Entries by YMI

ODJ: Painful Words

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January 25, 2017 

READ: Matthew 5:1-16 

God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth (v.5).

My daughter and I were savoring a school musical performance we’d just witnessed while walking to our car. Our happiness came to a screeching halt, however, as we watched a man approach a waiting vehicle and denigrate the driver for failing to pull forward far enough into the student loading zone. The diatribe was brief, but painful, particularly because it took place in the context of Christian community.

Individual rights and freedoms can be a blessing. We can’t underestimate, however, how a world indoctrinated with individualism, consumerism, and entitlement can skew our vision. Living in surrender to Jesus, the gospel calls us to humbly serve and love others as He did. Reminding us that the humble will “inherit the whole earth” (Matthew 5:5), Jesus challenges us to believe our greatest sense of fulfillment begins with the death of self. It’s a message that goes against our very nature.

The greater evidence of strength isn’t in our ability to demand what’s our perceived right, but rather in our ability to demonstrate mercy (v.7). Anger and frustration can be legitimate responses in certain situations, but they become a problem when we use them as an excuse to behave poorly toward others (Psalm 4:4; Proverbs 14:29). Our words matter, but what divides light from darkness is our choice to use them as agents of reconciliation (Matthew 5:16; James 1:26).

Proverbs 18:12 reminds us, “Haughtiness goes before destruction; humility precedes honor.” Serving a Savior who “took the humble position of a slave” (Philippians 2:7), let’s remember true power doesn’t come in what we demand of others, but in what we freely offer because of Him.

—Regina Franklin

365-day plan: Genesis 41:37-57

MORE
Read Ephesians 4:29 and think about what it means to use words that are “good and helpful.” 
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Why are the words we speak to others so powerful? Why is it important for what we say to reflect God’s mercy and humility? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Thunder and Lightning

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January 25, 2017 

READ: Psalm 29 

The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning. Psalm 29:7

 

Many years ago a friend and I were fishing a series of beaver ponds when it started to rain. We took cover under a nearby grove of quaking aspen, but the rain continued to fall. So we decided to call it a day and run for the truck. I had just opened the door when lightning struck the aspen grove with a thunderous fireball that stripped leaves and bark off the trees, leaving a few limbs smoldering. And then there was silence.

We were shaken and awed.

Lightning flashes and thunder rolls across our Idaho valley. I love it—despite my close call. I love the raw power. Voltage! Percussion! Shock and awe! The earth and everything in it trembles and shakes. And then there is peace.

I love lightning and thunder primarily because they are symbols of God’s voice (Job 37:4), speaking with stupendous, irresistible power through His Word. “The voice of the Lord strikes with flashes of lightning . . . The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace” (Ps. 29:7, 11). He gives strength to endure, to be patient, to be kind, to sit quietly, to get up and go, to do nothing at all.

May the God of peace be with you. 

— David Roper

Calm my spirit in the storms, Lord. Grant me Your peace and the strength to walk through this day.

Faith connects our weakness to God's strength.  

ODJ: Timeless Groove

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January 24, 2017 

READ: Daniel 3:1-30 

Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him (v.28).

What’s your favorite way to listen to tunes? From vinyl albums to 8-track cartridges to cassettes to compact discs (CDs) to MP3s, we’ve enjoyed our music in ever-changing ways over the years. These days, however, more and more young adults are reaching back to buy vinyl records again with 12,000,000 units sold in 2015 alone. These fans are all about a music experience that lets them view and hold on to an album, not simply download songs into a device. Though vinyl might seem ancient and passé to some music lovers, for others it’s classic and timeless.

Long ago, a trio of exiled Jews were definitely not enjoying a musical experience. With “the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments,” they were commanded to bow down to a golden statue of a Babylonian king (Daniel 3:4-5). Staying true to the one true God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to hit the dirt. Their actions ignited King Nebuchadnezzar’s fury as well as the flames of a massive furnace that the three were thrown into for not bowing low before the gold (vv.13,19-23).

The young men should have been turned to ashes, but they were spared by God’s miraculous power (vv.24-27). Having chosen to worship the “Ancient One” (7:9) instead of some king who had recently burst on the scene, the trio not only survived, but they brought praise and honor to God by none other than Nebuchadnezzar himself: “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! . . . There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (3:28-29).

When we’re tempted to fall for the gods of this age (money, power, pleasures, and more), may we instead remain in the timeless groove of our all-powerful, everlasting God.

—Tom Felten

365-day plan: Genesis 41:1-36

MORE
Read Exodus 34:14 and consider what it means for God to be “jealous about his relationship with you.” 
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What lesser gods are you being tempted to follow? How will you worship Jesus today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Not In Vain

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January 24, 2017 

READ: 1 Corinthians 15:50–58 

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58

 

A financial advisor I know describes the reality of investing money by saying, “Hope for the best and be prepared for the worst.” With almost every decision we make in life there is uncertainty about the outcome. Yet there is one course we can follow where no matter what happens, we know that in the end it will not be a wasted effort.

The apostle Paul spent a year with the followers of Jesus in Corinth, a city known for its moral corruption. After he left, he urged them in a follow-up letter not to be discouraged or feel that their witness for Christ was of no value. He assured them that a day is coming when the Lord will return and even death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Cor. 15:52–55).

Remaining true to Jesus may be difficult, discouraging, and even dangerous, but it is never pointless or wasted. As we walk with the Lord and witness to His presence and power, our lives are not in vain! We can be sure of that.

— David McCasland

Lord, in these days of uncertainty, we hold fast to Your promise that our labor for You will accomplish Your purpose and be of great value in Your eyes.

Our life and witness for Jesus Christ are not in vain.  

ODJ: Running the Race

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January 23, 2017 

READ: Hebrews 12:1-4 

Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us (v.1).

