Entries by YMI

ODJ: living large

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August 24, 2015 

READ: 2 Chronicles 21:1-20 

Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mark 10:45).

When a family member of two of my co-workers was killed in a construction accident, the love for this outgoing outdoorsman, faithful husband and father of two was on full display. The small church he called home couldn’t possibly handle all the mourners, so the service was moved to a larger church. Friends and family flooded the church building! And the unspoken message of the abundant attendees was clear: Tim Dougherty touched many lives in a way that was uniquely his because he lived life with his strong, loving arms wrapped around his family and friends.

What a stark contrast to the self-serving life of King Jehoram! His brief reign over Judah is sketched out in 2 Chronicles 21. In an effort to solidify his power, “[Jehoram] killed all his brothers and some of the other leaders of Judah” (v.4). Then he promptly led the kingdom into pagan practices. As a result, the prophet Elijah foretold Jehoram’s painful death. He went to his bitter ‘reward’ at the age of 40. The text bluntly states: “No one was sorry when he died” (v.20). Ouch.

Jehoram thought that exerting brute force would ensure his legacy. Though it did, he will be remembered forever as a bad man and a bad leader.

Jesus, though He is the greatest of all kings, came to Earth to be a servant. As He went about doing good, He endured the hate and venom of those who wanted to rule their own lives and the lives of others. In the process, the Servant-king gave His life away.

—Tim Gustafson

365-day-plan: Mark 10:17-31

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Read Mark 10:35-45 for another stark contrast between misguided human values and the life Jesus calls us to. 
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What do you think others might say about you after you’re gone? Whose opinion is the only one that really matters? Why? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Coming Alongside

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August 24, 2015 

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble.  2 Corinthians 1:3-4

 

When my sister Carole was diagnosed with breast cancer, our family worried. That diagnosis, with its surgeries and treatments, caused us to fear for her well-being, which drove our family to prayer on her behalf. Over the ensuing months, Carole’s updates were honest about the challenges. But we all celebrated when the report came back that the surgery and treatments had been successful. Carole was on the road to recovery!

Then, less than a year later, my sister Linda faced the same battle. Immediately, Carole came alongside Linda, helping her understand what to expect and how to prepare for what she would face. Carole’s experience had equipped her to walk with Linda through her own trial.

This is what Paul calls for in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, where we read, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Thankfully, the Lord doesn’t waste anything. Our struggles not only give us an opportunity to experience His comfort, but they also open the door for us to share that comfort with others in their struggles.

— Bill Crowder

Today, how can I be an encouragement to others whose hearts are weighed down by the cares of life?

God’s presence brings us comfort; our presence brings others comfort.  

ODJ: the gritty road

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August 23, 2015 

READ: Hebrews 4:14-16 

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin (v.15).

Car manufacturers use features like leather seats, more horsepower and media accessories to entice new car buyers. One feature that’s gaining popularity for purchasers is quiet cabins. While this is a wonderful feature for those at the wheel, it also means that they’re less aware of what’s going on around them. In a sealed cabin it’s easy to ignore the blaring horns of other drivers and not realise that you’re driving far too fast. Being a good driver means that we stay connected to those around us and are aware of their situation as well as our own, even if this creates an inconvenience for us.

True connection is also an important aspect of Jesus’ ministry to us. He wasn’t disconnected to others while on earth—simply ‘floating’ above the crowds and their concerns, waving at them peacefully. No, He lived a very human and gritty life. He was born in a stable (Luke 2:7) and raised by human parents (v.39); and He dealt with temptation (Matthew 4:1-11), grief (John 11:35) and even death (Galatians 2:20). Because of these experiences, Jesus knows exactly what real life is like.

And even though He is perfect He doesn’t look down on us and say, “I made it through life without sinning, what’s your excuse?” Hebrews reveals that He understands and empathises with us, and that we can approach Him with confidence to find mercy and grace (4:16).

—Peter Chin

365-day-plan: Mark 10:1-16

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Read Hebrews 12:1-13 for more reasons why we shouldn’t try to steer clear of all difficulties and avoid connection with others. 
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What’s one situation in your life where you can apply Jesus’ empathy and compassion? How has God been encouraging you to stay connected with other believers? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Turn It Off

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August 23, 2015 

READ: Mark 6:30-32,45-47 

Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while. Mark 6:31

 

When our kids were young, we took a trip to northern Wisconsin to visit my grandparents. They didn’t get very good reception on their television, but TV wasn’t much of a priority with them. After I had seen our son Scott fiddling with the TV set for a while, he asked with frustration, “What do you do if you can get only one channel and you don’t like what’s on that one?”

“Try turning it off, ” I said with a smile. Not exactly the advice he was hoping for. It’s even more difficult to do now, especially when there are so many devices that entertain, inform, and distract us.

Sometimes we do need to just turn it all off and rest our minds for a little while; we simply need to “unplug.” Jesus often drew aside for a time—especially when He wanted to take time to pray (Matt. 14:13). He encouraged the disciples to step away as well—even for a brief time (Mark 6:31). That kind of solitude and time for reflection is beneficial for each of us. In those moments we are able to draw near to God.

Follow the example and wisdom of Christ. Get away by yourself and “rest a while.” It will be good for your body, mind, and spirit.

— Cindy Hess Kasper

Lord, help me to seek those things which are from above. I want to turn off all that distracts me and draw near to You.

Share this prayer from our Facebook page with your friends. facebook.com/ourdailybread

 Turning down the volume of life allows you to listen carefully to God.  

