Entries by YMI

ODJ: doing big things

May 15, 2015 

READ: 2 Timothy 1:12-18 

May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me (v.16).

In the early 1990s, the South African Broadcasting Corporation concluded its official programming at midnight and then played music through the night. Upon hearing songs with a Christian message being played, a man discovered that a young woman was selecting the overnight music, so he and his church provided her with a vast collection of spiritually-themed songs. Christ-centred music was played overnight on the three national television stations for years. By her actions, one seemingly insignificant woman made a big difference in the lives of many listeners.

Onesiphorus was a seemingly insignificant person in the Bible, but he proved to be a great help to an ageing apostle who was in prison awaiting his appeal to Caesar (2 Timothy 1:16). Although Paul remained strong in his faith (4:7-8,17), he was deeply disappointed at being deserted by everyone in Asia. Many had been too embarrassed or afraid to associate with him because he was in prison (1:15-16). He was also lonely at times, with only Luke as a companion (4:11), and he battled physical discomfort, for he asked Timothy to bring his coat and urged him to do his best to come before winter (vv.13,21).

In the midst of disappointment, discomfort and loneliness, God strengthened Paul by way of Onesiphorus, whose name means “bringing profit” or “useful”. He was an encourager by nature and had helped Paul while in Ephesus (1:18). Onesiphorus also sought Paul out when he came to Rome and frequently visited the weary apostle in prison (v.16).

We could all use an ‘Onesiphorus’ in life, and maybe—more important—we can be one to someone who needs encouragement today. Even seemingly small words and actions can be used in big ways by God.

—Ruth O’Reilly-Smith

365-day-plan: Psalm 51:1-19

MORE
Read 1 Timothy 4:12 and consider Paul’s encouraging words to Timothy. 
NEXT
How can God use your weakness for His glory? What big things has He placed before you to attempt? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: A Survivor’s Thoughts

May 15, 2015 

READ: Romans 9:1-5 

I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren. —Romans 9:3 

After a 71-year-old South Korean woman was rescued during the tragic sinking of a ferry boat, she struggled with survivor’s guilt. From her hospital bed she said she couldn’t understand how it could be right for her to have lived through an accident that had taken the lives of many who were so much younger. She also regretted not knowing the name of the young man who had pulled her out of the water after she had given up hope. Then she added, “I want to buy him a meal at least, or hold his hand, or give him a hug.”

This woman’s heart for others reminds me of the apostle Paul. He was so concerned about his neighbors and countrymen that he said he wished he could trade his own relationship with Christ for their rescue: “I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren” (Rom. 9:2-3).

Paul also expressed a deep sense of personal gratitude. He knew he didn’t understand the ways and judgments of God (see vv.14-24). So while doing everything he could to proclaim the gospel to all, he found peace and joy in trusting the heart of a God who loves the whole world so much more than we ever could.

— Mart DeHaan

Lord God, Your ways are so far beyond our comprehension, yet we know without doubt that You love us. Help us trust Your loving heart with the things we don’t understand.

Gratitude to God leads to growth in godliness. 

ODJ: who’s in charge?

May 14, 2015 

READ: Ephesians 1:19-23 

Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come (v.21).

Happy Ascension Day! This day marks the time when Jesus was “taken up into” heaven 40 days after rising from the dead (Acts 1:9).

Just before He ascended, Jesus announced to His disciples that He had been “given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). This was a bold declaration—spoken like someone who saw Himself in charge.

Some have wondered how Jesus’ claim to be ruler of all could be true when the Roman government was still clearly running the show. And how can His claim be true today, given the level of chaos and corruption in our world? Their point is well taken if we define authority the way the world typically defines being in charge. But as others have pointed out, Jesus completely redefined what being in charge looked like in His kingdom.

Jesus taught that the rulers of this age exercise authority and power by bullying and bossing people around, but those who follow Him are going to exercise power another way: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:26-28).

Does Jesus have authority over all? Absolutely. But He’s also the ultimate servant leader who conquered sin and death by sacrificing His life for us. It’s through this new kind of power that we as believers in Jesus can stand with Him and proclaim that He is Lord of heaven and earth today! (Ephesians 1:21-22). And it’s in this same kind of power that we’re called to pray for and advance His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven (v.23).

—Jeff Olson

365-day-plan: Psalm 23:1-6

MORE
Read Ephesians 1:19-23 and Philippians 2:6-11 and consider what these Scriptures reveal about Jesus’ authority. 
NEXT
How has Jesus’ authority helped transform your life? What does Ascension Day mean to you? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Listening With Love

May 14, 2015 

READ: Luke 18:9-14 

Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. —Luke 18:14 

One August evening in Vermont, a young missionary spoke at our small church. The country where he and his wife served was in religious turmoil, and it was considered too dangerous for children. In one of his stories, he told us about a heart-wrenching episode when his daughter pleaded with him not to leave her behind at a boarding school.

I was a new dad at that time, having recently been blessed with a daughter, and the story upset me. How could loving parents leave their daughter alone like that? I muttered to myself. By the time the talk was finished, I was so worked up that I ignored the offer to visit with the missionary. I charged out of the church, saying out loud as I left: “I’m sure glad I’m not like . . .”

