Entries by YMI

ODB: Resolve To Resolve

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February 3, 2014 

READ: Romans 14:1-13 

Resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. —Romans 14:13 

I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions since 1975. I haven’t needed any new ones—I’m still working on old ones like these: write at least a short note in my journal every day; make a strong effort to read my Bible and pray each day; organize my time; try to keep my room clean (this was before I had a whole house to keep clean).

This year, however, I am adding a new resolution that I found in Paul’s letter to the Romans: “Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way” (14:13). Although this resolution is old (about 2,000 years), it is one that we should renew annually. Like believers in Rome centuries ago, believers today sometimes make up rules for others to follow and insist on adherence to certain behaviors and beliefs that the Bible says little or nothing about. These “stumbling blocks” make it difficult for followers of Jesus to continue in the way of faith that He came to show us—that salvation is by grace not works (Gal. 2:16). It requires only that we trust in His death and resurrection for forgiveness.

We can celebrate this good news of Christ in the coming year by resolving not to set up hurdles that cause people to stumble.

— Julie Ackerman Link

Thank You, Lord, that You sent the Holy Spirit
to do the work of convincing and convicting.
May I be content with my own assignment:
to do what leads to peace and edification.

Faith is the hand that receives God’s gift, then faith is the feet that walk with God. 

ODJ: of hobbies and gossip

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February 3, 2014 

READ: Leviticus 19:11-18 

Confront people directly so you will not be held guilty for their sin (v.17).

A woman became engrossed in a new hobby. The activity itself was a healthy one, but the devoted wife and mother soon began to neglect her family and friends—even her walk with God.

Her pastor’s wife, a friend, expressed disapproval of her behaviour. But rather than reach out to the woman directly, she asked a friend to pass along her words of condemnation. Feeling shamed and that she was the victim of hurtful judgement, the woman left the church altogether.

How could Scripture have helped this situation to turn out differently? Leviticus 19:17 reminds us to “confront people directly”. The woman had been engaging in a harmless hobby, but it had led her down a path of irresponsibility. At that point the activity was no longer “beneficial” (1 Corinthians 10:23). Her new pursuit ultimately resulted in her focusing more on her “own good” than the “good of others” (v.24).

The pastor’s wife had the opportunity to show love to the woman and restore her through a spirit of gentleness (Leviticus 19:18; Galatians 6:1), but it didn’t happen. And while the prodigal woman might have “rejected the correction” (Proverbs 1:25), the pastor’s wife (or anyone else) could still have followed a biblical, gracious approach. In fact if the pastor’s wife had simply had a private conversation with her wayward friend—rather than using a third party to deliver her hurtful message—she might not have caused her friend to end their relationship and leave the church (Proverbs 16:28).

How can we more appropriately point out sins we observe in others? It’s vital that people know we truly love them even while we’re seeking to help them turn from the wrong path. —Roxanne Robbins

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Read Proverbs 17:4 and consider the caution about sharing what should be private concerns with other people.  
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What needs to change in your way of helping people turn from sinful behaviour? Why is it important for us to speak the truth in love? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Guidance Needed

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February 2, 2014 

READ: James 4:11-17 

When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. —John 16:13 

St. Nicholas Church in Galway, Ireland, has both a long history and an active present. It’s the oldest church in Ireland, and it provides guidance in a very practical way. The church towers over the town, and its steeple is used by ships’ captains as a guide for navigating their way safely into Galway Bay. For centuries, this church has reliably pointed the way home for sailors.

We can all certainly identify with the need for guidance. In fact, Jesus addressed this very need during His Upper Room Discourse. He said that after His departure the Holy Spirit would play a crucial role in the lives of believers. As part of that role, Jesus promised, “When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

What a marvelous provision! In a world of confusion and fear, guidance is often needed. We can easily be misdirected by the culture around us or by the brokenness within us (1 John 2:15-17). God’s Spirit, however, is here to help, to direct, and to guide. How thankful we can be that the Spirit of truth has come to give us the guidance that we often so desperately need. Set your course by His life, and you will reach safe harbor.

— Bill Crowder

Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land.
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand. —Williams

The Spirit is a reliable guide in all of life’s seas. 

ODJ: all our lives

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February 2, 2014 

READ: 2 Corinthians 1:12-21 

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom (v.12).

