Entries by YMI

ODJ: satisfied in Jesus

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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

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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

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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

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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.  

ODJ: next gen

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January 15, 2016 

READ: 2 Kings 2:1-15 

Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor (v.9).

In 1993, Bill and Susie Mosca founded an essay contest. The winner received the couple’s bed and breakfast facility. Janice Sage’s entry took first place and she acquired the Center Lovell Inn and Restaurant. After 22 years of hosting guests, maintaining buildings, and managing finances, Janice wanted to retire. Because, as she said, “There are a lot of talented people that . . . . just can’t go out and buy an inn like this,” she also decided to give it away to a worthy person through an essay contest.

When Elijah neared the end of his time on earth, God told him to anoint Elisha as his worthy replacement (1 Kings 19:16). The young apprentice had learned much from the more experienced prophet. Eventually, Elijah asked his trainee what he could do for him before leaving for heaven. Elisha replied, “Please let me inherit a double share of your spirit and become your successor” (2 Kings 2:9). Soon a chariot of fire appeared and drove between the two men. A whirlwind swept Elijah up into heaven.

After a few moments of deep distress, Elisha grabbed Elijah’s cloak which Elijah had left behind and approached the Jordan River. He slung the coat onto the water’s surface and cried out to God. The river divided and he walked across. A group of prophets observed this and exclaimed, “Elijah’s spirit rests upon Elisha!” (v.15). The younger prophet was ready to move forward in his ministry!

This story shows how one passionate servant of God passed on his ministry to another. As we consider the people God has placed in our lives, there are some whom we can mentor and encourage in their faith. He can use us to grow the faith of the next generation!

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day-plan: Genesis 24:28-67

MORE
Read Psalm 145:4 and consider how one generation of believers can encourage the next. 
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How does Paul compare with Elijah as an enthusiastic servant of God and as a mentor? Is it important to learn about the lives of other believers who lived in previous generations? Why or why not? 

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ODB: What’s in the Bank?

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January 15, 2016 

READ: Ephesians 2:4-7  

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

 

In the winter of 2009, a large passenger plane made an emergency landing in New York’s Hudson River. The pilot, Captain Chesley Sullenberger, who landed the plane safely with no casualties, was later asked about those moments in the air when he was faced with a life-or-death decision. “One way of looking at this,” he said, “might be that for 42 years I’ve been making small, regular deposits in this bank of experience, education, and training. And on [that day] the balance was sufficient so that I could make a very large withdrawal.”

Most of us will at some time face a crisis. Perhaps it will be a job termination or the results of a medical test, or the loss of a precious family member or friend. It is in those times that we must dig down deep into the reserves of our spiritual bank account.

And what might we find there? If we have enjoyed a deepening relationship with God, we’ve been making regular “deposits” of faith. We have experienced His grace (2 Cor. 8:9; Eph. 2:4-7). We trust the promise of Scripture that God is just and faithful (Deut. 32:4; 2 Thess. 3:3).

God’s love and grace are available when His children need to make a “withdrawal” (Ps. 9:10; Heb. 4:16).

— Cindy Hess Kasper

Great is Your faithfulness, O Lord God! Each day I see You provide for me and show me mercy. Thank You.

Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past strengthens us for the future.  

ODJ: praise in the pain

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January 14, 2016 

READ: Lamentations 5:1-22 

But Lord , You remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation (v.19).

Kim Nguyen was preparing for her doctoral exams in Old Testament when she learned that she would need surgery on her eyes. She should have recovered in 2 weeks, but 6 months later she still couldn’t see. She feared that her dream of teaching the Bible was slipping away. How could she write her dissertation if she couldn’t see? How would she find work to pay back her student loans?

At the bottom of her darkest day, Kim found hope in the book of Lamentations. The nation of Israel had been ravaged and pillaged by the Babylonians (Lamentations 5:11). The temple and palaces had been burned, leaving Jerusalem “empty and desolate, a place haunted by jackals” (Lamentations 5:18; 2 Chronicles 36:17-20). There was nothing left but tears and a plaintive cry of praise. Lamentations ends with a defiant shout from the rubble. “But Lord, you remain the same forever! Your throne continues from generation to generation. . . . Restore us, O Lord, and bring us back to you again! Give us back the joys we once had!” (5:19-21).

Kim realized that not everything of value was lost. She may have lost sight, but she hadn’t lost her Lord. She claimed Lamentations’ closing praise as her own and prayed, “Lord, I don’t understand why you haven’t healed my eyes. I beg you to give me as much as you will. But either way, I want you to know, you’re still the best thing I’ve ever got.”

Kim spoke those touching words in a chapel meeting. God finally did answer her prayer, and she is now a colleague at the Christian university where I teach. But even before she knew she would be healed, she chose to praise Him in the pain. May we seek God and His faithful ways when pain comes our way!

—Mike Wittmer

365-day-plan: Genesis 24:1-27

MORE
Read Psalm 34:1-22 to learn how to praise God in the midst of pain. 
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Do you need to cry out to God for something? How might your lament be an act of faith? 

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