Entries by YMI

ODJ: faith and diligence

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April 28, 2014 

READ: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 

Plant your seed in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another—or maybe both (v.6).

Ever suffered from paralysis of analysis? New graduates stepping into the workforce often experience its symptoms. They hope God will tell them exactly what their job should be. They wish He would show them beyond any shadow of a doubt that they’re making the best choice. So some of them hesitate to send out their resumé to even one company.

Often, in making the big decisions of life, we weigh and reweigh the options, implications and possibilities before us. We’re so afraid to make the wrong move that we’re paralysed by our indecision.

King Solomon offers us some helpful advice. In Ecclesiastes 11:4, he observed that if a farmer holds out for the most opportune moment to plant (when there’s no wind to blow away the seed) and reaps only when there’s no rain to ruin a ripe harvest, he’ll spend much of his life simply sitting and waiting.

There are many things in life that are mysterious, like the “path of the wind” and how a baby is formed in a mother’s womb (v.5). But God knows and controls all these things. So after prayerfully assessing the options based on biblical principles and consulting with godly advisors, we can step out boldly in faith—not worrying over the uncertainties. Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “God is God. Because He is God, He is worthy of my trust and obedience. I will find rest nowhere but in His holy will that is unspeakably beyond my largest notions of what He is up to.”

As we prepare to step out in faith, we also apply due diligence (v.6). Don’t turn everything into a mystical decision about what you ‘feel’ God wants you to do. Do the sensible thing. Apply wisdom, pray about it and then boldly go where God leads! —Poh Fang Chia
Ezra 3:7-13 ‹365-day plan

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Read Psalm 23 and reflect on how its wisdom can help you move forward in faith and diligence.  
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What project, dream, idea or initiative have you been postponing? When do you plan to get started? What’s the first step you need to take?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Learning To Love

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April 27, 2014 

READ: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 

Love suffers long and is kind. —1 Corinthians 13:4 

When Hans Egede went to Greenland as a missionary in 1721, he didn’t know the Inuit language. His temperament was often overbearing, and he struggled to be kind to the people.

In 1733, a smallpox epidemic swept through Greenland, wiping out almost two-thirds of the Inuit people—and claiming Egede’s wife as well. This shared suffering melted Egede’s harsh demeanor, and he began to tirelessly labor to care for the people physically and spiritually. Because his life now better represented the stories he told them of God’s love, the Inuits could at last grasp His desire to love them too. Even in suffering, their hearts turned to God.

Perhaps you are like the Inuits in this story, and you are unable to see God in the people around you. Or perhaps you are like Hans Egede, who struggled to express love in a way that taught people about God. Knowing we are weak and needy people, God showed us what love is like. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins (John 3:16). That’s how much God loves you and me.

Jesus is the perfect example of the love that is described in 1 Corinthians 13. As we look to Him, we learn that we are loved and we learn how to love in turn.

— Randy Kilgore

Jesus, let me find in You a sense that I am
loved. And may my heart not grow cold and
cluttered by anger and wounds from the past so
that others can see Your reflection in me.

May I never be the barrier that blocks one’s view of God. 

ODJ: ask God first

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April 27, 2014 

READ: Joshua 9:1-27 

The Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD. Then Joshua made a peace treaty with them . . . and the leaders of the community ratified their agreement with a binding oath (vv.14-15).

In my radio work I’m always listening for new talent, and have at times foolishly chosen to work with people because of their impressive experience or larger-than-life personalities. Previous poor judgements have taught me to stop and listen to that “still small voice”. Now I check in with the Lord before being simply swept away by a person’s charisma and impressive words.

God promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites and commanded them to wipe out every nation that stood against Him (Deuteronomy 20:15-18). The Gibeonites knew this and, fearing for their lives, came up with an elaborate and shrewd plan. They told Joshua and the men of Israel that they had come from a distant land and then asked for a treaty of peace (Joshua 9:6-13). As part of their ruse, the Gibeonites wore old clothes and patched sandals. They brought along mouldy bread and cracked wineskins and told an impressive story of the long distance they had travelled (vv.3-5).

The Gibeonites were successful. The Israelites examined their food but didn’t consult the Lord (v.14) and they were deceived into signing a peace agreement with their neighbours (v.15). The Gibeonites weren’t destroyed (vv.19-20), but they were cursed for their lie and became slaves to the Israelites (vv.26-27).

