Entries by YMI

ODB: The Drinking Gourd

Nov 11, 2014 in , , /by

November 11, 2014 

READ: Philippians 2:12-18 

Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. —Philippians 2:15-16 

Prior to the American Civil War (1861–1865), fugitive slaves found freedom by following the Underground Railroad, a term for the secret routes from the South to the North and the abolitionists who helped them along the way. Slaves would travel at night for many miles, keeping on track by following the light of the “Drinking Gourd.” This was a code name for the collection of stars known as the Big Dipper, which points to the North Star. Some believe the fugitives also used encoded directions in the lyrics of the song “Follow the Drinking Gourd” to keep them from getting lost as they traveled.

Both the abolitionists and the “drinking gourd” served as points of light directing the slaves to freedom. The apostle Paul says that believers are to shine as “lights in the world” to show the way to those seeking God’s truth, redemption, and spiritual liberation (Phil. 2:15).

We live in a dark world that desperately needs to see the light of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to shine forth God’s truth so that others can be directed to the One who redeems and is the path to liberty and life. We point the way to Jesus, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

— Dennis Fisher

Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving
me new life. Give me compassion for those who are
still lost in spiritual darkness. Use me to be a light
that points others to You, the Light of the world.

Light up your world by reflecting the light of Jesus. 

ODJ: small steps

Nov 11, 2014 in , , /by

November 11, 2014 

READ: Acts 6:1-7 

The Twelve . . . said, “We apostles should spend our time teaching the word of God, not running a food programme. . . . Select seven men who are well respected. . . . We will give them this responsibility” (vv.2-3).

Reconciliation. It’s God’s heart for people to be restored in relationship with one another across differences in culture, race and class. This is vital, but sometimes it feels so big that we don’t know where to start.

The answer is to start small.

In Acts 6 we find an issue that was about more than food distribution. It involved a bitter cultural and ideological conflict between Hebraic and Grecian Jews—people who not only spoke different languages but shared other differences too (v.1) The conflict between groups was a recurring problem in the early church, and other accounts can be found in Acts 9, 11 and 22. In light of this the apostles’ decision to place some men in charge of the food distribution seemed woefully inadequate.

But these were Spirit-led followers of Jesus, including Stephen, the first martyr of the church (Acts 7), and Philip, one of the early church’s most powerful evangelists (Acts 8). What’s more their simple efforts to make sure food was equitably distributed minimised the potential for conflict. This paved the way for healing to take place between the two groups.

No reconciliation would have been possible without the practical first step of appointing seven men for the food distribution. In fact, after their installation, the renown of the church spread even further (6:7).

We can take great encouragement from this example. Yes, reconciliation is a difficult pursuit. But it’s also one that can begin with simple acts of generosity, fairness and hospitality. These actions might seem small, but they create an environment where relationships can begin to heal, discussions can take place and—with God’s leading—true reconciliation can occur. —Peter Chin

365-day plan› Acts 21:37-22:29

MORE
Read Luke 19:1-10 to see how Jesus’ seemingly small act of reaching out to Zacchaeus led to the tax collector becoming a force for reconciliation and justice. 
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In what small ways can you begin to lay the foundation for reconciliation in your personal life? How about in your church? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: The Honor Of Following

Nov 10, 2014 in , , /by

November 10, 2014 

READ: Matthew 4:18-22 

Then [Jesus] said to them, “Follow Me.” —Matthew 4:19 

While visiting Jerusalem, a friend of mine saw an old rabbi walking past the Wailing Wall. The interesting thing about the aged rabbi was the five young men walking behind him. They too were walking bent over, limping—just like their rabbi. An Orthodox Jew watching them would know exactly why they were imitating their teacher. They were “followers.”

Throughout the history of Judaism, one of the most honored positions for a Jewish man was the privilege of becoming a “follower” of the local rabbi. Followers sat at the rabbi’s feet as he taught. They would study his words and watch how he acted and reacted to life and others. A follower would count it the highest honor to serve his rabbi in even the most menial tasks. And, because they admired their rabbi, they were determined to become like him.

When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (Matt. 4:19), it was an invitation to be changed by Him, to become like Him, and to share His passion for those who need a Savior. The high honor of being His follower should show in our lives as well. We too have been called to catch the attention of the watching world as we talk, think, and act just like Jesus—the rabbi, the teacher, of our souls.

