Entries by YMI

ODJ: hard conversations

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February 8, 2014 

READ: Genesis 1:1-31 

The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters (v.2).

Barely a few inches long, the image on the sonogram looked like something from a science fiction film. With distinctive little nubs for hands and a clearly defined head, I could see the promise of the one who was to be our firstborn. Still unknown were the gender, personality traits and distinctive qualities to fill out the picture of the now-beating heart. Capturing the image of this little life in the womb, the sonogram pictures were treasures for my husband and me. They reminded us that what we couldn’t see with our naked eye was indeed real, though hidden.

The capacity to produce and bring forth something seen from the unseen is inherent in all living things (Genesis 1:12,24). Humans are unique, however, in our ability to hope. We live in hope because—though marred by sin—we carry the ‘DNA’ of our Creator (v.27).

For the believer, seeing something we hoped for come to fruition isn’t about raw human ability. We base our hopes on the hard foundation of this truth: God fulfils what He designs (Psalm 139:13,15-16; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 6:18). Like the formation of a child in its mother’s womb, however, the fulfilment of a hoped for outcome in life takes place in stages—many of them imperceptible with the natural eye.

Seasons of waiting can be difficult, for our emotions become especially heightened in times of protracted delay. When the questions—from ourselves and others—pile on top of one another, we must choose to settle ourselves on the “strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (v.19). For whether a hope is realised or not is based in God’s perfect plans. Our role? Stay focused, be patient and accept His loving will in hope. —Regina Franklin

MORE
Read Colossians 3:1-4, 17, 23-24 and consider how to build your hopes on the reality of heaven. 
NEXT
What’s the difference between making a risky decision and stepping out in faith? How can we know if what we’re hoping for is something that God has for us or if it’s something of our own making?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Unintentional

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February 8, 2014 

READ: Leviticus 4:1-3; Romans 3:21-26 

If a person sins unintentionally . . . let him offer to the Lord . . . a young bull without blemish. —Leviticus 4:2-3 

When I was returning our grandson Alex to his family after a visit, the traffic seemed especially challenging. Fast-maneuvering cars blocked me from the correct toll lane, forcing me to go through a lane where only cars with a prepaid pass are permitted, which I didn’t have. Alex told me that my license plate would be photographed and a ticket might be mailed to me. I was frustrated because a penalty would have to be paid even though my infraction was unintentional.

For the ancient Jews, a violation of God’s laws committed even in ignorance was taken very seriously. The Old Testament recognized and provided for unintentional sins through appropriate sacrifices: “If a person sins unintentionally against any of the commandments . . . let him offer to the Lord . . . a young bull without blemish as a sin offering” (Lev. 4:2-3).

Old Testament sacrifices were more than a reminder that accidental wrongs have consequences. They were given in anticipation that God in His grace would provide atonement even for wrongs we didn’t realize we were doing. He did this through the death of Jesus in our place. God’s grace is far greater than we could ever imagine!

— Dennis Fisher

Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin. —Johnston

Grace is getting what we do not deserve. Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve. 

ODJ: God’s will and our hopes

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February 8, 2014 

READ: Genesis 1:1-31 

The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters (v.2).

Barely a few inches long, the image on the sonogram looked like something from a science fiction film. With distinctive little nubs for hands and a clearly defined head, I could see the promise of the one who was to be our firstborn. Still unknown were the gender, personality traits and distinctive qualities to fill out the picture of the now-beating heart. Capturing the image of this little life in the womb, the sonogram pictures were treasures for my husband and me. They reminded us that what we couldn’t see with our naked eye was indeed real, though hidden.

The capacity to produce and bring forth something seen from the unseen is inherent in all living things (Genesis 1:12,24). Humans are unique, however, in our ability to hope. We live in hope because—though marred by sin—we carry the ‘DNA’ of our Creator (v.27).

For the believer, seeing something we hoped for come to fruition isn’t about raw human ability. We base our hopes on the hard foundation of this truth: God fulfils what He designs (Psalm 139:13,15-16; Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 6:18). Like the formation of a child in its mother’s womb, however, the fulfilment of a hoped for outcome in life takes place in stages—many of them imperceptible with the natural eye.

Seasons of waiting can be difficult, for our emotions become especially heightened in times of protracted delay. When the questions—from ourselves and others—pile on top of one another, we must choose to settle ourselves on the “strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (v.19). For whether a hope is realised or not is based in God’s perfect plans. Our role? Stay focused, be patient and accept His loving will in hope. —Regina Franklin

MORE
Read Colossians 3:1-4, 17, 23-24 and consider how to build your hopes on the reality of heaven. 
NEXT
What’s the difference between making a risky decision and stepping out in faith? How can we know if what we’re hoping for is something that God has for us or if it’s something of our own making?  

