Entries by YMI

ODJ: bad habits

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March 24, 2014 

READ: Numbers 14:11-23 

In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt (v.19).

Our young daughter has always preferred sleeping flat on her stomach and without a pillow. But last winter she developed a sinus condition and the only way she could stop coughing during the night was if she placed her head on a pillow and slept on her side. Six years of lying flat on her tummy without a pillow had become a habit, however, and she would stay in that raised position for only a few moments before wriggling down and sleeping on her stomach.

Habits that we should change take time and intentional action to stop. In our instant gratification culture, however, we often expect to see immediate positive results. Sometimes we lose patience with those who have come to believe in Jesus but are still dealing with bad habits. We support them for a while, but it doesn’t take long for us to place premature or misguided expectations on them.

The Israelites habitually grumbled against God and disobeyed Him so badly that He almost wiped them out (Numbers 14:11-12). Moses reminded Him that He is slow to anger, filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion (v.18). Although the people of Israel rebelled against the Lord and His chosen leader, Moses pleaded for their lives and God did forgive them—even though the hard-hearted generation never saw the Promised Land (vv.20-23).

God was gracious to the Israelites and He’s gracious to us. The apostle Paul reminds us to be gracious to each other—tenderhearted, full of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, making allowance for each other’s faults and forgiving as the Lord has forgiven us (Colossians 3:12-13).

When we remember how God has shown grace to us, we’re able to show grace to others, loving and forgiving as we journey with each other in harmony (vv.14-15). —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith

365-day plan› 1 Samuel 10:1-27

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Read Ephesians 4:1-16 to see the good habits Paul tells us to develop. 
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Who do you need to extend grace to today? Why is it so important for us to deal with our bad habits? 

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ODB: Promoting Unity

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March 23, 2014 

READ: Proverbs 6:16-19 

The Lord hates . . . one who sows discord among brethren. —Proverbs 6:16,19 

The language of Proverbs 6:16-19 is strong. In the citing of seven things the Lord hates, sowing “discord among brethren” makes the list. The reason for naming this sin is that it spoils the unity that Christ desires for His followers (John 17:21-22).

Those who sow discord may not initially set out to create divisions. They may be preoccupied instead with their personal needs or the interests of a group they belong to (James 4:1-10). Consider how Lot’s herdsmen argued with those of Abraham (Gen. 13:1-18); Christ’s disciples argued about personal preeminence (Luke 9:46); and divisive groups in the church at Corinth elevated party factions above the unity of the Spirit (1 Cor. 3:1-7).

So what is the best way to promote unity? It begins with the transformation of the heart. When we adopt the mind of Christ, we develop an attitude of humility and we focus on service toward others (Phil. 2:5-11). Only in Him can we access the power to “look out not only for [our] own interests, but also for the interests of others” (v.4). Soon the needs and hopes of others become more important to us than our own.

With growing bonds of love among us, we find discord replaced with joy and unity (see Ps. 133:1).

— Dennis Fisher

Like a mighty army moves the church of God;
Brothers, we are treading where the saints have trod.
We are not divided, all one body we—
One in hope and doctrine, one in charity. —Baring-Gould

We can accomplish more together than we can alone. 

ODJ: rules and grace

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March 23, 2014 

READ: Luke 15:1-32 

The older brother was angry and wouldn’t go in. His father came out and begged him (v.28).

Students in a Christian school lined up at the lunch table to get their food. At the head of the table was a pile of apples. A teacher made the following note and posted it on the apple tray: “Take only ONE. God is watching.” At the end of the table, next to a large tray of chocolate chip cookies, a clever student placed this note, “Take all you want. God is watching the apples.”

This cute tale illustrates two different kinds of people—those who follow rules and those who break them.

In response to the Pharisees complaining about Jesus socialising with sinners, He shared a story about two brothers—one obsessed with rule-keeping, the other a rule-breaker (Luke 15:11-31). The youngest brother, the rule-breaking “prodigal son”, usually gets the most attention. But let’s briefly consider the rule-following older brother.

Furious that his father was throwing a huge welcome home party for “this son of yours” who broke every rule in the book, he spouts off at his dad, “All these years I’ve slaved for you and never once refused to do a single thing you told me to do. And in all that time you never gave me . . . a feast with my friends” (vv.29-30).

The older brother’s tirade says it all—a life controlled by rule-keeping turned him into an embittered slave who was just as lost as his brother.

The father (who represents God), however, was just as gracious with his older son as he was with his younger. When the oldest refused to enter the party, the father “came out” to see him. And rather than scold, he gently pleaded with his son to join the celebration (vv.28-31).