The blind trust of the leaders of Israel cost them part of the land of Canaan. They never enjoyed the fullness of the Promised Land because they didn’t first inquire of the Lord. Whatever your role or circumstance, you need the wisdom of the only One who knows the true intent of every heart. Take the time to inquire of the Lord and He will guide you and make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
365-day plan› 2 Kings 22:1-23:3

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Read 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and see how David’s repeated inquiring of the Lord led to blessing. 
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What are some things in your life that you need to bring to God for guidance and direction? How will you seek His will practically in the days ahead? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Down The Up Staircase

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April 26, 2014 

READ: 2 Chronicles 12:1-8 

If My people . . . will humble themselves, and pray . . . and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin. —2 Chronicles 7:14 

The video starts with a puppy at the top of the stairs afraid to go down. Despite much encouragement from people cheering at the bottom, Daisy can’t figure it out. She wants so badly to join them, but fear keeps her pacing the landing. Then a bigger dog comes to help. Simon runs up the steps and then back down, showing Daisy how easy it is. Daisy is not convinced. Simon tries again. This time more slowly. Then he watches Daisy try again. But Daisy still is too scared. Once again Simon goes to the top and demonstrates the technique. Finally Daisy dares to let her back legs follow the front ones. Simon stays beside her. She makes it. Everyone celebrates!

What a beautiful picture of discipleship. We spend much of our time trying to teach others to climb up, but the more important, and more difficult, thing to learn is how to “go down.” Throughout Scripture we read that God desires humility of us. Because the people of Judah humbled themselves, the Lord said, “Therefore I will not destroy them” (2 Chron. 12:7).

On numerous occasions, God demonstrated humility by coming down (Ex. 3:7-8; 19:10-12; Micah 1:3). Finally God sent Jesus, who spent His life teaching the technique we are to follow (Phil. 2:5-11).

— Julie Ackerman Link

More like the Master I would ever be,
More of His meekness, more humility;
More zeal to labor, more courage to be true,
More consecration for work He bids me do. —Gabriel

No one will learn anything at all unless he first learns humility. 

ODJ: “the”

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April 26, 2014 

READ: Acts 13:13-43 

The promise was made to our ancestors and God has now fulfilled it for us, their descendants, by raising Jesus (vv.32-33).

A panda walked into a café and ordered a sandwich. He ate it and then pulled a gun out and shot the waiter. The panda then slammed a badly punctuated wildlife manual onto the table. “Look me up,” he growled as he walked out the door. The wounded waiter opened the book to the entry for “panda”. It read, “Panda: large, black and white bear-like mammal native to China. Eats, shoots & leaves.” This story illustrates the unfortunate consequences of a misplaced comma (the book should have read, “Eats shoots and leaves”).

Little things can make a big difference. Take the definite article “the”. This Easter many people will speak of the resurrection as if it were a concept, an encouraging promise that life will improve if only we hold on until spring. They’re right to hope that a brighter day is dawning, but only because of the historic resurrection of Jesus (Acts 2:29-31). The empty tomb is a hard fact, not a soft platitude about the power of positive thinking.

The resurrection of Christ motivates us to live well precisely because it takes care of the big stuff. It solves our problem of sin. Paul declared, “Through this man Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins. Everyone who believes in him is declared right with God” (Acts 13:38-39). It solves our problem of death. Paul assured us that “just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies” (Romans 8:11).

The resurrection transforms believers into saints who will live forever, which rouses us to “always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Be inspired. Believe in the resurrection. —Mike Wittmer
2 Kings 11:1-21 ‹365-day plan

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Read Romans 6:1-14 to learn about the difference the resurrection of Jesus should make in our lives. 
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What have you done today that would make no sense if Jesus hadn’t risen from the dead? What will you do to show that you believe in the resurrection?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Fearful Fish

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April 25, 2014 

READ: John 1:6-14 

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory. —John 1:14 

Managing a saltwater aquarium, I discovered, is no easy task. I had to run a portable chemical laboratory to monitor nitrate levels and ammonia content. I pumped in vitamins and antibiotics and sulfa drugs and enzymes. I filtered the water through glass fibers and charcoal.

You would think my fish would be grateful. Not so. When my shadow loomed above the tank to feed them, they dove for cover into the nearest shell. I was too large for them; my actions incomprehensible. They did not know that my acts were merciful. To change their perceptions would require a form of incarnation. I would have to become a fish and “speak” to them in a language they could understand, which was impossible for me to do.

According to the Scriptures, God, the Creator of the universe, did something that seems impossible. He came to earth in human form as a baby. “The world was made through Him,” says John, “and the world did not know Him” (John 1:10). So God, who created matter, took shape within it, as a playwright might become a character within his own play. God wrote a story, using real characters, on the pages of real history. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (v.14).

— Philip Yancey

All praise to Thee, eternal Lord,
Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;
Choosing a manger for a throne,
While worlds on worlds are Thine alone. —Luther

God entered human history to offer us the gift of eternal life. 

ODJ: secure

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April 25, 2014 

READ: Ephesians 3:12-21 

May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high and how deep his love is (v.18).

