Entries by YMI

ODJ: odd couples

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November 20, 2015 

READ: Isaiah 11:1-9 

In that day the wolf and the lamb will live together; the leopard will lie down with the baby goat. The calf and the yearling will be safe with the lion, and a little child will lead them all (v.6).

Wolves devour lambs. Leopards pounce on goats. A calf is never safe around a lion, and neither is a child! Though very touching, the picture of predators living in harmony with their prey can strike us as naive. Prophetic pictures of such a scene have been interpreted different ways, but the image is striking. So, how different would things have to be for animals to be able to live like that? Perhaps not that different at all.

A documentary called Animal Odd Couples opened my eyes to this, as it portrayed a series of unusual animal friendships. It showed a Great Dane that was best friends with a fawn, a pregnant cat that attempted to nurse a family of ducklings and an orangutan that was best friends with a hound. In one particularly touching example of this predator-turned-protector behaviour, a lioness adopted a newborn antelope. When another lion later killed the antelope, the lioness grieved.

How did a cat overcome its predatory instincts to care for a clutch of ducklings? Zoologists surmise that the cat’s pregnancy hormones played a role. How did a lioness overcome its desire to eat an antelope and to mother it instead? Experts think it had experienced its own trauma and was desperate to nurture whatever it could find.

Whatever the reason, Animal Odd Couples showed that the vision of Isaiah 11:9 is not a naive dream: “Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the LORD” (v.9). It is possible. And one day, Isaiah tells us, such behaviour won’t be rare. In fact, it will be part of an extraordinary peace that stretches into the human world too. As John wrote, “There will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).

Yes, God’s shalom will one day fill the earth. All creation will experience the harmony of His perfect peace!

—Sheridan Voysey

365-day-plan: Romans 5:1-11

MORE
Read Ezekiel 34:25-28 for a similar vision of what will be one day. 
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Do you ever struggle to believe Scripture’s vision of the future? How does personal experience help or hinder your belief? 

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ODB: Our Main Concern

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November 20, 2015 

READ: Galatians 1:6-10 

If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

 

Peer pressure is part of everyday life. Sometimes we base our decisions on what other people will think or say rather than on our convictions and on what will please God. We’re worried that we’ll be judged or made fun of.

The apostle Paul experienced his fair share of peer pressure. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles should be circumcised to be truly saved (Gal. 1:7; see 6:12-15). However, Paul stood his ground. He continued to preach that salvation is by grace through faith alone; no further works are required. And for that he was accused of being a self-appointed apostle. They further asserted that his version of the gospel had never received the apostles’ approval (2:1-10).

Despite the pressure, Paul was very clear about whom he served—Christ. God’s approval mattered most, not man’s. He made it his goal not to win the approval of people, but of God (1:10).

Similarly, we are Christ’s servants. We serve God whether people honor or despise us, whether they slander or praise us. One day “each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Rom. 14:12). That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t consider what people think or say, but ultimately, we make pleasing God our main concern. We want to hear our Savior say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23).

— Jaime Fernández Garrido

Dear Lord, no matter what others may say or do, give me the courage to be faithful to You today.

Keep following Jesus.  

ODJ: getting nautical

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November 19, 2015 

READ: Luke 8:22-25 

You rule the oceans. You subdue their storm-tossed waves (Psalm 89:9).

It was early spring and the ice on the lake near my home had thawed. After a long, cold winter, a few of us hardy anglers were eager to fish again. As we hit the water the skies were sunny and the massive lake was calm. Conditions were ideal, but not for long. Shortly after setting our lines, the wind kicked up. It didn’t take long for it to start getting uncomfortably ‘nautical’. Before the waves could build to dangerous heights, we reluctantly pulled in our lines, fired up the boat engine and motored back towards the quiet harbour waters.

Just like that lake, the Sea of Galilee was known for its sudden and violent storms. One evening Jesus suggested that He and His small band of followers cross over the large inland lake by boat (Luke 8:22). As they made their way across, a strong storm moved in. So fierce were the waves that it threatened to sink their vessel.