Are you like the “older brother”? Join the party of God’s grace. It’s for you too! —Jeff Olson

1 Samuel 9:1-21 ‹365-day plan

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Read Mark 2:23-28 and see how Jesus challenged the Pharisees’ interpretation of the Sabbath rules. 
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How does your life tend to be dominated by rules? Why is it important to follow God’s commands but also to understand His grace? 

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ODB: Coming Soon!

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March 22, 2014 

READ: Revelation 22:7-21 

“Surely I am coming quickly.” —Revelation 22:20 

A “COMING SOON!” announcement often precedes future events in entertainment and sports, or the launch of the latest technology. The goal is to create anticipation and excitement for what is going to happen, even though it may be months away.

While reading the book of Revelation, I was impressed with the “coming soon” sense of immediacy permeating the entire book. Rather than saying, “Someday, in the far distant future, Jesus Christ is going to return to earth,” the text is filled with phrases like “things which must shortly take place” (1:1) and “the time is near” (v.3). Three times in the final chapter, the Lord says, “I am coming quickly” (Rev. 22:7,12,20). Other versions translate this phrase as, “I’m coming soon,” “I’m coming speedily,” and “I’m on My way!”

How can this be—since 2,000 years have elapsed since these words were written? “Quickly” doesn’t seem appropriate for our experience of time.

Rather than focusing on a date for His return, the Lord is urging us to set our hearts on His promise that will be fulfilled. We are called to live for Him in this present age “looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

— David C. McCasland

Live as if Christ is coming back today. 

ODJ: the waiting game

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March 22, 2014 

READ: James 5:1-11 

Be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the autumn and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen (v.7).

In 2006 Trevor Thompson surveyed 1,003 adults and determined the following: while waiting in line at an office or shop, most people take an average of 17 minutes to lose their cool. When placed on hold during a phone call, most people lose their patience in 9 minutes. Women lose their patience after waiting in line for about 18 minutes. Men lose it after 15 minutes. People with a degree and a higher income lose their patience quicker than those with lower income and less education.

Though the believers of his day may have been facing mistreatment by the rich (or perhaps envied their riches), James exhorted them not to lose their patience (James 5:1-7). They were no doubt fatigued and weary from the trials they endured, but he told them to take courage and to be patient (v.7). This kind of patience would be developed only in the crucible of discomfort, pain and suffering. They were called to live in hope until Jesus returned and eradicated injustice in the world.

To help them understand what he was asking them to do, James used an agricultural illustration. The farmer was dependent on God and waited for Him to send the rains, so he could grow and harvest precious fruit. Therefore, these believers, like Job, needed to wait and trust God to address the mystery of their suffering. James wrote, “We give great honour to those who endure under suffering” (v.11).

We are also called to be patient. As we read God’s Word, dwell in His love, intentionally slow down and live from an eternal perspective (Romans 15:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; Hebrews 10:34-37), we can develop growth in this virtue. And we can learn to respond more and more like Jesus (1 Peter 2:23). —Marvin Williams

365-day plan› 1 Samuel 8:6-22

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Read Galatians 5:22 and consider what God is doing in us as we exhibit patience. 
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What situations try your patience the most? How can God’s patience with you inspire you to be patient with others? 

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ODB: Still Working

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March 21, 2014 

READ: Matthew 25:14-21 

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” —Matthew 25:23 

Vivian and Don are in their mid-90s and have been married more than 70 years. Recently Vivian suffered a setback when she broke her hip. This has been additionally difficult because for several years both Don and Vivian have been saddened by the realization that they are no longer strong enough to be active in the life and work of their church.

However, Vivian and Don are still hard at work for the Lord: They are prayer warriors. While they may not always be physically present and visible in the life of their church, they are faithful “behind the scenes” in their service for Him.

The parable of the talents in Matthew 25 reminds us that we must use the “talents” God has given us wisely. All of us have God-given skills and abilities at various levels—and we must not bury, unused, what God has given us.

It is not only in our years of strength that God will use us, but also in our youth and age, as well as in our sickness and weakness. Vivian and Don continue to serve by praying. And like them, we honor our Savior by using our skills—“each according to his own ability” (v.15) to serve Him who is worthy.

— Dave Branon

Lord, You have done so much for me. Please show
me what I can do to serve You—to honor You with
the abilities You have provided. May my life be a
living sacrifice of love and action for Your honor.

God can use you at any age—if you are willing. 

ODJ: tower of…books

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March 21, 2014 

READ: Genesis 11:1-9 

Let’s build a . . . tower that reaches into the sky (v.4).

