Entries by YMI

ODJ: trustworthy

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March 8, 2014 

READ: 2 Timothy 3:14-17  

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (v.16).

My wife and I were visiting a British Museum last year when we came across a group of people in the Assyrian gallery listening to a man who we thought was a museum tour guide. “This is the Black Obelisk”, he said, pointing to a statue. “It records the triumphs of Shalmaneser III in the ninth century BC. This ruler is mentioned in 2 Kings chapter 8 and if you look closely, just here, you’ll see a carving of the Israelites paying him tribute.”

Intrigued, we followed the group into a room of stone-carved battle scenes. “These panels decorated the walls of King Sennacherib’s palace in Nineveh”, the man continued. “They depict his capture of Lachish in Judah in 701 BC, which is described in 2 Kings, 2 Chronicles and Isaiah. These panels caused a stir when they were discovered in 1847, as they were the first archaeological confirmation of an event recorded in the Bible.”

Pointing to the Cylinder of Nabonidus, he said, “Nabonidus was the father of King Belshazzar, who is mentioned in the book of Daniel. Secular scholars thought Belshazzar was a myth until this cylinder was discovered in southern Iraq in 1854.”

As it turned out, the small group we joined wasn’t a museum tour but a church group and that ‘tour guide’ was one of the world’s leading archaeologists. As my wife and I left the museum, we wondered what other biblical ‘myths’ were waiting to be proven true by another archaeological discovery.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives”, Paul wrote (2 Timothy 3:16). And, as archaeologists are discovering, all Scripture is completely trustworthy.

—Sheridan Voysey

365-day plan› Judges 6:1-40

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Read 2 Kings 8:7-15, 2 Kings 18-19, 2 Chronicles 32, Isaiah 36-37 and Daniel 5 to learn more about the people and events found in the museum. 
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How important is it that the Bible be historically reliable? How does this museum account encourage you to explore God’s Word in greater detail?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Not Lost In Translation

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March 7, 2014 

READ: Romans 8:19-27 

[The Spirit] makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. —Romans 8:27 

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to teach the Bible to many people around the world. Because I can speak only English, I often work with interpreters who can take the words of my heart and translate them into the language of the people. Effective communication is directly dependent upon the skill of these translators. Whether it is Inawaty in Indonesia, Annie in Malaysia, or Jean in Brazil, they ensure that the meaning of my words is clearly expressed.

This work of translation resembles one facet of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of God’s people. In our times of prayer, we don’t always know how we should pray (Rom. 8:26), and verse 27 encourages us, saying, “Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” When we go to our heavenly Father in prayer, the Holy Spirit comes to our aid by translating our prayers according to God’s good purposes for our lives.

What a provision! Not only does God desire for us to share our hearts with Him, He even provides us with the greatest interpreter to help us as we pray. We can be sure that our prayers will never get lost in translation.

— Bill Crowder

Thank You, Father, for the provision of Your Spirit.
I’m grateful that when I pray I can rest in Your help
to make my prayers what they need to be. Teach me to
lean on His perfect understanding of Your desires.

The participation of the Spirit assures that my prayers line up with God’s purposes. 

ODJ: grace alone

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March 7, 2014 

READ: Mark 6:7-12 

He called his twelve disciples together and began sending them out two by two, giving them authority to cast out evil spirits (v.7).

Imagine going on a missions trip without your luggage. No change of clothing! Oh and no money or credit card either. So, you can forget about buying the basic necessities you might need while you’re away.

That’s exactly what Jesus told His twelve disciples to do when He sent them out on their very first missions trip (Mark 6:8-9). And to top it off, He mentioned He wouldn’t be travelling with them. Sounds scary, right?

Thankfully, this isn’t the modus operandi for missions work today. For later on, in Luke 22:36, Jesus told His disciples, “Take your money and a traveller’s bag. And if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one!”

So, what’s the lesson here? Trust. It remains the fundamental focus for anyone who desires to serve God. Will we trust God to supply our needs? When it comes to a bread and butter issue, how real is our faith?

The disciples had not lacked anything in their first missions venture (Luke 22:35). In that trip they learned to receive everything God gave with grace and gratitude and not to allow money to become a ministry emphasis. Additionally, they experienced that God was able to supply them with the power to do His work (Mark 6:7).

The lyrics of the song “Grace Alone” by Kristina Hamilton might just contain some of their ministry perspectives: “Every soul we long to reach; Every heart we hope to teach; Everywhere we share His peace is only by His grace; Every loving word we say; Every tear we wipe away; Every sorrow turned to praise is only by His grace. Grace alone which God supplies; Strength unknown, He will provide; Christ in us, our cornerstone; we will go forth in grace alone.”

