we focus on Jesus’ example. He took “the form of a bondservant,” and gave Himself up for us (vv.5-8). When we fail in valuing others, His sacrifice for us shows us the humble, better way.

— Dennis Fisher

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel

Joy comes from putting another’s welfare ahead of your own. 

ODJ: unpopular

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June 25, 2013 

READ: Acts 28:11-31 

We want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know aboutthis movement is that it is denounced everywhere (v.22).

Chick-fil-A is a popular American fast food chain whose president, Dan Cathy, also happens to be a Christian. Biblical values permeate its 1,600+ restaurants, which are always closed on Sunday. Chick-fil-A also started the WinShape Foundation, which provides college scholarships, foster care programmes, and marriage enrichment ministries.

That leads to the recent media frenzy surrounding Chick-fil-A. Cathy supports traditional, heterosexual marriages. When his position became public, many people accused him of homophobia and vowed to boycott his restaurants. The mayor of Boston announced that he would not allow a Chick-fil-A to open in his city, and even the owners of the Muppets said the restaurant chain could no longer use their toys for store promotions.

It’s not surprising that supporters of gay marriage think Dan Cathy is guilty of hatred and intolerance, for that label has been hung on Christians since the beginning. Most people think Jesus was meek and mild, but the religious leaders of His day told Pilate, “He is causing riots by His teaching wherever He goes” (Luke 23:5).

The apostle Paul was chased and stoned by fellow Jews, for they assumed that his message threatened the dominance of their religion and its role in society. When Paul finally made it to Rome, he invited its Jewish leaders to meet and learn about Jesus. They replied that while they had not heard anything bad about Paul, they knew that the movement he led was “denounced everywhere” (Acts 28:22). Paul didn’t give up, but he “explained and testified about the kingdom of God . . . from morning until evening. Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe” (vv.23-24).

It hurts to be misunderstood, but we must never stop loving people, especially when they’re sure we don’t.—Mike Wittmer

MORE
Read 2 Corinthians 12:11-21 to learn how to respond when you’re treated unfairly. 
NEXT
Who has misjudged your character or faith? How does God want you to respond? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Flight Simulator

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June 24, 2013 

READ: John 16:25-33 

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. —John 16:33 

When airplane pilots are training, they spend many hours in flight simulators. These simulators give the students a chance to experience the challenges and dangers of flying an aircraft—but without the risk. The pilots don’t have to leave the ground, and if they crash in the simulation, they can calmly walk away.

Simulators are tremendous teaching tools—helpful in preparing the aspiring pilot to take command of an actual aircraft. The devices, however, have a shortcoming. They create an artificial experience in which the full-blown pressures of handling a real cockpit cannot be fully replicated.

Real life is like that, isn’t it? It cannot be simulated. There is no safe, risk-free environment in which we can experience life’s ups and downs unharmed. The risks and dangers of living in a broken world are inescapable. That’s why the words of Jesus are so reassuring. He said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Although we can’t avoid the dangers of life in a fallen world, we can have peace through a relationship with Jesus. He has secured our ultimate victory.

— Bill Crowder

Outward troubles may not cease,
But this your joy will be:
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace
Whose mind is stayed on Thee.” —Anon.

No life is more secure than a life surrendered to God. 

ODJ: a baby’s cry

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June 24, 2013 

READ: Luke 2:1-14 

She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped [Jesus] snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger (v.7).

Recently one state in America instituted a law requiring each pregnant woman considering an abortion to watch a sonogram of her unborn child, receive medically accurate explanations of what she views, and listen to her baby’s heartbeat. Following the law’s passage, a blogger who supports abortion raised money and bought iPods for abortion clinics. Her purpose? To provide each patient with a way to drown out the sound of her baby’s heartbeat. By cranking up the volume, she can stifle the sounds of life within her.

Mary could feel the life within her. The promised child (Luke 1:30-32) stirring in her womb stirred her heart with joy during the final days of her pregnancy. When she and Joseph reached Bethlehem, Jesus was born and she tenderly held Him in her arms for the first time. Lovingly she “wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger” (2:7). This was the normal behaviour of a loving mother—tenderly cradling human life created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

Sadly a ruthless king would try to destroy Mary’s child out of fear that Jesus would ultimately seize his throne. Herod “sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under” (Matthew 2:16). This horrific act led to “a cry . . . heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning” (v.18). Women wept as they heard their babies’ final cry.