His soft hair brushing against my chin, the tiny bundle snuggled on my shoulder. Though I’m well past the baby stage with our own children, I so enjoy these tender times with friends’ babies. Even when they’re fussy, I enjoy the opportunity to nestle them close—especially when I can feel the tension leave their little bodies as they relax in sleep. At the same time, these precious moments encourage me to let go of everything that previously seemed foreboding or demanding.

This picture is a reflection of God’s nurturing care for us. Psalm 68:19 says, “Praise the Lord . . . for each day he carries us in his arms.” A warrior king, David captured this same idea when he compared his submission to the Lord as being like that of a young child leaning against his mother (Psalm 131:2). Perfect, peaceful surrender. It’s the kind of restful place we all desire, especially when the storms of life seem strong (4:8).

When we get anxious about the future, we wonder how to exchange His yoke for ours (Matthew 11:29). Knowing He’s in control is not the same as living as if He is. In 1 John 4:17-18 we read, “As we live in God, our love grows more perfect” and “perfect love expels all fear.” So Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 becomes a powerful call to a strong but restful life, one where fear can’t prosper (vv.14-21).

The more we know His love, the greater we trust Him (1 John 4:16). When we understand that we’re safe, we come “boldly . . . into God’s presence” and live expecting God “to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think” (Ephesians 3:12,20). —Regina Franklin

365-day plan› 2 Kings 5:1-27

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Read Hosea 2:1-23 and consider the connection between love, trust and obedience. 
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Although you’ve wanted God to carry your burdens, how have you remained independent of Him? What are some of the challenges you face in understanding His love for you? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Never Let Down

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April 24, 2014 

READ: Lamentations 3:13-26 

[The Lord’s] compassions fail not. They are new every morning. —Lamentations 3:22-23 

When I was a child, one of my favorite pastimes was playing on the teeter-totter in the nearby park. A kid would sit on each end of the board and bounce each other up and down. Sometimes the one who was down would stay there and leave his playmate stuck up in the air yelling to be let down. But the cruelest of all tricks was getting off the teeter-totter and running away when your friend was up in the air—he would come crashing down to the ground with a painful bump.

Sometimes we may feel that Jesus does that to us. We trust Him to be there with us through the ups and downs of life. However, when life takes a turn and leaves us with bumps and bruises, it may feel as if He has walked away leaving our lives to come painfully crashing down.

But Lamentations 3 reminds us that “the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” (v.22 esv) and that God is faithful to the end even when everything seems to be falling apart. This means that in the midst of our pain, even though we may be lonely, we are not alone. And though we may not feel His presence, He is there as our trusted companion who will never walk away and let us down!

— Joe Stowell

Thank You, Lord, that we can trust in Your
faithful presence even when we feel alone.
Help us to wait patiently for You to manifest
Your steadfast loving presence.

When everyone else fails, Jesus is your most trusted friend. 

ODJ: roots that drink from heaven

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April 24, 2014 

READ: Matthew 19:1-6 

Let no one split apart what God has joined together (v.6).

A man knocked on my office door and asked me if I would officiate his marriage. I asked him to sit down so we could chat about his plans, timing and spiritual life. “Oh, I’m not sure you understand,” he said, “I’d like you to marry me today, like in the next hour.” The story is complicated, but his fiancée was from a different country and was living in our country with a short-term visa. For numerous reasons he wanted to marry right away, but he didn’t want a civil authority to perform the ceremony. He wanted a church and a pastor.

While there were many factors at play in this man’s situation, he clearly understood that marriage was a holy thing. Even in his predicament, he wanted to ensure that he and his fiancée recognised God in their vows.

This impulse was right, for Scripture tells us that marriage is—at its core—not foremost about a human action but God’s action. Matthew described how the “Pharisees came and tried to trap [Jesus] with [a] question” (19:3) concerning the appropriate conditions for divorce (a question designed to force Jesus to take sides in a heated religious dispute). But Jesus refused to answer the question on their terms. Rather, He reasserted the central biblical teaching that the union of a husband and wife is not a matter of human creation or human dissolution (vv.4-5). In marriage, man and woman are “no longer two but one,” Matthew wrote, because “God has joined [them] together” (v.6).

Marriage is God’s idea. It’s one of the ways He makes His love visible in the world. The healing of broken marital relationships is His work. The poet Rilke described marriages as “roots that drink from heaven.” What a perfect description! —Winn Collier
2 Kings 2:13-25 ‹365-day plan

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Read Genesis 2:18-25. Who’s the prime character in this narrative? Whose actions are on display? How does this inform your view of marriage?  
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What are the implications for you in the realisation that marriage is first and foremost God’s activity? How can a marriage reflect God’s love and character to the world? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)