By lap three of seven I was already exhausted. My trainer told me to give 80 percent of my best effort at first and build up to “200 percent on the final lap!” As I rounded the bend before that last lap, he shouted, “I need you to be throwing up at the finish line!” Unfortunately, I duly obliged. But I finished well and clocked a great time.

What motivated me to keep going? Two things: My trainer was watching my every stride and encouraging me each time I came around the track, and more important, I was focused intently on being fast enough to set a time that qualified me for my next stage in military training. If I did well, it meant I could reach my longed-for goal.

In Hebrews 12, the writer exhorts his readers to greater heights in their spiritual walk, citing the fact that they’re being watched by those who went before them as well as those with them now: “Since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd . . . let us run with endurance the race God has set before us” (v.1).

In these verses, we’re encouraged to shake off sin and not “give up” (vv.1,3). Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can focus on our goal of knowing and reflecting Jesus—not on gaining some human achievement (v.2). And we’re enabled to keep going by remembering His example and the reward He received. Christ endured to the end and never gave up. What He faced we’ll never have to experience, but we are blessed to share in His reward.

Let’s keep up the pace and finish the race by focusing on the Captain of our faith—Jesus our risen Lord. As He provides what we need, we can press on and one day share His reward. He gained the victory for us on the cross and provides the encouragement we need to press on!

—Russell Fralick

365-day plan: Genesis 40:1-23

MORE
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and think about what it means to run the race in Jesus to win the prize. 
NEXT
How deliberate are you in your spiritual training? Do you have a routine of study and prayer? What needs to change? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Lack Nothing

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January 23, 2017 

READ: Mark 6:7–12 

God is able to bless you abundantly, so that . . . you will abound in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

 

Imagine going on a trip without luggage. No basic necessities. No change of clothing. No money or credit cards. Sounds both unwise and terrifying, doesn’t it?

But that’s exactly what Jesus told His twelve disciples to do when He sent them out on their first mission to preach and heal. “Take nothing for the journey except a staff,” said Jesus. “No bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt” (Mark 6:8–9).

Yet later on when Jesus was preparing them for their work after He was gone, He told His disciples, “If you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one” (Luke 22:36).

So, what’s the point here? It’s about trusting God to supply.

When Jesus referred back to that first trip, He asked the disciples, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?” And they answered, “Nothing” (v. 35). The disciples had everything they needed to carry out what God had called them to do. He was able to supply them with the power to do His work (Mark 6:7).

Do we trust God to supply our needs? Are we also taking personal responsibility and planning? Let’s have faith that He will give us what we need to carry out His work.

— Poh Fang Chia

You are good, Lord, and all You do is good. Help us in our endeavors to pray and to plan and to trust You.

God’s will done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply. Hudson Taylor, founder of China Inland Mission  

ODJ: Out of Love

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January 22, 2017 

READ: Isaiah 1:10-20 

These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me (29:13).

An elderly woman’s two daughters dropped by one day to clean her home. Both made the house sparkle, but the first daughter left the impression that her work was a burden. The second was cheery and made her mother feel that her sacrifice was a joy. Both daughters did the same tasks, but the first seemed to do them out of duty alone. The second revealed that her labors were out of love for her mother.

Putting myself in the shoes of the elderly mother, I would be saddened by the daughter who made it evident that her work was a burden and be blessed by the one who cleaned with a smile on her face. Reflecting on this, I wonder: What’s my motivation to serve God and those He places in my life? Does He see me serving out of a sense of duty or out of love for Him?

In Isaiah 1, the Israelites were offering sacrifices to God as He’d commanded, and they were also keeping the Sabbath and festivals. But He said, “I am sick of your burnt offerings of rams” (v.11), “I want no more of your pious meetings” (v.13), and “I hate your new moon celebrations and your annual festivals” (v.14). Why? Because God knew the hearts of the people performing all those outwardly sparkling sacrifices— people whose hearts were far from Him. Their worship was a matter of tradition and ritual observance rather than heartfelt desire to love and honor Him.

Does God see our love for Him reflected in what we do? Consider why we pray, read the Bible, attend church, and give a portion of our income as a tithe. And as we allow God’s Word to search our hearts, may we repent and ask Him to help us do what’s right and for the right reason—out of love for the One who loves us so well.

—Poh Fang Chia

365-day plan: Genesis 39:1-23

MORE
Read John 4:24 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 to see what God is seeking in our outward displays of love for Him. 
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How can you make sure your acts of service and sacrifice for God are done in the right spirit? How did God show love for us through His sacrifice? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: God’s Face

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January 22, 2017 

READ: 2 Corinthians 4:4–15 

For God . . . made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6

 

Much of my career as a writer has revolved around the problem of pain. I return again and again to the same questions, as if fingering an old wound that never quite heals. I hear from readers of my books, and their anguished stories give human faces to my doubts. I remember a youth pastor calling me after he had learned that his wife and baby daughter were dying of AIDS because of a tainted blood transfusion. “How can I talk to my youth group about a loving God?” he asked.

I have learned to not even attempt an answer to these “why” questions. Why did the youth pastor’s wife happen to get the one tainted bottle of blood? Why does a tornado hit one town and skip over another? Why do prayers for physical healing go unanswered?

One question, however, no longer gnaws at me as it once did: “Does God care?” I know of only one way to answer that question, and the answer is Jesus. In Jesus, God gave us a face. If you wonder how God feels about the suffering on this groaning planet, look at that face.

“Does God care?” His Son’s death on our behalf, which will ultimately destroy all pain, sorrow, suffering, and death for eternity, answers that question. “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ” (2 Cor. 4:6).

— Philip Yancey

God’s love for us is as expansive as the open arms of Christ on the cross.