— Joe Stowell

Thank You, Lord, for the high honor of being
called to follow You. May my life so imitate
You that others will know that You are the
pursuit of my life and the rabbi of my soul.

Follow Jesus and let the world know He is your rabbi. 

ODJ: stealing vs. working

Nov 10, 2014 in , , /by

November 10, 2014 

READ: Ephesians 4:17-28 

You must not steal (Exodus 20:15).

When my twin sister and I were 5 years old, we began counting the money we had in our piggybanks. It turned out that one of us had more than the other. To our young minds, this just wasn’t right. So, we decided to balance our accounts by helping ourselves to our mother’s money!

Since then, I’m not proud to confess, there have been times I’ve ‘helped myself’ to the shared music and ebooks uploaded on nonofficial websites. As I did so, an iffy feeling inside me told me it was wrong. But I simply shoved it aside.

I couldn’t plead ignorance any longer, however. God’s Word confronted me: “You must not steal” (Exodus 20:15). This commandment is straightforward and perfectly clear: “You” who belong to God and trust that God is your provider “must not” ever consider it acceptable to pilfer; “steal”—take what’s not yours and make it your own.

When we steal, we’re telling God two things: “I don’t really trust You to give me what I need” and “my desire for what I want is greater than my desire to obey You.” Essentially, we’re violating the Great Commandment—to love God with our all.

One preacher commented, “So often people take what is not theirs because they can’t or won’t wait for it, or believe they shouldn’t have to wait for it.”

The apostle Paul wrote about what we should do with such wrong perspectives: “If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need” (Ephesians 4:28).

The opposite of stealing is obtaining what we need through honest work. Work, then you’ll have the money for your living expenses and the ability to give generously to others who are in need. —Poh Fang Chia

365-day plan› Acts 21:18-36

MORE
Read the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1-10 and note what he did after being saved through an encounter with Jesus. 
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What forms of stealing are prevalent in our culture today? How can you begin to cultivate a spirit of hard work and generous giving? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Tear Down The Wall

Nov 9, 2014 in , , /by

November 9, 2014 

READ: Genesis 50:15-21 

He comforted them and spoke kindly to them. —Genesis 50:21 

The years following World War II were labeled the Cold War as nations exchanged threats and jockeyed for power. The Berlin Wall, built in August 1961, stood for almost 3 decades as one of the most powerful symbols of the smoldering animosity. Then, on November 9, 1989, it was announced that citizens could cross freely from East to West Berlin. The entire wall was demolished the following year.

The familiar Old Testament story of Joseph follows a favorite son whose brothers hated him (Gen. 37–50). Yet Joseph refused to build a wall of hatred between himself and his brothers who sold him into slavery. When a famine brought them face to face after many years, Joseph treated his brothers with kindness, saying, “You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good . . . . And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them” (50:20-21), helping to restore the relationship between them.

Twenty-five years ago today, an oppressive man-made barrier was opened, offering freedom and reuniting families and friends.

If we’ve built walls of anger and separation between ourselves and others, the Lord is willing and able to help us begin tearing them down today.

— David C. McCasland

Heavenly Father, examine my heart; reveal to
me where I have erected walls in relationships.
Show me the way to start tearing them down
that there might be reconciliation.

Anger builds walls; love breaks them down. 

ODJ: to suffer alone

Nov 9, 2014 in , , /by

November 9, 2014 

READ: 2 Samuel 13:1-20 

Now Tamar tore her robe and put ashes on her head. And then, with her face in her hands, she went away crying (v.19).

In an episode of Downton Abbey (a historical English drama), beloved housemaid Anna Bates is brutally raped. It was heart-wrenching to watch her try to keep it a secret. The head housekeeper, Mrs. Hughes, found Anna shortly after the assault—bruised, crying and hiding in a corner. Despite the strong urgings of Mrs. Hughes, Anna told her to tell no one, not even her husband. She was not only afraid he would kill her assailant, but she also felt ‘dirty’ and believed the attack was somehow her fault.

Anna’s feelings and silence are typical and understandable in victims of sexual assault. The shame that victims feel—though undeserved—is beyond words.

The Bible also contains a disturbing story of sexual assault. Tamar, King David’s virgin daughter, was raped by her half-brother Amnon (2 Samuel 13:1-20). But rather than hide what happened, Tamar grieved openly (vv.18-19). Two years after the assault another of Tamar’s brothers sought revenge. Absalom killed Amnon, throwing King David’s family and kingdom into chaos (vv.23-28).