In the early 1500s Martin Luther said faith in Jesus justifies us. But he also stated that faith should permeate all areas of our lives, including business dealings. Two and a half centuries later, a young man named John Woolman took this to heart as he opened a tailor shop. Due to his commitment to Christian love, he chose not to purchase any cotton or dye supplies that had been produced by slaves. Then he would be able to say, with a clear conscience, that he had lived according to holiness and sincerity in all his dealings (2 Corinthians 1:12).

In 2 Corinthians 1 Paul defended his integrity among the Corinthians who were trying to undermine his authority by charging him with being insincere, deceptive and exploitive in his dealings with them. He was forced to protect his character by highlighting several things about his conduct: (1) He related to the Corinthians with holiness and singleness of heart; (2) His conduct among the Corinthians was sincere—his words and actions could stand the closest scrutiny; (3) His conduct was not according to worldly wisdom—it was not self-serving (v.12). He related to the Corinthians according to God’s grace, expressing that he was dependent on His power for effectiveness (v.21). He wasn’t motivated by popularity or profit but by his genuine love for them. His faith permeated all of his dealings.

We should be careful to let the good news permeate our entire lives and influence everything we do. This may mean standing alone and risking profits in order to live in continuity with our Christian faith. When we talk and behave in a way that’s beyond criticism, we will draw attention to the truthfulness and the power of God’s message. —Marvin Williams

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Read Acts 23:1. What allowed Paul to speak with such confidence about his words and life?  
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How are your words and actions a representation of your faith in Jesus? What areas of your life do you need to open up to God’s influence? How will you do that? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Heard By God

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February 1, 2014 

READ: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 

Hannah spoke in her heart; . . . her voice was not heard. —1 Samuel 1:13 

After reading several children’s books with my daughter, I told her that I was going to read a grown-up book for a while and then we would look at books together again. I opened the cover and began to read in silence. A few minutes later, she looked at me doubtfully and said, “Mommy, you aren’t really reading.” She assumed that since I wasn’t speaking, I wasn’t processing the words.

Like reading, prayer can be silent. Hannah, who longed for a child of her own, visited the temple and “spoke in her heart” as she prayed. Her lips were moving, but “her voice was not heard” (1 Sam. 1:13). Eli the priest saw but misunderstood what was happening. She explained, “I . . . have poured out my soul before the Lord” (v.15). God heard Hannah’s silent prayer request and gave her a son (v.20).

Since God searches our hearts and minds (Jer. 17:10), He sees and hears every prayer—even the ones that never escape our lips. His all-knowing nature makes it possible for us to pray with full confidence that He will hear and answer (Matt. 6:8,32). Because of this, we can continually praise God, ask Him for help, and thank Him for blessings—even when no one else can hear us.

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known. —Walford

God fills our heart with peace when we pour out our heart to Him. 

ODJ: use what you have

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February 1, 2014 

READ: 2 Kings 4:1-7 

“What can I do to help you?” Elisha asked. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” (v.2).

In 2008 economists confirmed that the UK was in recession. Sure enough, in time, as many as one in ten people lost their jobs, and the normally bustling high streets fell silent as many well known companies became insolvent.

Due to my work as a DJ on a Christian radio station, I was asked to speak to a group of people who had been hit hard by the economic slump. I shared the following biblical account in an attempt to encourage them.

In 2 Kings 4:1-7 a widow sought help from the prophet Elisha. Her husband, who had been “a member of the group of prophets”, had died and some men were going to take her two sons as payment for his debts (v.1). Elisha asked the widow, “What do you have in your house?” (v.2). The woman produced only a flask of olive oil (v.2). But God miraculously allowed the oil to flow from the flask until she had filled many, many containers (vv.5-6). She then sold some of the oil to pay her husband’s debts, and she lived on the remainder.

Years later the disciples asked Jesus to send a hungry crowd away to fend for themselves. But Jesus said, “You feed them” (Matthew 14:16). Lacking faith, they replied, “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish!” (v.17). Jesus then took the meager amount of food and miraculously fed 5,000 men (plus women and children). In fact, “they all ate as much as they wanted, and afterwards, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers” (v.20).

Today, God multiplies what we have when we surrender it to Him. Rather than looking to others for your provision, look to what God has provided. He alone can multiply the talents and treasures He has given you. He alone can truly bless and sustain you. —Ruth O’Reilly-Smith

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Read Matthew 15:32-38 and see how Jesus once again multiplied a small portion of food to feed 4,000 men (plus women and children). 
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What has God given you that could help sustain you and bless others? Why is it important for us to seek our provision from God’s hand? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Buyer’s Remorse

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January 31, 2014 

READ: Genesis 3:1-8 

He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. —Isaiah 61:10 

Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse? I have. Just prior to making a purchase, I feel the surge of excitement that comes with getting something new. After buying the item, however, a wave of remorse sometimes crashes over me. Did I really need this? Should I have spent the money?