When a child is aborted, it defies normal, motherly love, and it destroys life made in God’s image. It’s not normal; it’s aberrant. By God’s grace, those who have allowed a baby to be taken through abortion can find forgiveness (1 John 1:9). But if you’re considering abortion today, don’t drown out the truth of God’s view of life and the sound of a baby’s heartbeat and cry.—Tom Felten

MORE
Read Deuteronomy 30:19 and Psalm 139:13-16 and reflect on God’s view of human life. 
NEXT
How does abortion defy God’s plan for life? Why is it so harmful to the overall moral and spiritual fabric of a society? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Water Problems

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June 23, 2013 

READ: Romans 13:1-7 

There is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. —Romans 13:1 

Our church family was excited to see work begin on our new sanctuary. Each Sunday we eagerly looked at the big hole in the ground. But progress seemed slow.

It all came down to water. Too much in one place and not enough in another. An underground spring was one problem. Construction could not continue until inspectors were satisfied that water was being directed away from the site. At the same time, city officials said we didn’t have enough water coming into the building for a sprinkler system—so new lines for water had to be added. None of us wanted the project to be slowed down by these rulings, but we realized that if codes weren’t followed, we would face serious problems in the future.

Sometimes we grumble about government and other officials. But a proper respect for authority honors God. Paul, who had his own problems with those in charge, wrote, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities” (Rom. 13:1). And later, “Do what is good, and you will have praise from [the authorities]” (v.3).

As we let God’s Spirit teach us, we can have a healthy attitude toward government. It’s for our good, the testimony of our faith, and most of all for God’s honor.

— Dave Branon

Thank You, Lord, for people who are willing to serve in
our local, state, and national governments. We pray that
they will seek righteousness and justice and that You
will help us to respect those You have placed over us.

Respect for authority brings glory to God. 

ODJ: a lot by a lot

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June 23, 2013 

READ: Psalm 84:10-12 

The Lord will withholdno good thing fromthose who do what is right (v.11).

The first 4 years my adopted Ugandan son was with me, I experienced no fears about the future or my ability to support him. Recently, however, as I’ve struggled to pay bills and survive on a small ministry salary that provides us with no disposable income, I’ve entered into a worrisome state. My fleshly desires have tilted towards greater financial security rather than the need to trust God’s provision on a seemingly day to day basis.

Living in East Africa, I’m surrounded by people suffering from extreme poverty. I know that I’m materially far better off than 98 percent of the people around me. Yet during the past 3 weeks I’ve had a hard time clinging to the truths of Psalm 84:10-12:

• The Lord “is our sun and our shield” (v.11).

• “He gives us grace and glory” (v.11).

• “The Lord will withhold no good thing from thosewho do what is right (v.11).

• Joy is found as we trust in Him (v.12).

Yesterday I stopped at an ATM in Kampala, Uganda. When I emerged with cash in my hand, my 9 year old son Wasswa said, “Mummy, God’s blessed us with money.” Somewhat sceptically, I said, “Yes, God’s providing for us bit by bit.” Wasswa sweetly replied, “Mummy, God provides for us a lot by a lot!”

God has chosen to bless me with a son who by his own example of faith challenges me to humble myself, to trust that God will lift me up in honour, and to give all my worries and care to Him (1 Peter 5:6-8).

If you sometimes struggle to rest in the truth that God will provide for all your needs, please join me in praying that He will strengthen our faith and increasingly help us to maintain our trust in Him.—Roxanne Robbins

MORE
Read Jeremiah 31:35 and consider how God provides for you on a daily basis. 
NEXT
List five unexpected ways God has provided for you in the past 2 months. Why do we often worry about the future even though we know God holds it in His hands? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Hanging On Nothing

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June 22, 2013 

READ: Job 26:5-14 

He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth on nothing. —Job 26:7 

A world map published by the National Geographic Society has this notation: “Earth’s mass is 6.6 sextillion tons.” And what supports all that weight? Nothing. The planet we inhabit spins on its axis at 1,000 miles per hour as it hurtles through space in its orbit around the sun. But it’s easy for that to remain unnoticed in the midst of our daily concerns about health, relationships, and how to pay the bills.

The Old Testament character Job repeatedly considered God’s creation in his struggle to make sense of the numbing loss of his health, his wealth, and his children. “[God] stretches out the north over empty space,” Job said. “He hangs the earth on nothing” (Job 26:7). Job marveled at the clouds that did not break under the heavy water inside them (v.8) and the horizon “at the boundary of light and darkness” (v.10), but called them “the mere edges of His ways” (v.14).

Creation itself did not answer Job’s questions, but the heavens and the earth pointed him to God the Creator, who alone could respond with help and hope.

The Lord who upholds the universe by the “word of His power” (Heb. 1:3; Col. 1:17) is in control of our everyday lives. Experiences that seem “empty places” are all undergirded by our heavenly Father’s power and love.

— David C. McCasland

Dear Lord, we praise You for Your infinite power.
You created the world out of nothing and uphold
it by Your word. Help me to remember that You
are also in control of every part of my life.

When we reflect on the power of God’s creation,
we see the power of His care for us.