Some might argue that the royal family’s upheaval could have been averted if Tamar had simply kept quiet. No! Family bitterness and division grew because Amnon acted selfishly and wouldn’t take responsibility for violating Tamar.

To those who are victims of sexual assault or any form of abuse, please know that it’s not your fault! Nor is it God’s desire for you to carry life’s heaviest burdens alone (Galatians 6:2). What’s often worse than the violation(s) itself is a lifetime of suffering alone in the darkness. If you’ve been abused or are the victim of someone else’s selfishness, tell a person who can help you. You can discover that what is shareable slowly becomes more bearable. —Jeff Olson

365-day plan› Acts 21:1-17

MORE
Read Galatians 6:2, and see what Paul says about carrying one another’s burdens as a way to be Christ to others. 
NEXT
What burden of shame have you been carrying alone? Name one person with whom you can open up and share. How can you experience God’s love through that person? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Oranges Or Milk?

Nov 8, 2014 in , , /by

November 8, 2014 

READ: Hebrews 5:5-14 

Solid food belongs to those who are of full age. —Hebrews 5:14 

When I told my young daughter that a 3-month-old baby boy was coming to our house for a visit, she was delighted. With a child’s sense of hospitality, she suggested that we share some of our food with the baby; she thought he might enjoy a juicy orange from the bowl on our kitchen counter. I explained that the baby could drink only milk, but that he might like oranges when he was older.

The Bible uses a similar concept to describe a believer’s need for spiritual food. The basic truths of Scripture are like milk—they help new Christians thrive and grow (1 Peter 2:2-3). In contrast, “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age” (Heb. 5:14). Believers who have had time to digest and understand the basics can move on to investigate other biblical concepts and begin to teach others these truths. The rewards of spiritual maturity are discernment (v.14), godly wisdom (1 Cor. 2:6), and the ability to communicate God’s truth to others (Heb. 5:12).

Like a loving parent, God wants us to grow spiritually. He knows that feeding only on spiritual milk is not in our best interest. He wants us to move on so we can enjoy the taste of solid food.

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear Lord, please deepen my understanding
of Your Word. Let Your Holy Spirit guide
me and enlighten my heart as I pursue Your
truth so that I might walk in Your ways.

Spiritual growth occurs when faith is cultivated. 

ODJ: a piece of my heart

Nov 8, 2014 in , , /by

November 8, 2014 

READ: Habakkuk 1:12-2:12 

If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently. For it will surely take place. It will not be delayed (2:3).

Senseless violence and dark injustice can make for a steady rain in life—dampening spirits in mists of grey. In the summer of 2013 a 17 year old from a rough neighbourhood jumped in front of his mother to protect her from an attack. The bullet struck and killed him, leaving his mother clutching his lifeless body in front of their home. The boy’s brother, who witnessed the crime, said later, “I lost a big piece of my heart that night.”

Habakkuk was losing heart—bit by bit, piece by piece. All around him, he witnessed violence and injustice. The nation of Judah was struggling with a pagan nation—Assyria—pressing down on them, and the effects of sin were eating away at them. The prophet called out to God, “O LORD my God, my Holy One, you who are eternal—surely you do not plan to wipe us out?” (Habakkuk 1:12). Habakkuk acknowledged God, His holy ways and the eternal hope he needed in his bitter, temporal circumstances.

As the prophet called out to God, he called Him “our Rock” (v.12). That speaks of God’s sovereign power and constant faithfulness. The prophet was struggling with the sin, violence and injustice of his day, but he knew he could call on the One who would listen and—one day—make things right. And God didn’t disappoint. He told Habakkuk that even though Judah’s enemies would thrive for a time and even conquer them, His judgement and punishment would “surely take place” (2:3).

When you and I are overwhelmed by the harsh and unjust things we witness and experience in life, may we choose to be like Habakkuk—calling out to God and waiting expectantly for Him to answer (v.1). “Surely” He will answer and make all things right one day (v.3). —Tom Felten

365-day plan› Acts 20:13-38

MORE
Read Psalm 33:5 and meditate on what it says about God. Read Isaiah 61:8 and consider the hope it brings as we face injustice. 
NEXT
What has caused you to lose a piece of your heart? How does the promise of restoration and God’s justice realised in the future encourage you today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)