ODJ: taste and see

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August 22, 2015 

READ: Psalm 34:1-8 

Taste and see that the LORD is good (v.8).

A friend posted a crockpot recipe on her Facebook page. The meal looked good, so I downloaded the recipe—intending to use it one day. The following week, another friend said she was looking for some good slow-cooker meals to prepare, so I emailed her the crockpot recipe I had seen on Facebook. She, in turn, forwarded it to several friends who passed it on as well.

Later, while talking with friends, I learned that the recipe had been forwarded far and wide though no one—not even the friend who posted it originally—had actually made the dish. We recommended it without having tasted it.

On occasion we do something similar in matters of faith. While our motives to build “others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29 NIV) are good ones, and biblical, it’s often easier to post others’ stories about trusting God than to exercise faith in Him ourselves.

For example, we might post an anecdote on Facebook encouraging others to “taste and see that the LORD is good”, “take refuge in him” and “fear him” so they will “have all they need” (Psalm 34:8-9). At the same time, however, we’re not doing those things.

With this observation I’m not seeking to point out areas of hypocrisy. I’m simply noting that God doesn’t want me just to talk about Him; He wants me to experience Him. He wants us to know Him deeply and to taste and see that He is good!

We can experience deeper intimacy with Christ by:

• praising Him and exalting in who He is (vv.1,3).

• praying to Him and listening for His voice (vv.4,6).

• enjoying His goodness as we take refuge in Him (v.8).

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day-plan: Luke 18:1-14

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Read Titus 1:16 and consider the difference between saying we know God and living in a way that honours Him because we do know Him. 
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What does it mean for you to taste and know that God is good? How will you grow in greater intimacy with Him this week? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: It’s What We Do

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August 22, 2015 

READ: Psalm 112 

Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. Proverbs 14:26 (niv)

 

My father was critically injured when he took a bullet in the leg as a second lieutenant leading his men on Hill 609 in North Africa during World War II. Dad was never again 100 percent physically. I was born several years after this, and when I was young I didn’t even know he had been wounded. I found out later when someone told me. Although he felt constant pain in his leg, my dad never complained about it, and he never used it as an excuse for not providing for our family.

My parents loved the Savior and raised us to love, trust, and serve Him. Through good times and bad, they simply trusted God, worked hard, and loved us unconditionally. Proverbs 14:26 says that “Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge” (niv). My dad did that for our family. No matter what difficulties he faced, he provided a safe place for us spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

We parents can provide a safe haven for our families with the help of our perfect heavenly Father, whose love for His children is deep and eternal.

— Dave Branon

How has God been a Father to you? In what ways do you honor Him in your family life?

Share your answers to that question on odb.org

The Father’s love knows no limit.  

ODJ: the gratitude test

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August 21, 2015 

READ: Romans 14:1-23 

Those who eat any kind of food do so to honour the Lord, since they give thanks to God before eating. And those who refuse to eat certain foods also want to please the Lord (v.6).

How do you discover God’s will in disputable matters? One believer in Jesus orders a glass of wine in a restaurant, while another believes drinking alcohol is wrong. One invites you to see a film that someone else will not view due to its violence and profanity. So how do you make a decision on whether or not to do something when even mature Christians disagree over it?

This question troubled the church in Rome. Some Christians felt obligated to observe Jewish dietary and Sabbath laws, while others believed they no longer applied. Paul sided with the latter, but he thought that was beside the point. More important than who was right was how everyone got along. Paul offered three questions that apply to any decision:

Am I violating another believer’s freedom? Paul told those who possess a weaker faith not to condemn those who “eat certain foods” or “think every day is alike” (Romans 14:3-10). Each person must answer to God, who alone “will judge whether they stand or fall” (v.4). We must give each other space to stand before God, condemning only activities that Scripture clearly indicates are wrong.

Will this edify other believers? Paul warned stronger believers in Jesus not to flaunt their freedom, for they could “ruin someone for whom Christ died” (v.15). The right thing done in the wrong way is still sin. Paul explained, “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble” (v.21).

—Mike Wittmer

365-day-plan: Luke 17:20-37

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Read 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1 to learn how to use your freedom responsibly in disputable matters. 
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Why is it vital that you consider other believers’ views instead of forcing your own on them? How can the gratitude test help with a decision you need to make today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Continuing with Christ

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August 21, 2015 

READ: 1 Kings 19:19-21 

Whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. Matthew 16:25

 

As a child, my favorite week of the summer was the one I spent at a Christian youth camp. At the end of the week, I’d sit elbow-to-elbow with friends in front of an enormous bonfire. There, we would share what we had learned about God and the Bible and sing. One song I still remember focused on deciding to follow Jesus. The chorus contained an important phrase: “no turning back.”

When Elisha decided to follow the prophet Elijah, Elisha did something incredible that made it difficult, impossible really, for him to return to his prior occupation of farming. After going home and having a farewell banquet, Elisha “took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them” (1 Kings 19:21). Leaving his way of life, he burned up his plowing equipment. He roasted the freshly butchered meat over the blaze and fed everyone present. Then “[Elisha] arose and followed Elijah, and became his servant” (v. 21).

Giving ourselves to God, who deserves our devotion, often comes with a price. At times, it means making difficult decisions about relationships, finances, and living arrangements. However, nothing compares with what we gain when we continue on with Christ. Jesus said, “Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25).

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Father, help me to see if there’s something You want me to leave behind to follow You completely.

Jesus is looking for fulltime followers.