Entries by YMI

ODB: Guard Your Focus

/in , /by

May 20, 2015 

READ: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. —Hebrews 12:2 

That’s my disciple,” I once heard a woman say about someone she was helping. As followers of Christ we are all tasked with making disciples—sharing the good news of Christ with people and helping them grow spiritually. But it can be easy to focus on ourselves instead of Jesus.

The apostle Paul was concerned that the Corinthian church was losing its focus on Christ. The two best-known preachers in those days were Paul and Apollos. The church was divided: “I follow Paul.” “Well, I follow Apollos!” They had begun focusing on the wrong person, following the teachers rather than the Savior. But Paul corrected them. We are “God’s fellow workers.” It doesn’t matter who plants and who waters, for only God can give the growth. Christians are “God’s field, God’s building” (1 Cor. 3:6-9). The Corinthian believers didn’t belong to Paul nor to Apollos.

Jesus tells us to go and make disciples and to teach them about Him (Matt. 28:20). And the author of the book of Hebrews reminds us to focus on the Author and Finisher of our faith (12:2). Christ will be honored when we focus on Him; He is superior to any human being and He will meet our needs.

— C. P. Hia

Father, I confess that it is easy to shift my focus from You to less important things. Thank You for putting people in my life that help point me to You. Help me point others to You in a way that makes You more and me less.

Put Jesus first. 

ODJ: of words and priests

/in , /by

May 19, 2015 

READ: Malachi 2:1-9 

You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests (1 Peter 2:5).

My friend’s son loves building things. One time when he was just 10 years old, he tried to construct a treehouse from scratch. Although the structure looked pretty sound, upon close inspection its mounting wasn’t true. My friend’s son needed knowledge and instruction to create a wooden dwelling that was structurally solid and would last.

The words we speak to one another also need to be true—reflecting the wisdom of God. The prophet Malachi declared to Israel’s priests, “The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction . . . . [But] your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin” (2:7-8). And so God left them with this indictment: “You have not obeyed me but have shown favouritism in the way you carry out my instructions” (v.9).

The principles in Malachi extend to all of us when we consider the remarkable truth found in Exodus 19:6. God said to Moses, “ ‘You will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” The apostle Peter later picked up that theme and extended it to all believers: “You are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God” (1 Peter 2:5).

The key to that amazing statement is the phrase through the mediation of Jesus Christ. Because of what He has done, Peter calls us God’s “holy priests”. Through Jesus our High Priest, we have become living stones—built into God’s true temple. And as part of that solid structure we offer His grace, truth, love and words to our searching world.

—Tim Gustafson

365-day-plan: Proverbs 4:1-27

MORE
Read 1 Peter 2:4-12. What promise does verse 6 contain? In verses 7 and 8, what warning is given to those who reject God? 
NEXT
How do you approach the tension between truth, love and justice? Do you tend to be judgemental, or are you more likely to excuse obvious sin? How can you find balance? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: The Great Healer

/in , /by

May 19, 2015 

READ: Genesis 2:7-15 

I am the Lord, who heals you. —Exodus 15:26 

The doctors I know are smart, hard-working, and compassionate. They have relieved my suffering on many occasions, and I am grateful for their expertise in diagnosing illnesses, prescribing medication, setting broken bones, and stitching up wounds. But this does not mean that I place my faith in physicians rather than in God.

For reasons known only to God, He appointed humans to be His partners in the work of caring for creation (Gen. 2:15), and doctors are among them. Doctors study medical science and learn how God designed the body. They use this knowledge to help restore us to a healthy condition. But the only reason doctors can do anything to make us better is that God created us with the ability to heal. Surgeons would be useless if incisions didn’t heal.

Scientists can learn how God created our bodies to function, and they devise therapies to help restore or cure us, but they are not healers; God is (Ex. 15:26). Doctors simply cooperate with God’s original intent and design.

So I am grateful for science and doctors, but my praise and thanksgiving go to God, who designed an orderly universe and who created us with minds that can discover how it works. I believe, therefore, that all healing is divine because no healing takes place apart from God.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Father God, You are the Great Physician, and I ask for healing, whether mind, body, spirit, or in all of these. I believe You will give what is best. Thank You for Your goodness, kindness, and love in all things.

When you think of all that’s good, give thanks to God. 