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Who’s That Hero?

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February 7, 2014 

READ: Judges 3:7-11 

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. —Matthew 5:16 

Reading the book of Judges, with its battles and mighty warriors, can sometimes feel like reading about comic book superheroes. We have Deborah, Barak, Gideon, and Samson. However, in the line of judges (or deliverers), we also find Othniel.

The account of his life is brief and straightforward (Judges 3:7-11). No drama. No display of prowess. But what we do see is what God did through Othniel: “The Lord raised up a deliverer” (v.9), “the Spirit of the Lord came upon him” (v.10), and “the Lord delivered Cushan-Rishathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand” (v.10).

The Othniel account helps us focus on what is most important—the activity of God. Interesting stories and fascinating people can obscure that. We end up concentrating on those and fail to see what the Lord is doing.

When I was young, I wished I could be more talented so that I could point more people to Christ. But I was looking at the wrong thing. God often uses ordinary people for His extraordinary work. It is His light shining through our lives that glorifies God and draws others to Him (Matt. 5:16).

When others look at our life, it is more important that they see God—not us.

— poh fang chia

May the Word of God dwell richly
In my heart from hour to hour,
So that all may see I triumph
Only through His power. —Wilkinson

Our limited ability highlights God’s limitless power. 

ODJ: honesty is required

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February 7, 2014 

READ: Acts 4:32-5:11 

Peter said, “Ananias, why have you let Satan fill your heart? You lied to the Holy Spirit, and you kept some of the money for yourself” (5:3).

Their sin ruined the mument. Like a brawl at a wedding or a bitter argument during an office party, their selfish act brought the party to a halt. The new church had been an exhilarating community of love. “All the believers were united in heart and mind” and they “shared everything they had”. “Those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need” (Acts 4:32-35).

Ananias and Sapphira were thrilled to belong to this community, and they expressed their commitment by selling some property they owned. But they also wanted to keep back part of the money for themselves, so they lied and claimed that they had given the full amount. Then they died by the power of God.

Their punishment seems harsh until you remember two things:

1. They lied to God. Peter told Ananias they were free to give as much or as little as they wished, but they had tried to pull one over on God (5:4). It’s an awesome thing to be in God’s presence—see how God dispatched Uzzah (2 Samuel 6:7) and Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2)—for He doesn’t tolerate deceit or disobedience.

2. They lied to others. The defining message of the new church was that Jesus had risen from the dead (Acts 4:33). This was incredible news, and it demanded the absolute reliability of its messengers. If the early Christians couldn’t be trusted to tell the truth about money, who would believe them when they said their Lord was alive?

You and I have been entrusted with the same spectacular news. “We are Christ’s ambassadors” who plead with others to “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Do you want your friends to follow Jesus? Then be honest in all things. —Mike Wittmer

MORE
Read Joshua 7:1-26 to learn how important it is to be honest, especially when we are enjoying the blessing of God. 
NEXT
How can dishonesty forfeit your right to talk about Jesus? What can you do to earn trust in all your relationships? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Before And After

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February 6, 2014 

READ: Psalm 55:1-8,16-17 

Give ear to my prayer, O God . . . . My heart is severely pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen upon me. —Psalm 55:1,4 

What changes take place in a life of faith after severe testing? I thought of this as I read the tragic story of a Jamaican dad who accidentally shot and killed his 18-year-old daughter while trying to protect his family from intruders.

News reports said he went to church (as was his habit) the next day—distraught but still seeking God’s help. Faith in God guided him before, and he knew God could sustain him after.

I thought about this in regard to my own life—having also lost a teenage daughter. To review how I viewed life and faith before Melissa’s death, I dug into my computer archives to read the last article I had written before we lost her in June 2002. How would what I said then correspond to what I know now? Had severe testing changed my view of faith in God? In May of that year, I had written this: “David was not afraid to go boldly to God and tell Him what was on his heart. . . . We don’t have to be afraid to tell God what is on our heart.”

Before I went through tough times, I went to God and He listened to me. After, I discovered that He still listens and comforts and sustains. So I continue to pray in faith. Our faith remains intact and is strengthened because He is the God of the before and the after.

— Dave Branon

God is still on the throne,
He never forsaketh His own;
His promise is true, He will not forget you,
God is still on the throne. —Suffield

What we know of God encourages us to trust Him in all we do not know. 

