Entries by YMI

ODB: You First!

Jan 19, 2016 in , /by

January 19, 2016 

READ: Philippians 2:1-11 

[Jesus] humbled himself.

Philippians 2:8

 

Tibetan-born Sherpa Nawang Gombu and American Jim Whittaker reached the top of Mount Everest on May 1, 1963. As they approached the peak, each considered the honor of being the first of the two to step to the summit. Whittaker motioned for Gombu to move ahead, but Gombu declined with a smile, saying, “You first, Big Jim!” Finally, they decided to step to the summit at the same time.

Paul encouraged the Philippian believers to demonstrate this kind of humility. He said, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4 nkjv). Selfishness and superiority can divide people, but humility unites us, since it is the quality of “being one in spirit and of one mind” (v. 2).

When quarrels and disagreements occur, we can often diffuse them by giving up our right to be right. Humility calls us to show grace and gentleness when we would rather insist on our own way. “In humility value others above yourselves” (v. 3).

Practicing humility helps us to become more like Jesus who, for our sake, “humbled himself by becoming obedient to death” (vv. 7-8). Following in Jesus’ footsteps means backing away from what is best for us and doing what is best for others.

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Jesus, You gave up Your life for me. Help me to see each sacrifice I make as a reflection of Your humility. In putting others first, let me honor You.

Humility promotes unity.  

In Christ Alone

Jan 18, 2016 /0 Comments/in , , , /by

Title: In Christ Alone Featuring: Jordan Wei (pianist) and Daniel Ang (cellist) Instrumental: Keyboard and Cello Description: We start this year resolved to make it all about Christ. May Christ alone be where we place our hope. May He be our all in all. May this beautiful instrumental piece “In Christ Alone”  by the extremely talented Jordan Wei (pianist) and Daniel Ang […]

ODJ: driving out darkness

Jan 18, 2016 in , /by

January 18, 2016 

READ: Luke 23:33-43 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5).

In early 2015, a fraternity at the University of Oklahoma in the US was caught on video singing a deeply offensive and racist song. Reaction by university officials was swift and stern, and rightly so. But what did Isaac Hill, president of the school’s Black Student Association, have to say? After all, the chillingly racist chant had targeted African-Americans.

Stunningly, Mr. Hill recommended that the offending students be forgiven. If you’ve seen the video or heard the appalling lyrics of the song, you likely understand just how radical his counsel was. When a news anchor pressed him as to why he didn’t want retribution, Hill replied, “It is not smart to fight hate with hate. It is only logical to fight hate with love.”

That wise and rare advice finds a connection to the ethos that guided Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness,” he said. “Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

In turn, those words point us directly to Jesus, of whom John said, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it” (John 1:5). Throughout His ministry, Jesus taught His followers a radically peaceful set of principles. Then He lived it out to the very end, confounding Pilate and embracing crucifixion when He could have defended Himself. In Luke we read these jarring words: “They nailed him to the cross” (23:33). It was then, at that awful moment, that Jesus said these amazing words: “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (v.34).

When we experience hate, it’s natural to hate in return. Jesus showed us the better, supernatural way—the way of His love.

—Tim Gustafson

365-day-plan: Genesis 28:10-22

MORE
Read Luke 22:49-52 to see how Jesus reacted when Peter defended Him with a sword. 
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How do you react when you encounter hate or personal attacks? Why is it vital for you to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in order to respond like Jesus did? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Minister of Reconciliation

Jan 18, 2016 in , /by

January 18, 2016 

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 

While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son.

Romans 5:10

 

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. preached on a Sunday morning in 1957, he fought the temptation to retaliate against a society steeped in racism.

“How do you go about loving your enemies?” he asked the Dexter Avenue Baptist congregation in Montgomery, Alabama. “Begin with yourself. . . . When the opportunity presents itself for you to defeat your enemy, that is the time which you must not do it.”

Quoting from the words of Jesus, King said: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you . . . ; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:44-45 kjv).

As we consider those who harm us, we are wise to remember our former status as enemies of God (see Rom. 5:10). But “[God] reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,” wrote Paul (2 Cor. 5:18). Now we have a holy obligation. “He has committed to us the message of reconciliation” (v. 19). We are to take that message to the world.

Racial and political tensions are nothing new. But the business of the church is never to feed divisiveness. We should not attack those unlike us or those who hold different opinions or even those who seek our destruction. Ours is a “ministry of reconciliation” that imitates the selfless servant-heart of Jesus.

— Tim Gustafson

In Christ there is no east or west, in Him no south or north, but one great fellowship of love throughout the whole wide earth. John Oxenham

Hate destroys the hater as well as the hated.  Martin Luther King Jr.  

ODJ: satisfied in Jesus

Jan 17, 2016 in , /by

January 17, 2016 

READ: Genesis 25:29-34 

Jacob said, “First you must swear that your birthright is mine.” So Esau swore an oath, thereby selling all his rights as the firstborn to his brother, Jacob (v.33).

The woman lost weight and began to feel attractive again. Soon she grew tired of her husband and their life—a life that included four small children. She felt that she had married too young and never had the chance to explore what was out there. Eventually, she threw away family stability—the love and devotion of her husband and the kids’ well-being—to satisfy her desires. When her marital vows became inconvenient, she violated them.

Much like Esau (Genesis 25:32-33), she showed contempt for what was most important and sought fleeting gratification. The foundation of her family life was destroyed for relationships that didn’t last. They were over about as fast as Esau’s meal (v.34). And like Esau, she wasn’t thinking of the long-term consequences of her behavior.