ODJ: a dream

/in , /by

May 18, 2015 

READ: Acts 10:1-8 

The angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering! Now send some men to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter” (vv.4-5).

Cornelius was praying when he had a vision of an angel who told him to invite the apostle Peter to his home (Acts 10:2-6). The Roman officer sent his servants to find the apostle, making it clear that Cornelius and his family were ready to hear Peter’s message (v.22). Having had his own divine guidance (vv.9-21), Peter went with them, shared the gospel and Cornelius’ whole family became believers (vv.23-48). The event is one beautiful, divinely arranged appointment.

The story of Cornelius’ dream that helped lead him to faith in Jesus is astonishing, but now let’s consider a modern version . . .

It’s been told that Ben Staggs, a missionary to the Boshu people, had an amazing encounter when he began ministering to the extremely isolated group in Ethiopia’s Me’en territory. On first meeting the Boshu, Ben and his team were welcomed by a local named Golon Kabule. “We sat down and spoke a bit,” Ben says, “explaining that we had come to tell them of ‘God’s talk’. I described who God is, what He is like and where He lives.” But Golon soon interrupted.

“We must follow Christosi,” Golon said, using the Me’en word for Christ. Astonished, as Christ’s name had not been mentioned, Ben asked the man how he had heard that name. Golon explained that He had appeared to him in a dream, told him that it was He who had given him his life, blood and bones, and that Golon was to follow Him. Jesus had then said that in just 5 days someone would come to tell him about following that path. Ben and his team had arrived on the fifth day!

—Sheridan Voysey

365-day-plan: Psalm 145:1-21

MORE
Read Acts 2:17 and consider what it says about how God can speak to and through people during these days on earth. 
NEXT
When have you heard of or experienced God using dreams to achieve His purposes? In what other ways does God guide you today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: One Step Closer

/in , /by

May 18, 2015 

READ: Romans 13:10-14 

Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. —Romans 13:11 

Some years ago a friend and I set out to climb Mount Whitney. At 14,505 feet, it is the tallest mountain in the contiguous United States. We arrived at Whitney Portal late one evening, rolled out our sleeping bags at base camp, and tried to get some sleep before we began our ascent at first light. Whitney is not a technical climb but rather a long, exhausting walk—11 miles of relentless ascent.

The climb, though hard-going, was exhilarating, with stunning vistas, beautiful blue lakes, and lush meadows along the way. But the trail grew long and exhausting, a test for legs and lungs. I thought of turning back as the day wore on and the trail seemed to stretch endlessly before us.

Occasionally, however, I caught a glimpse of the summit and realized that each step was bringing me one step closer. If I just kept walking, I would get there. That was the thought that kept me going.

Paul assures us, “Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Rom. 13:11). Every day brings us one day closer to that great day when we shall “summit” and see our Savior’s face. That’s the thought that can keep us going.

— David H. Roper

Dear Lord, may I, for the joy set before me, endure with patience the hardship of the trail. When my journey is over, I will see You face to face and live with You forever.

Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but someday we’ll see Him face to face. 

ODJ: why pray together?

/in , /by

May 17, 2015 

READ: Isaiah 56:1-8 

My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations (v.7).

There’s a prayer meeting at my church tonight. Instead of feeling energised by the thought of praying with others, an unexplained tiredness falls heavy on me. Maybe I should go home to rest. I won’t be missing much, will I?

Yes, I’m describing a personal struggle here. Perhaps you too have wondered: Why should I participate in corporate prayer? Can’t I just pray at home by myself? Isn’t prayer a personal thing?

Jesus showed us by example that there’s a place for both individual and group prayer. He often withdrew from the crowd to pray (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35); He also took a small group of disciples with Him at times (Matthew 26:36-38; Luke 9:28).

An illustration shared by James Banks in The Lost Art of Praying Together explains it well. I paraphrase:

Once there was a king who had seven sons and daughters. One day the children had a good wish that would benefit the kingdom greatly. So they sent the eldest brother to make their request. But the father didn’t say yes. Instead he asked the son to bring his sister so she could make the request too. The matter repeated itself until, in time, all the sons and daughters were standing together before the king. They made their request together, and the king consented immediately. He said, “I love all of you dearly. Make no mistake about that. Each of you has a special place in my heart. But when I see all of you together, agreeing on what is good, my heart overflows with joy. Ask what you will, for all that I have is yours.”

