Entries by YMI

ODB: Free Tomatoes

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April 1, 2014 

READ: Exodus 35:20-29 

Everyone whose spirit was willing . . . brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle. —Exodus 35:21 

Packing groceries into the trunk of my car, I glanced at the vehicle next to me. Through the back window, I could see baskets full of bright red tomatoes—shiny, plump, and better looking than any I had seen in the store. When the car’s owner appeared seconds later, I said, “What great looking tomatoes!” She replied, “I had a good crop this year. Would you like some?” Surprised by her willingness to share, I gladly accepted. She gave me several free tomatoes to take home—they tasted as good as they looked!

We see an even greater spirit of generosity in the Israelites when they gave to build the tabernacle of the Lord. When asked to provide materials for the sanctuary, “everyone whose spirit was willing . . . brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle” (Ex. 35:21). The Israelites eagerly donated their gold jewelry, colored thread, fine linen, silver, bronze, gemstones, and spices. Some also gave their time and talents (vv.25-26).

If we follow the Israelites’ example and willingly donate our resources, we please and honor God with our attitude and offerings. The Lord, who sees and knows our thoughts and hearts, loves cheerful givers. He Himself is the best example of generosity (John 3:16).

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Dear Jesus, You gave everything You had
for my sake. Help me to give with
a willing heart so that my gifts
will truly honor You.

The state of our heart is more important than the size of our gift. 

ODJ: war

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April 1, 2014 

READ: Joshua 8:1-29 

Better to have wisdom than weapons of war, but one sinner can destroy much that is good (Ecclesiastes 9:18).

Journalist Jeffrey Gettleman asserts, “There is a very simple reason why some of Africa’s bloodiest, most brutal wars never seem to end: they are not really wars. . . . The combatants don’t have much of an ideology; they don’t have clear goals. . . . I’ve witnessed up close—often way too close—how combat has morphed from soldier versus soldier (now a rarity in Africa) to soldier versus civilian.”

While I agree that a majority of Africa’s modern battles (including the infamous Lord’s Resistance Army’s decades of attacks on civilians in northern Uganda) differ from ideological, military-fought wars—such as World Wars I and II—biblical history reveals that attacks on civilians aren’t something new.

In Joshua 8:25-26, for example, we learn that when Joshua and the Israelites attacked Ai (after seeking God’s wisdom), the Lord ensured the victory over their people. This was not simply wanton destruction, but God in His holiness could not permit wickedness to persist in nations including Israel itself (which also faced defeat in battles). War has been used by Him to punish people for their wickedness. There’s a huge difference between evil men committing mass atrocities and the battles that God allowed due to His righteousness.

Scripture teaches that one reason wars occur is due to our hearts not being fully committed to God (2 Chronicles 16:9). “Quarrels and fights . . . come from the evil desires at war within” (James 4:1). God has allowed battles to occur at times to promote real peace and righteousness. He alone possesses the wisdom and righteous eyes to do so. May we strive for peace—and not battles—in all our relationships today.

—Roxanne Robbins

365-day plan› 1 Samuel 25:1-42

MORE
Read Ecclesiastes 3:8 and consider how we should seek God’s wisdom during these times. 
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What do you think the difference is between a “warrior” of God (Joel 3:11) and a man or woman who wages wrongful war (through words or weapons)? How can we follow Jesus’ example in promoting peace? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Bottled Water Binge

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March 31, 2014 

READ: Romans 5:12-21 

Through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men. —Romans 5:18 

Here in the United States, we’ve been on a bottled water binge for a number of years. Even though most people have a safe supply of water that is free and readily available from faucets and drinking fountains, they still purchase bottled water. Choosing to pay for something that I can enjoy at no cost doesn’t make sense to me, but some people believe that a product they pay for is superior to anything they receive free.

This sometimes carries over into our spiritual lives. Some struggle to accept that salvation is a gift. They want to do something to earn it. The problem is, no one can afford it. The price of salvation is perfection (Matt. 19:21), and Jesus is the only person who could pay the price (Rom. 5:18). To anyone who thirsts, He promises to “give of the fountain of the water of life freely” (Rev. 21:6).

Some people try to purchase the living water of salvation with good deeds and charitable donations. Although these are forms of spiritual service valued by God, they are not what God requires for the forgiveness of our sin. Jesus already paid the price by dying in our place, and He offers to quench our spiritual thirst when we drink freely from God’s fountain that will never run dry.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Jesus is the Living Water—
Just one drink will make you whole;
Drawing daily from that wellspring
Brings refreshment to the soul. —D. DeHaan

Jesus is the only fountain who can satisfy the thirsty soul. 