The disciples were understandably scared. They thought they were going to drown. But not Jesus—He was snoozing in the back of the boat (v.23). After the disciples finally woke Him up, Jesus stood up (maybe even stretched a bit) and ordered the wind and the waves to calm down, and they did (Luke 8:24).

Shocked, the disciples didn’t know what to fear more—Jesus or the storm. “Who is this man?” they wondered out loud. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” (v.25). Centuries earlier the psalmist asked, “Where is there anyone as mighty as you, O LORD?

. . . You rule the oceans. You subdue the storm-tossed waves” (Psalm 89:8-9).

May God’s power and authority—two things that amazed the disciples and inspired an ancient poet—reassure us when life starts to get ‘nautical’. He’s greater than anything we’ll face.

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Acts 28:15-31

MORE
Read Psalms 65:7 and 107:28-29 and see more descriptions showing that the Lord is our powerful and wave-calming God. 
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How does it encourage you to know that Jesus is Lord over everything? What troubling concern do you need to bring to Him today? 

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ODB: As It Is Written

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November 19, 2015 

READ: Ezra 3:1-6 

[They] built the altar . . . to offer burnt offerings on it, as it is written. —nkjv Ezra 3:2

 

When it comes to putting things together—electronics, furniture, and the like—my son and I have differing approaches. Steve is more mechanically inclined, so he tends to toss the instructions aside and just start in. Meanwhile, I’m poring over the “Read This Before Starting” warning while he has already put the thing halfway together.

Sometimes we can get by without the instructions. But when it comes to putting together a life that reflects the goodness and wisdom of God, we can’t afford to ignore the directions He’s given to us in the Bible.

The Israelites who had returned to their land after the Babylonian captivity are a good example of this. As they began to reestablish worship in their homeland, they prepared to do so “in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 3:2). By building a proper altar and in celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles as prescribed by God in Leviticus 23:33-43, they did exactly what God’s directions told them to do.

Christ gave His followers some directions too. He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” And “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:37,39). When we believe in Him and come to Him, He shows us the way to live. The One who made us knows far better than we do how life is supposed to work. 

— Dave Branon

Remind us, Lord, as we start each day that You have already shown us by Your example how to live. Help us to read Your Word and follow the directions You so graciously provide for us.

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If we want God to lead us, we must be willing to follow Him.  

ODJ: the blessings of God

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November 18, 2015 

READ: 2 Samuel 7:8-29 

How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you. We have never even heard of another God like you! (v.22).

Recently my wife and I embarked on a plan to reach out to people who are different from us—spiritually, ethnically and otherwise. Why take on this challenge? We’ve experienced the grace and blessing of God, and we want to bless Him by loving others who are also made in His image. It’s interesting, however, that even as we’ve strived to bless Him, we’ve been greatly blessed by God through these new relationships!

King David wanted to bless Him too. He noticed that while he lived in the lap of luxury, “the Ark of God [was] was out there in a tent!” (2 Samuel 7:2). But even as he made plans to build a beautiful edifice for God’s new ‘home’ among His people, God sent him the message that He was going to “make a house for [David]—a dynasty of kings!” (v.11).

David learned, as we will too, that you can’t out-bless God!

Even though an impressive temple was eventually built for Him by David’s son Solomon (vv.12-13; 1 Chronicles 22:8-9), the greater, longer-lasting ‘house’ and ‘kingdom’ was established by God through David. Jesus, the perfect, sovereign descendant of David, reigns forever (John 18:37; Revelation 19:16).

When David was blessed by God through the prophet Nathan (2 Samuel 7:4), he was humbled and grateful. “Who am I?” and “What more can I say to you?” he asked of God (vv.18,20). Then he declared God’s greatness, stating, “How great you are, O Sovereign LORD! There is no one like you” (v.22). His worshipful response is one for us to imitate as God pours out His blessing in our lives.