Marta Minujin created an 82 foot tall sculpture of the Tower of Babel in the Plaza San Martin in Buenos Aires. The artist made it using over 30,000 donated books written in nearly every world language. Inside the turret, visitors could hear a recording of Minujin’s voice pronouncing the Word in various languages. She said her mission was to “unite all people”.

Different languages emerged as a result of the original Tower of Babel. After the flood, some of Noah’s descendants found a nice, wide-open patch of earth in Babylonia. They settled there and planned to “build a great city . . . with a tower that reach[ed] into the sky” (v.4). They hoped this super structure would make them famous and keep them united. But their ambition for greatness was self-centred, prideful and godless.

God came down, inspected their building site (v.5) and decided to put an end to the construction. He did this by creating multiple languages among them. Communication that had been effortless became impossible. The gobbledygook they heard from each other sent them running—they scattered throughout the world (v.8).

The issue of ambition can be tricky. Although it isn’t wrong to want success, we’ve got to remember that God enables every achievement to take place (Deuteronomy 8:18). Also, our efforts to succeed should reflect godly virtues such as humility, honesty and hard work. These qualities can point others to Jesus regardless of the outcome of our endeavours.

Christian researcher and writer David Kinnaman put it this way: “Gaining credibility for its own sake is vanity; gaining credibility to participate in God’s work to redeem the world is a mission.” —Jennifer Benson Schuldt

1 Samuel 8:1-5 ‹365-day plan

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Read Isaiah 14:12-15 to see the danger of godless ambition. Read Romans 15:20-22 for a peek at Paul’s ambition. 
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Why are you at risk of forgetting about God when you experience success? What might indicate that success has become an idol in your life? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Misplaced Love

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March 20, 2014 

READ: Psalm 115 

Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. —Psalm 115:4 

Martin Lindstrom, an author and speaker, thinks that cellphones have become akin to a best friend for many owners. Lindstrom’s experiment using an MRI helped him discover why. When the subjects saw or heard their phone ringing, their brains fired off neurons in the area associated with feelings of love and compassion. Lindstrom said, “It was as if they were in the presence of a girlfriend, boyfriend, or family member.”

Many things vie for our affection and time and attention, and it seems we’re always needing to evaluate where we’re focusing our lives. Joshua told the people of Israel that they were to give their affection and worship to God alone (Josh. 24:14). This was significant in contrast to the idols worshiped by the nations around them. These idols were made of metal and were only the work of men’s hands (Ps. 115:4). They were totally powerless compared to the Lord. Therefore, God’s people were exhorted to find their security in Him and not in other gods (Judg. 10:13-16). Jesus reiterated this in His discussion of the commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” (Matt. 22:37).

The Lord alone is our help and shield (Ps. 115:9). May we reserve our worship for Him.

— Marvin Williams

For Further Thought
What do our actions in the last few months reveal
about our affections? Is there any indication that we
have placed someone or something above God?

God is most worthy of our affections. 

ODJ: i am He

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March 20, 2014 

READ: John 5:16-30 

So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill [Jesus]. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God (v.18).

Friends, it is time I revealed to you who I really am. I—Sheridan Voysey—am He. I am the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.

I tell you the truth, I—Sheridan Voysey—can do nothing by myself. I do only what I see the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, I also do. For the Father loves me and shows me everything He is doing. Just as the Father gives life to those He raises from the dead, so I give life to anyone I want. In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, He has given me absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honour me—Sheridan Voysey—just as they honour the Father.

Are you ready to stone me yet?!

Because I am certainly not the Messiah! I simply paraphrased John 5:19-23 to make a point: we can lose sight of how audacious Jesus’ words about Himself were. To His contemporaries, particularly the religious leaders of the day, Jesus was just a man from a small northern village. But this villager claimed to have the authority to break religious rules (John 5:8-10), follow God’s will perfectly (v.19), have intimate divine knowledge (v.20), be the source of life (v.21), be the ultimate judge (v.22) and be worthy of the same honour as God (v.23). As the Jewish authorities understood, Jesus was making Himself equal to the Father (v.18). They thought, How dare He?!

There are some religious sects today that claim the Bible as their authority but deny Jesus’ divinity. Let’s be clear: a Jewish man would utter the words Jesus uttered only if he were insane, or if he were right. These are the words of divinity.

Unlike me, Jesus’ sinless, miracle-working life and His resurrection from death vindicate His audacity. He was and is God in the flesh. —Sheridan Voysey

365-day plan› 1 Samuel 3:1-21

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Read John 8:53-59, Colossians 1:15-20 and Hebrews 1:3 for some other references to Jesus’ divinity. 
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How important is it for you to believe that Jesus is truly God? How could He be both human and divine? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)