In that instant, the Holy Spirit stopped me cold. I couldn’t even finish the sentence. Here I was, saying almost word for word what the Pharisee said to God: “I thank You that I am not like other men” (Luke 18:11). How disappointed I was in myself! How disappointed God must have been! Since that evening, I’ve asked God to help me listen to others with humility and restraint as they pour their hearts out in confession, profession, or pain.

— Randy Kilgore

Lord, may we be quick to listen and slow to speak and to judge. A proud attitude so easily infects our lives. Give us instead a humility that reflects Your heart and love.

We don’t get closer to God by passing judgment on others. 

ODJ: where we are

May 13, 2015 

READ: Matthew 6:25-34 

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously and he will give you everything you need (v.33).

I took the day off from work to experience some much-needed silence and solitude. My life was brimming with good things: family, friends and ministry in the church. I had much to be thankful for, but internally I was struggling with one thing—something I wanted to talk to God about it.

While sitting on a park bench, overlooking a pond, I noticed a robin covering a wide swathe of ground as it searched for food. I opened my lunch and began eating the salad I had brought. I watched as my feathered friend pecked away at the ground and then yanked at a worm. Seeing the tiny creature find the food it needed, I was suddenly reminded of Matthew 6:26: “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?”

God provided for that little bird as it went about its daily routine in an environment that the Creator had established. Similarly, I sensed God telling me that He would provide what I need—right where I am—as I seek His kingdom in all that lies before me each day (Matthew 6:33). I don’t need to worry, toil or panic in order to bring about what I think I need. I must faithfully obey Him, trust Him and rest in His power to bring about what I cannot.

It’ll do me no good to worry over what I can’t control in this life and to fret over things that only God can bring about. Worry won’t add to my life; it will take away from it (Matthew 6:27). After all, my heavenly Father knows exactly what I need and so my life doesn’t have to be dominated by internal turmoil. Those who do not know God worry over such things (Matthew 6:32). Praise God I don’t have to!

—Marlena Graves

365-day-plan: Psalm 8:1-9

MORE
Read Psalm 145:15 and consider what it says about God’s faithful provision in our lives. 
NEXT
Are you dominated by worry over things you can’t control? How have you seen God provide for you right when it was needed? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: The Riches Of Obedience

May 13, 2015 

READ: Psalm 119:14,33-40 

I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. —Psalm 119:14 nlt 

Publicly operated lotteries exist in more than 100 countries. In a recent year, lottery ticket sales totaled more than $85 billion in just the US and Canada, only part of the total sales worldwide. The lure of huge jackpots has created a mindset among many that all of life’s problems would be solved “if I won the lottery.”

There’s nothing wrong with wealth itself, but it has the power to deceive us into thinking that money is the answer to all our needs. The psalmist, expressing a different point of view, wrote: “I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. . . . I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word” (Ps. 119:14,16 nlt). This concept of spiritual treasure is focused on obedience to God and walking “in the path of [His] commandments” (v.35).

What if we were more excited about following the Lord’s Word than about winning a jackpot worth millions? With the psalmist we might pray, “Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to covetousness. Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, and revive me in Your way” (vv.36-37).

The riches of obedience—true riches—belong to all who walk with the Lord.

— David C. McCasland

Dear Lord, may I commit each day to standing on the unchanging truth of Your Word and to growing in my relationship with You, the only measure of success in this life and in eternity.

Success is knowing and loving God. 

ODJ: like new

May 12, 2015 

READ: Psalm 51:1-19 

Restore to me the joy of your salvation (v.12).

When our washing machine malfunctioned it spewed water through a heating vent and into our basement—drenching wallboard and carpeting. To prevent mould, we had to hire a company that set up special fans inside our house. The company’s motto read: “We will make it like new.”

David wanted his spiritual life to become “like new” after committing adultery with Bathsheba and murdering her husband (Psalm 51:1-4). Although David’s sin caused him to suffer in an earthly sense, it created spiritual problems as well. His sin offended God. He needed divine mercy and forgiveness (v.1). He pleaded with God, “Create in me a clean heart . . . . Restore to me the joy of your salvation” (vv.10,12). Once David had settled the issue with God, he could walk in obedience again, help restore others and freely praise God (vv.12-15).

We don’t have to commit a David-sized sin to require spiritual renewal. When we first join God’s family, it feels amazing! We see clearly that Jesus “broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality” (2 Timothy 1:10). Our worship seems to pierce the clouds; our souls brim with gratefulness. We want everyone to sample God’s grace and experience the delight it brings.

As time goes by, however, we may start to forget about our miraculous transformation. Life gets hard. Prayer becomes an afterthought. Confession happens only occasionally because we figure Jesus has already taken care of our sin. Old habits come calling. Eventually, spiritual decline threatens our closeness with God.

Do you need spiritual renewal today? Take the first step back towards God. It’s been said, “The God who made us can also remake us.”

—Jennifer Benson Schuldt

365-day-plan: Psalm 1:1-6

MORE
Read Nehemiah 8:9-11 to see what happened when the Israelites rediscovered God’s Word. Look up Isaiah 1:18 to see God’s heart for people who need to be cleansed from sin. 
NEXT
Do you think confession is a necessary part of restoring our fellowship with God? What are some signs of spiritual renewal in the life of a believer in Jesus? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)