Her actions and Esau’s actions, their sins, remind me of the struggles I’ve faced in dealing with my own desires. Sin can easily entangle us and trip us up when we start focusing solely on ourselves. When our eyes are fixed there, they won’t be fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). And that’s when destruction can creep into our lives and the lives of those around us. And so, as the writer of Hebrews states: “Make sure that no one is immoral or godless like Esau, who traded his birthright as the firstborn son for a single meal” (vv.16-17).

As Esau discovered, life’s pleasures can’t compare to the blessings of God. Jesus said, “My purpose is to give [believers in Christ] a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10). Our ultimate needs and desires can only be satisfied in a relationship with Him. May we fix our eyes on Christ today and experience the joy and fulfillment He alone provides!

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Genesis 27:1-40

MORE
Read 1 John 1:9 and consider how God’s grace can restore us even if we’ve followed our sinful desires. 
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What, if anything, are you considering throwing away to follow your desires instead of God’s ways? How can you claim God’s abundant life today and seek to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: A Hint of Heaven

Jan 17, 2016 in , /by

January 17, 2016 

READ: 1 Corinthians 14:6-12,26 

Since you are eager for gifts of the Spirit, try to excel in those that build up the church.

1 Corinthians 14:12

 

The world-class botanical garden across the street from our church was the setting for an all-church community gathering. As I walked around the gardens greeting people I have known for years, catching up with those I hadn’t seen recently, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings cared for by people who know and love plants, I realized that the evening was rich with symbols of how the church is supposed to function—a little hint of heaven on earth.

A garden is a place where each plant is placed in an environment in which it will thrive. Gardeners prepare the soil, protect the plants from pests, and make sure each one receives the food, water, and sunlight it needs. The result is a beautiful, colorful, and fragrant place for people to enjoy.

Like a garden, church is meant to be a place where everyone works together for the glory of God and the good of all; a place where everyone flourishes because we are living in a safe environment; a place where people are cared for according to their needs; where each of us does work we love—work that benefits others (1 Cor. 14:26).

Like well-cared-for plants, people growing in a healthy environment have a sweet fragrance that draws people to God by displaying the beauty of His love. The church is not perfect, but it really is a hint of heaven. 

— Julie Ackerman Link

How can you promote the health of your church? Ask God to help you serve others as Christ serves us. Serve in a role that matches your skills and interests. Listen well to others and pray for them.

Hearts fragrant with the love of Christ display His beauty.  

ODJ: foretastes of the kingdom

Jan 16, 2016 in , /by

January 16, 2016 

READ: Mark 1:9-15 

He preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced (vv.14-15).

When I was 10 years old, Baskin-Robbins opened a new ice cream store in my neighborhood. It didn’t serve the icy, generic brand of sweet treats that my mom occasionally bought at the grocery store. This was good ice cream—thick and creamy!

Better yet, Baskin-Robbins let its patrons sample their different flavors of ice cream with their iconic pink taste-testing spoons. These provided small but yummy samples of what was to come if you ordered a full scoop or two. This was uncharted territory for a 10-year-old. And I’m here to report that I took full advantage of it!

In her book Kingdom Calling, Amy Sherman tells of a pastor who held up one of those pink taste-testing spoons as he was teaching about joining Jesus in His “grand, sweeping work of restoration.” Just as pink spoons offered “foretastes” of the ice cream to come, he encouraged his Christian audience to think of themselves as offering “foretastes” of God’s coming kingdom to their “neighbors near and far.”

King Jesus taught that the kingdom of God has already arrived in our world through Him (Mark 1:14-15). But it won’t fully come until He returns to the world, sits on the throne, and renews all things (Revelation 21:5). The second coming of Jesus, however, shouldn’t motivate us to live a passive life, where we sit around and wait for Him to show up someday. For we, the body of Christ, have a job to do!

Until Jesus returns, our mission is to partner with Him in giving foretastes—previews—of God’s kingdom. One day that kingdom will fully come to earth as it is in heaven (Mark 1:15; Matthew 6:10). As we wait and anticipate, we too can bring great joy to God the Father (Mark 1:11).

Let’s spread His good news today!

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Genesis 25:19-34

MORE
Read Matthew 24:14 and consider what part you play in God’s kingdom-building plan. 
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How have you been a “foretaste” of God’s kingdom? How can you be one today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Desiring Growth

Jan 16, 2016 in , /by

January 16, 2016 

READ: Hebrews 5:11-14 

Anyone who lives on milk . . . is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

Hebrews 5:13

 

The axolotl (pronounced ACK suh LAH tuhl) is a biological enigma. Instead of maturing into adult form, this endangered Mexican salamander retains tadpole-like characteristics throughout its life. Writers and philosophers have used the axolotl as a symbol of someone who fears growth.

In Hebrews 5 we learn about Christians who were avoiding healthy growth, remaining content with spiritual “milk” intended for new believers. Perhaps because of fear of persecution, they weren’t growing in the kind of faithfulness to Christ that would enable them to be strong enough to suffer with Him for the sake of others (vv. 7-10). Instead they were in danger of sliding backward from the Christlike attitudes they had already shown (6:9-11). They weren’t ready for a solid diet of self-sacrifice (5:14). So the author wrote, “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand” (v. 11).

Axolotls follow the natural pattern set for them by their Creator. But followers of Christ are designed to grow into spiritual maturity. As we do, we discover that growing up in Him involves more than our own peace and joy. Growth in His likeness honors God as we unselfishly encourage others.

— Keila Ochoa

Lord, I want to grow, so help me to go deeper into Your Word. Teach me more each day, so that I am better equipped to serve and worship You.

The more we live on a diet of God’s Word, the more we grow.