—Poh Fang Chia

Judges 4:4-24 ‹365-day plan

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Read 2 Corinthians 3:4-6 and Philippians 4:11-19 to learn of the apostle Paul’s personal experience with God’s gracious provision.  
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Recall a time when you experienced God’s provision. How will it encourage you as you face the difficulties and challenges of life and ministry today? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Boo!

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March 6, 2014 

READ: Isaiah 30:1-5,18-19 

[God] will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you. —Isaiah 30:19 

One of the early games that many parents play with their children involves a fake scare. Dad hides his face behind his hands and suddenly reveals himself while saying, “Boo!” The child giggles at this silliness.

Being frightened is a fun game until the day when the child experiences a real scare. Then it’s no laughing matter. The first real scare often involves separation from a parent. The child wanders away innocently, moving from one attraction to another. But as soon as she realizes she is lost, she panics and lets out a loud cry of alarm. The parent immediately comes running to reassure the child that she is not alone.

As we get older, our fake scares become sophisticated—scary books, movies, amusement park rides. Being scared is so invigorating that we may begin taking bigger risks for bigger thrills.

But when a real scare comes, we may realize that we, like the ancient Israelites (Isa. 30), have wandered from the One who loves and cares for us. Recognizing that we are in danger, we panic. Our call for help does not require sophisticated words or a well-reasoned defense, just a desperate cry.

Like a loving parent, God responds quickly for He longs to have us live in the protection of His love where we need never be afraid.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Trusting God’s faithfulness helps dispel our fearfulness. 

ODJ: God is powerless?

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March 6, 2014 

READ: Job 26:1-14 

These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power. Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power? (v.14).

Rabbi Harold Kushner lost a son to a degenerative disease—premature aging syndrome. He later wrote the bestseller When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Trying to maintain his belief in God, he said that God is either not good enough, since he allowed the sickness, or not powerful enough to prevent it. He chose the latter. According to Kushner, God created the world but isn’t in complete control of it. In other words, God hopes for our good and sympathises with us in our pain, but He’s powerless to do anything about it.

Job suffered a triple whammy, losing his wealth, his 10 children and his health (Job 1-2). Job’s three friends, showing concern, came to comfort him (2:11). Believing that suffering is always the result of sin, they took turns to convince Job (4-25) to confess his sins so that God would bless him once again (8:4-7, 11:14-17, 15:5-6).

As Job conversed with his friends, he lamented that they were not helping him but adding to his pain (6:14-17). Speaking of God’s unfathomable ways (26:5-14), he extolled God’s omniscience—His ability to know and see everything (vv.5-6). And, unlike Kushner, Job didn’t doubt God’s omnipotence—His great power and sovereign rule over all (vv.7-13). He also spoke of God’s transcendence—that God’s ways are far above our ways (v.14).

While there’s mystery in God’s ways, there’s no uncertainty about His absolute sovereignty and power. Job concluded that what we can see God doing in this world is “just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power”. Awed by Him, Job asked, “Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?” (v.14). Who indeed? —K.T. Sim

365-day plan› Joshua 24:1-31

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Read Psalm 145 and celebrate and praise God for who He is.  
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How does God’s amazing knowledge and power assure you? How does it help you cope with the pains of this life?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Me And Dad

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March 5, 2014 

READ: Matthew 9:35–10:1 

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. —Genesis 2:15 

A friend once spent a day installing large stone steps in his backyard. When his 5-year-old daughter begged to help, he suggested she just sing to encourage him in his work. She said no. She wanted to help. Carefully, when it would not endanger her, he let her place her hands on the rocks as he moved them.

He could have built the steps in less time without her. At the end of the day, though, he not only had new steps but also a daughter bursting with pride. “Me and Dad made steps,” she announced at dinner that night.

From the beginning, God has relied on people to advance His work. After equipping Adam to cultivate the land and supervise the animals, God left the work of the garden in his hands (Gen. 2:15-20).

The pattern has continued. When God wanted a dwelling place on earth, a tabernacle and temple did not descend from the sky; thousands of artists and craftsmen worked to fashion them (Ex. 35–38; 1 Kings 6). When Jesus proclaimed the new reign of God’s kingdom on earth, He invited human beings to help. He told His disciples, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Matt. 9:38).

As a father does with his children, so does God welcome us as His kingdom partners.

— Philip Yancey

Heavenly Father, thank You that in Your love
and wisdom, You invite us to accomplish Your acts of
love, service, and kindness here on earth.
Thank You for the privilege of “helping” You.

God uses humble servants to accomplish His great work. 

ODJ: generous unity

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March 5, 2014 

READ: Ephesians 4:1-16 

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace (v.3).