ODJ: confession

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March 31, 2014 

READ: Leviticus 16:7-22 

He will lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the wickedness, rebellion and sins of the people of Israel. In this way, he will transfer the people’s sins to the head of the goat (v.21).

While visiting a friend in Marseille, France, we stopped by an old church. I took in the cold stone floors, the magnificent ancient walls and the smell of the musty wooden pews. Almost hidden from my view, built into a wall, was the confessional box. It contained enough for just one person on either side of a wooden slat. My friend quietly commented that the act of confessing our sins one to another seemed to have disappeared from many modern churches. This challenged me not only to confess my sin to God but also to others.

The book of Leviticus gives a detailed description of how the Israelites could be reconciled to God through the confession of and atonement for sin by a priest—acting on behalf of the people of God. In 16:7-10 we read of the scapegoat, a word that today refers to someone who is singled out for unfair blame or punishment. During the days of ancient Israel, however, the priest selected two goats—one became a sin offering through the shedding of its blood and the other became the scapegoat. The goat would have the disobedience and the shameful acts of the people placed on it and would then be driven out into the wilderness (vv.5,21-22). Then the people would be “purified and made right with the LORD” (v.10).

Confessing our shortcomings to God—who is “gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love” is vital (Psalm 145:8 NIV). But we are also instructed to confess our sins to one another (James 5:16).

Today, when I sin, I’m compelled to confess it to God and to fellow believers I know and trust. They lovingly help me deal with my sin, pray for me and point me to God and His forgiveness. —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith
1 Samuel 24:1-22 ‹365-day plan

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(Hebrews 10:1-10). 
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Ask God to show you to whom He wants you to be accountable. Why is it so important for us to confess our sins to God and others? What happens when we don’t confess? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Blessed Are The Meek

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March 30, 2014 

READ: Matthew 5:1-10 

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. —Matthew 5:5 

One problem with the English word meek is that it rhymes with weak, and people have linked the two words together for years. A popular dictionary offers a secondary definition of meek as “too submissive; easily imposed on; spineless; spiritless.” This causes some people to question why Jesus would say, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matt. 5:5).

Greek scholar W. E. Vine says that meekness in the Bible is an attitude toward God “in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.” We see this in Jesus who found His delight in doing the will of His Father.

Vine goes on to say that “the meekness manifested by the Lord and commended to the believer is the fruit of power. . . . The Lord was ‘meek’ because He had the infinite resources of God at His command.” He could have called angels from heaven to prevent His crucifixion.

Jesus told His weary, burdened followers, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [meek] and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matt. 11:29). He was the perfect model of meekness.

When we are tired and troubled, Jesus invites us to discover the peace of meekly trusting Him.

— David C. McCasland

Love sent the Savior to die in my stead.
Why should He love me so?
Meekly to Calvary’s cross He was led.
Why should He love me so? —Harkness

God has two dwellings, one in heaven and the other in a meek and thankful heart. —Walton 

ODJ: into the light

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March 30, 2014 

READ: Luke 18:9-14 

The tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner” (v.13).

One of the hardest things about getting ready in the morning is picking out my socks. Are they blue or black? Because I’m colour blind, those two colours look the same to me in the dim morning light! So what I typically do is take them out into the kitchen and compare them under some bright lightbulbs, which helps me see their true colours.

Jesus once told a crowd of people at the Jewish temple that He was “the light of the world” (John 8:12). He went on to say, “If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

Jesus’ “light” metaphor makes me think of another story He told. “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other was a despised tax collector” (Luke 18:10).

The Pharisee was a conceited moralist who proudly flaunted that he had his act together. His prayer was long-winded and self-congratulatory: “I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector!” (v.11).

The tax collector was messed up—and knew it. His prayer was short, sorrowful and desperate: “O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner” (v.13). Jesus concluded that the humble tax collector, not the proud Pharisee, walked away forgiven. “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (v.14).

Jesus is indeed the true “light of the world”. But He doesn’t require us to clean up the messes in our lives before we walk into His life giving light. Instead, He simply invites us to walk humbly into His light and begin a sacred, sanctified life in Him. —Jeff Olson
365-day plan› 1 Samuel 20:1-42

MORE
Read John 8:1-12 and note what Jesus’ light and life meant to a desperate woman. 
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What are the messy parts of your life that you need to bring humbly into the light of Jesus? How does God’s light both comfort and convict you? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: A Better World

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March 29, 2014 

READ: 1 Peter 2:9-12 

[Keep] your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that . . . they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God. —1 Peter 2:12 

In one of my favorite Peanuts cartoons featuring Charlie Brown, the always confident Lucy declares, “How could the world be getting worse with me in it? Ever since I was born the world has shown a distinct improvement!”