—Tom Felten

365-day-plan: Acts 28:1-14

MORE
Read Ephesians 1:3 and consider the ultimate way we’ve been blessed by God. 
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How have you been blessed by God recently? What are some ways you’re striving to bless Him by your words and actions? 

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ODB: Reflecting the Son

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November 18, 2015 

READ: Matthew 5:14-16 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5

 

Due to its location among sheer mountains and its northern latitude, Rjukan, Norway, does not see natural sunlight from October to March. To lighten up the town, the citizens installed large mirrors on the mountainside to reflect the sunrays and beam sunlight into the town square. The continuous glow is made possible because the giant mirrors rotate with the rising and setting sun.

I like to think of the Christian life as a similar scenario. Jesus said His followers are “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). John the disciple wrote that Christ the true light “shines in the darkness” (John 1:5). So too, Jesus invites us to reflect our light into the darkness around us: “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). That is a call for us to show love in the face of hatred, patience in response to trouble, and peace in moments of conflict. As the apostle Paul reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light” (Eph. 5:8).

Jesus also said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). Our light is a reflection of Jesus the Son. Just as without the sun the large mirrors of Rjukan would have no light to reflect, so too we can do nothing without Jesus. 

— Lawrence Darmani

Teach us, Lord, what it is to reflect Your light, especially when life’s demands can tempt us to live selfishly. Help us today to live in Your love.

Reflect the Son and shine for Him.  

ODJ: sweet sleep

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November 17, 2015 

READ: Psalm 127:1-5 

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night . . . for God gives rest to his loved ones (v.2).

Recent research concluded that Americans are among the world’s worst when it comes to sleep deprivation. The published statistics reveal that America (along with France and Taiwan) ranks among the top three most sleep-deprived nations in the world. Indians (54 percent), Americans (49 percent) and Singaporeans (43 percent) reported not getting enough rest due to being too worried or stressed out. Most sleep-deprived Americans (66 percent), however, can’t sleep because they’re anxious about finances and paying their bills.

There are many reasons sleeplessness occurs, but I wonder if there’s a connection between excluding God from our lives and the onset of anxiety and the lack of rest. The writer of Psalm 127 seems to think so. The song addresses three areas of human activity that can be connected to anxiety—building houses, watching cities and working long hours to provide for family (vv.1-2). The author affirms that it’s foolish and frustrating to attempt to do any of these things without the Lord and His blessing, for “God gives rest to his loved ones” (v.2).

All builders who build homes, watchmen who guard cities and people who work long hours to provide for their families, independent of God, will find anxiety and restlessness. But God gives His people rest as they trust in Him and include Him in all their plans.

—Marvin Williams

365-day-plan: Acts 27:27-44

MORE
Read Psalm 121:3-4 and discover one reason God alone can help us rest well. 
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What human activity are you doing that is independent of God? What can you do this week to show that you’re truly resting in Him? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Safe in His Arms

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November 17, 2015 

READ: Isaiah 66:5-13 

As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you. Isaiah 66:13

 

I sat next to my daughter’s bed in a recovery room after she had undergone surgery. When her eyes fluttered open, she realized she was uncomfortable and started to cry. I tried to reassure her by stroking her arm, but she only became more upset. With help from a nurse, I moved her from the bed and onto my lap. I brushed tears from her cheeks and reminded her that she would eventually feel better.

Through Isaiah, God told the Israelites, “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” (Isa. 66:13). God promised to give His children peace and to carry them the way a mother totes a child around on her side. This tender message was for the people who had a reverence for God—those who “tremble at his word” (v. 5).

God’s ability and desire to comfort His people appears again in Paul’s letter to the Corinthian believers. Paul said the Lord is the one “who comforts us in all our troubles” (2 Cor. 1:3-4). God is gentle and sympathetic with us when we are in trouble.

One day all suffering will end. Our tears will dry up permanently, and we will be safe in God’s arms forever (Rev. 21:4). Until then, we can depend on God’s love to support us when we suffer. 

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear God, help me to remember that nothing can separate me from Your love. Please assure me of Your care through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God comforts His people.