ODJ: pizza box evangelist

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February 6, 2014 

READ: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 

Now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere (v.8).

My wife and I were in a local town centre trying to start spiritual conversations with people we met. We came across a 23 year old homeless person and shared the gospel with him using a method called “The Big Story”. It involves drawing circles to explain God’s story and plan of salvation. The young man had a pizza box at his feet as he sat on a street bench, so I drew on it as I explained the good news. God moved in his heart and he received Jesus as his Saviour! What’s more, later we saw him sharing the circles on the box with a man who had joined him on the bench. Then, not long afterward, the new believer in Jesus was showing them to another person.

When Paul wrote to the believers in the church of Thessalonica, he commended them for their “faithful work, . . . loving deeds . . . and the enduring hope” they possessed because of what Jesus had done in their hearts (1 Thessalonians 1:3). Paul, Silas and Timothy had brought them the gospel, and they had received “the message with joy” (vv.1,5-6). This was a beautiful thing on its own, but then the new converts began spreading the word. The apostle wrote, “Now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere . . . for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God” (v.8). They were living out true faith in Jesus and passionately presenting His message (vv.9-10).

As you take time today to share Jesus with a co-worker or with that stranger on the bus, the Holy Spirit just might lead them to salvation and subsequently to share their faith with others. Who knows, you might witness the launching of a pizza box evangelist!

Simply start that conversation and see where the Spirit leads. —Tom Felten

MORE
Read 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 and see where true power is found in our witness for Jesus.  
NEXT
With whom will you share your faith today? Why are new believers in Jesus so naturally willing to share what God has done for them? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: The Telltale Heart

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February 5, 2014 

READ: 1 John 3:16-24 

If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. —1 John 3:20 

Recently I read about a private investigator in the US who would knock on a door, show his badge to whoever answered, and say, “I guess we don’t have to tell you why we’re here.” Many times, the person would look stunned and say, “How did you find out?” then go on to describe an undiscovered criminal act committed long ago. Writing in Smithsonian magazine, Ron Rosenbaum described the reaction as “an opening for the primal force of conscience, the telltale heart’s internal monologue.”

We all know things about ourselves that no one else knows—failures, faults, sins—that although confessed to God and forgiven by Him may come back to accuse us again and again. John, one of Jesus’ close followers, wrote about God’s love for us and the call to follow His commands, saying: “By this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:19-20).

Our confidence toward God grows out of His love and forgiveness in Christ, not our performance in life. “We know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us” (v.24).

God, who knows everything about us, is greater than our self-condemnation.

— David C. McCasland

No condemnation now I dread,
I am my Lord’s and He is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine. —Wesley

The one who receives Christ will never receive God’s condemnation. 

ODJ: in the shadows

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February 5, 2014 

READ: John 20:1-11  

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in (v.11).

I know a couple who have just had their third miscarriage. In two of those painful losses they’ve held a perfectly formed, lifeless little body in their hands. While there’s much light in this world—beauty, goodness, joy—there are also the shadows of sadness, evil and suffering.

Sometimes we wonder where God is in the midst of our pain.

But look at the people to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. Mary Magdalene stood before a cold, empty tomb on Easter Sunday (John 20:11). She was weak with grief. The horror of witnessing the crucifixion of the innocent Man she loved was made worse by the apparent theft of His body from the grave (v.2).

Cleopas, walking along the Emmaus road with his friend, was disappointed and confused (Luke 24:13-32). The One he believed would liberate the Jews from their enemies had been crucified (v.21).

Peter, fishing with his friends, felt bewildered by all that had happened since Jesus’ crucifixion (John 21:1-3). He also felt ashamed. For he had declared that he would follow Jesus anywhere, but ended up denying his Lord three times (18:17,25-27).

Thomas, sitting with the disciples, was filled with doubt—wondering if it was really true that Jesus would live again (20:24-25).

Mary, Cleopas, Peter, Thomas—all of them in the shadows. And that’s where Jesus met them. Soon Mary and Cleopas saw Jesus with their own eyes and their grief and disappointment disappeared (Luke 24:30-32; John 20:12-16). Soon Peter saw Jesus and had his shame removed (21:7,15-19). Soon Thomas saw Jesus and had his doubts dispelled (20:26-28).

Life’s ‘shadow moments’ can cause us to doubt God’s goodness or even His existence. Instead, may they draw us closer to Him. —Sheridan Voysey

MORE
Read Job 42:5 and reflect on his words after he experienced God in his pain.  
NEXT
How can pain help us to know God better? How have you seen God work through someone’s suffering? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)