In Genesis 3, we find the first record of a buyer’s remorse. The whole thing began with the crafty serpent and his sales pitch. He persuaded Eve to doubt God’s Word (v.1). He then capitalized on her uncertainty by casting doubt on God’s character (vv.4-5). He promised that her eyes would “be opened” and she would become “like God” (v.5).

So Eve ate. Adam ate. And sin entered the world. But the first man and woman got more than they bargained for. Their eyes were opened all right, but they didn’t become like God. In fact, their first act was to hide from God (vv.7-8).

Sin has dire consequences. It always keeps us from God’s best. But God in His mercy and grace clothed Adam and Eve in garments made from animal skins (v.21)—foreshadowing what Jesus Christ would do for us by dying on the cross for our sins. His blood was shed so that we might be clothed with His righteousness—with no remorse!

— poh fang chia

Then will I set my heart to find
Inward adornings of the mind:
Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace,
These are the robes of richest dress. —Watts

The cross, which reveals the righteousness of God, provides that righteousness for mankind. 

ODJ: God in a box

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January 31, 2014 

READ: Exodus 20:1-7 

You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea (v.4).

Wouldn’t it be nice if we could fit God into a box? When we want to do or say something that’s not Christ-like, we could simply place Him in it and shut the lid. Perhaps we’d like to do so just before cursing during a bad traffic jam or when we’re checking something out on YouTube, Facebook or Twitter that isn’t appropriate. After our dalliance with sin, we could simply bring God back out.

There are times when we might wish that we could create and control God. But the second commandment warns against this (Exodus 20:4-6). It’s wrong to reduce our holy, infinite God to our own liking or image. As it’s written, “You must not make for yourself an idol . . . bow down to them or worship them” (vv.4-5). 

It’s interesting that of the 10 Commandments, this one is most often repeated in the Bible. And it’s the only commandment with both a threat and a promise. Perhaps this is because we have the propensity to make God in our image instead of submitting to His remaking us into His image! We say, “God’s love—I like that. But I don’t think I want any of His holiness”.

All attempts to put God in a box of our making degrades Him. It also can negatively affect others’ view of God. For if we have a low view of Him, they might adopt one too. But if we have a high view of God, they can see it and hopefully embrace it.

We can keep the second commandment by acknowledging that God is the God of the Bible, the Holy One revealed to us in Jesus Christ. J. I. Packer states, “Our aim in studying the Godhead must be to know God Himself better. Our concern must be to enlarge our acquaintance, not simply with the doctrine of God’s attributes but with the living God whose attributes they are”. —Poh Fang Chia

MORE
Read in Judges 17:1-13 and 18:14-26 the story of Micah, a man who disregarded God’s law against making graven images. 
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How does your perception of God compare to the way God has presented Himself in the Bible? How can you live out J. I. Packer’s advice? 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Precious In God’s Eyes

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January 30, 2014 

READ: Psalm 116 

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. —Psalm 116:15 

In response to the news that a mutual friend of ours had died, a wise brother who knew the Lord sent me these words, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints” (Ps. 116:15). Our friend’s vibrant faith in Jesus Christ was the dominant characteristic of his life, and we knew he was home with God in heaven. His family had that assurance as well, but I had been focused only on their sorrow. And it’s appropriate to consider others during their grief and loss.

But the verse from Psalms turned my thoughts to how the Lord saw the passing of our friend. Something “precious” is something of great value. Yet, there is a larger meaning here. There is something in the death of a saint that transcends our grief over their absence.

“Precious (important and no light matter) in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints (His loving ones)” (The Amplified Bible). Another paraphrase says, “His loved ones are very precious to him and he does not lightly let them die” (The Living Bible). God is not flippant toward death. The marvel of His grace and power is that, as believers, our loss of life on earth also brings great gain.

Today we have only a glimpse. One day we’ll understand it in the fullness of His light.

— David C. McCasland

So when my last breath
Shall rend the veil in twain
By death I shall escape from death
And life eternal gain. —Montgomery

Faith builds a bridge across the gulf of death.