April 2013 marked a milestone birthday for me. To celebrate, we took a long trip to my old

university. Numerous tollbooths, scenic beach views and city excursions marked our unforgettable holiday. The highlight for my husband and me, though, was a little unexpected: it was that our kids had actually enjoyed being together for an extended period of time.

Friction in any relationship is normal, even more so for family members who spend a great deal of time together. How interesting, then, that we become easily dismayed when we encounter conflict in our closest relationships—especially in the church. Like any family, the body of Christ is a combination of varied personalities, hidden quirks and diverse needs. Though we’re all believers in Jesus, we’re far from carbon copies.

Sometimes, sermons regarding keeping harmony in the body of Christ can seem like simple admonitions to ‘play nice’ with one another. But unity in the Spirit offers much more. If conflict is a given, we must ask ourselves not only what God requires of us in times of discord but also what gift He offers in our pursuit of peace (Psalm 34:14-15; Ephesians 2:14-22).

While, as parents, we valued not having to mediate between our kids, the greatest pleasure came in the closeness we had with them in the absence of arguing. The choice to lay down offences, work through conflict and show Christ-like love is a reflection of our unity in Christ (Romans 15:5-6,13). We may be individuals, but we’re also part of a body. Jesus “makes the whole body fit together perfectly . . . healthy and growing and full of love” (Ephesians 4:16). —Regina Franklin

Joshua 23:1-16 ‹365-day plan

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Read Romans 14:1-19 and consider how we can love other believers in Jesus even when we disagree in matters of freedom and conscience.  
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In what relationships are you sensing discord? How can you pursue peace in a way that addresses conflict in an authentic and healthy way? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: No More Prejudice

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March 4, 2014 

READ: James 2:1-10 

My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. —James 2:1 

A 2010 survey by Newsweek contained some startling statistics: 57 percent of hiring managers believe an unattractive (but qualified) job candidate would have a harder time getting hired; 84 percent of managers said their bosses would hesitate before hiring a qualified older candidate; 64 percent of hiring managers said they believe companies should be allowed to hire people based on appearance. All are clear examples of unacceptable prejudice.

Prejudice is not new. It had crept into the early church, and James confronted it head-on. With prophetic grit and a pastor’s heart, he wrote: “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality” (James 2:1). James gave an example of this type of prejudice—favoring the rich and ignoring the poor (vv.2-4). This was inconsistent with holding faith in Jesus without partiality (v.1), betrayed the grace of God (vv.5-7), violated the law of love (v.8), and was sinful (v.9). The answer to partiality is following the example of Jesus: loving your neighbor as yourself.

We fight the sin of prejudice when we let God’s love for us find full expression in the way we love and treat each other.

— Marvin Williams

Thinking It Over
Who helped you determine what is the right way to
treat people? Was it based on external things?
What are some ways you can love people as Jesus did?

Looking up to Jesus prevents us from looking down on others. 

ODJ: Shepherd in the shadows

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March 4, 2014 

READ: Psalm 23:1-6 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life (v.6 NKJV).

A fretful parishioner once came to a famous preacher’s office, feeling disturbed and frightened. “Two men are following me everywhere I go”, she said. Because he was aware of the woman’s overactive imagination, the preacher said kindly, “Oh, I know exactly who these men are.” “Who?” she asked. “They are goodness and mercy”, he replied.

Psalm 23 opens with this simple and powerful affirmation: “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need” (v.1). None of the words that follow make sense without this firm conviction: God provides what we need. There’s no moment when we’re outside of God’s reach and nothing is required for our wellbeing that God doesn’t deliver. Indeed, His goodness and love never abandon us (v.6).

The psalm tells us that—with God—we will not lack. It reminds us that though Israel wandered through the wilderness for 40 years, they “lacked nothing” (Deuteronomy 2:7). Even when we’re in the deserts of life, seemingly lost and listless, God meets our every need.

His care for us is true when we enjoy the lush meadows as well as when we endure the darkest valley (Psalm 23:2,4). The green meadows and peaceful waters are our reality because God is with us. The valley of the shadow of death will not destroy us because God is with us. Our faith isn’t a promise of escape from the vexing realities of our world, but the assurance that God has endured the world’s horror and now stands as Victor. He shepherds us towards the fullness of life in God’s kingdom (John 10:10).

This good future with God is where we’re heading, though there is still a path to travel between here and there. As we journey, with the Lord as our shepherd, let’s remember that we lack nothing. —Winn Collier

365-day plan› Joshua 10:1-15

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If you haven’t memorised Psalm 23, take a verse or two each day this week and set the words in your heart. Pray the verses each morning. Allow the words to stay with you throughout the day. 
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Where are your green meadows right now? Thank God for them. Where are your dark valleys? Affirm that God is with you in them. 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)