Our Father desires His house to be known as “a house of prayer” (Isaiah 56:7). He delights to see us praying for one another and with one another.

—Poh Fang Chia

365-day-plan: Psalm 139:1-24

MORE
Read Matthew 6:9-13 and ponder the things Jesus taught the disciples to pray for. Notice that it’s an “us” prayer and not a “me” prayer. 
NEXT
What comes to mind when you think of prayer meetings? What other verses in the Bible can you think of that encourage corporate prayer? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Power In Praise

/in , /by

May 17, 2015 

READ: 2 Chronicles 20:15-22 

Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever. —2 Chronicles 20:21 

Willie Myrick was kidnapped from his driveway when he was 9 years old. For hours, he traveled in a car with his kidnapper, not knowing what would happen to him. During that time, Willie decided to sing a song called Every Praise. As he repeatedly sang the words, his abductor spewed profanity and told him to shut up. Finally, the man stopped the car and let Willie out—unharmed.

As Willie demonstrated, truly praising the Lord requires us to concentrate on God’s character while forsaking what we fear, what is wrong in our lives, and the self-sufficiency in our hearts.

The Israelites reached this place of surrender when they faced attackers. As they prepared for battle, King Jehoshaphat organized a choir to march out in advance of their enemy’s army. The choir sang, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever” (2 Chron. 20:21). When the music started, Israel’s enemies became confused and destroyed each other. As the prophet Jahaziel had predicted, Israel didn’t need to fight at all (v.17).

Whether we’re facing a battle or feeling trapped, we can glorify God in our hearts. Truly, “The Lord is great and greatly to be praised” (Ps. 96:4).

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear God, You are holy and good. I worship You today despite the problems that cloud my vision of You. Let my soul tell of Your glory forever.

Worship is a heart overflowing with praise to God. 

ODJ: one great commission

/in , /by

May 16, 2015 

READ: Matthew 28:16-20 

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you (vv.19-20).

In the 1800s British missionary Hudson Taylor sensed God’s call to reach the people of China with the good news. During decades of ministry, more than 800 missionaries were established and 125,000 Chinese became believers in Jesus. Taylor once said, “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.”

As we look into Jesus’ words, we find a loving Saviour calling us to a mission flowing from His very heart. Our Great Saviour has invited us to reach others for Him.

But before He told us what He wanted us to do, Jesus said, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). As we prepare to tell others about Jesus, it’s greatly encouraging to know that He possesses absolute authority!

Jesus then said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you” (vv.19-20). Hudson Taylor understood what Jesus meant by “go”. He knew that the Saviour was saying, While you’re going about your life, while you’re going into your community, tell people about Me! Bring them into God’s family, and teach them to obey God’s Word.

Earlier in Matthew, Jesus had assured us of His presence when we worship Him (18:20). Now He assures us of His presence when we witness for Him. As we reveal His love, grace and truth to others, we can rest in His power and presence. For Jesus says, “I am with you always” (28:20). What great comfort this brings as we strive to boldly share our faith with others.

—K.T. Sim

365-day-plan: Psalm 103:1-22

MORE
Read Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47-48, John 20:21 and Acts 1:8 to read more about the great assignment Jesus has for us! 
NEXT
Is there someone in your workplace, community or school who you can share the good news with this week? How has God equipped you to carry out His mission? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Motivated By Love

/in , /by

May 16, 2015 

READ: 2 Corinthians 5:11–17 

The love of Christ compels us. —2 Corinthians 5:14 

In the 1920s, Bobby Jones dominated the golfing world, despite being an amateur. In one film about his life, Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius, there is a scene where a professional golfer asks Bobby when he is going to quit being an amateur and grab for the money like everyone else does. Jones answers by explaining that the word amateur comes from the Latin amo—to love. His answer was clear: He played golf because he loved the game.

Our motives, why we do what we do, make all the difference. This certainly applies to those who are followers of Jesus Christ. In his letter to the Corinthian church, Paul gives us an example of this. Throughout the epistle he defended his conduct, character, and calling as an apostle of Christ. In response to those who questioned his motives for ministry, Paul said, “Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Cor. 5:14-15 niv).

Christ’s love is the greatest of all motivators. It causes those who follow Him to live for Him, not for themselves.

— Bill Crowder

What are some of the ways your understanding of Christ and His love has shaped your motives and your actions? In what ways would you like to see God work in you now?

We are shaped and fashioned by what we love most.