Of course, Lucy is displaying an unrealistic and elevated opinion of herself, but she makes an interesting point. What if we were to try to make the world a better place by displaying the love of Christ wherever God has placed us?

When Peter wrote to persecuted believers, he advised them to “[keep] your conduct honorable” (1 Peter 2:12) by doing good deeds that will ultimately bring glory to God. In other words, we can make our world a better place through our actions. Think of the difference that Christlike deeds of love, mercy, forgiveness, justice, and peace would make in our world. I’ve always thought that if we lived out this verse, people might say, “Our office is a better place because ______ works here.” Or, “Our neighborhood is a better neighborhood.” Or, “Our school is a better school.”

We can’t change the entire world singlehandedly, but by God’s grace we can let the difference Christ has made in us make a difference in the world around us.

— Joe Stowell

Love is giving for the world’s needs,
Love is sharing as the Spirit leads,
Love is caring when the world cries,
Love is compassion with Christlike eyes. —Brandt

Everyone can do something to make the world better—we can let Christ shine through us. 

ODJ: friend request

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March 29, 2014 

READ: John 15:9-17 

Now you are my friends (v.15).

Ty Morin hopes to photograph 788 friends by the year 2016. His picture taking project, entitled “Friend Request: Accepted”, will require him to photograph each of his Facebook friends doing what they love—anything from firefighting to weightlifting. Although many of his friends live in remote regions of the world, he feels it’s important to show up and connect personally with each one—spending at least an hour taking pictures. Through his project, Morin wants to combat the impersonal, superficial nature of online “friending”.

Ty Morin’s project reminds me of the way Jesus personally reached out to humankind. He befriended us when “[He] became human and made his home among us” (John 1:14). Jesus lived with humans—He locked eyes with some, healed others, ate meals, fished, sailed, preached—all because He refused to stay removed from our world. He came to earth so that we could know Him not only as God, but also as a fellow human and friend.

Jesus told His disciples, “Now you are my friends” (15:15) and He proved it by confiding in them. He said, “I have told you everything the Father told me” (v.15). This level of sharing showed His care and created joy in the hearts of His followers (17:13). The depth of Jesus’ friendship was also revealed by sacrifice. Jesus said, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (15:13) and then He allowed himself to be crucified for our sake.

The friendship Jesus offers is not a one-click event—it’s an ongoing thing. He loves us deeply and has invited us to remain in His love (v.9). Jesus wants to hear us and help us with our struggles every day (Matthew 11:28-30). This close connection with Him can minister to our souls when we feel disconnected from the people in our world. —Jennifer Benson Schuldt
1 Samuel 18:1-30 ‹365-day plan

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Read Romans 5:10 to see why friendship with God is possible. Look up Proverbs 27:6 and think about how this verse might relate to God’s discipline in our lives.  
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How might God’s friendship inspire us to improve our friendships with others? Close friendship can be risky. Why should we as believers in Jesus be willing to form deeper relationships? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Waiting . . .

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March 28, 2014 

READ: Psalm 130 

Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer. —Romans 12:12 

Day after day for years Harry shared with the Lord his concern for his son-in-law John who had turned away from God. But then Harry died. A few months later, John turned back to God. When his mother-in-law Marsha told him that Harry had been praying for him every day, John replied, “I waited too long.” But Marsha joyfully shared: “The Lord is still answering the prayers Harry prayed during his earthly life.”

Harry’s story is an encouragement to us who pray and wait. He continued “steadfastly in prayer” and waited patiently (Rom. 12:12).

The author of Psalm 130 experienced waiting in prayer. He said, “I wait for the Lord, my soul waits” (v.5). He found hope in God because he knew that “with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption” (v.7).

Author Samuel Enyia wrote about God’s timing: “God does not depend on our time. Our time is chronological and linear but God . . . is timeless. He will act at the fullness of His time. Our prayer . . . may not necessarily rush God into action, but . . . places us before Him in fellowship.”

What a privilege we have to fellowship with God in prayer and to wait for the answer in the fullness of His time.

— Anne Cetas

Pray on! Pray on! Cease not to pray,
And should the answer tarry, wait;
Thy God will come, will surely come,
And He can never come too late. —Chisholm

God may delay our request, but He will never disappoint our trust.