Entries by YMI

ODB: Unfailing Mercy

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September 14, 2013 

READ: Luke 22:54-62 

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. . . . Great is Your faithfulness. —Lamentations 3:22-23 

As I strolled through Chicago’s O’Hare airport, something caught my eye—a hat worn by someone racing through the concourse. What caught my attention was the message it conveyed in just two words: “Deny Everything.” I wondered what it meant. Don’t ever admit to guilt? Or deny yourself the pleasures and luxuries of life? I scratched my head at the mystery of those two simple words, “Deny Everything.”

One of Jesus’ followers, Simon Peter, did some denying. In a critical moment, he denied three times that He even knew Jesus! (Luke 22:57, 58,60). His fear-filled act of denial caused him such guilt and heartache that, broken by his spiritual failure, he could only go out and weep bitterly (v.62).

But Peter’s denial of Christ, like our own moments of spiritual denial, could never diminish the compassion of God. The prophet Jeremiah wrote, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lam. 3:22-23). We can take heart that even when we fail, our faithful God comes to us in mercy and compassion that never fails!

— Bill Crowder

Thank You, Father, for Your new and never-
failing mercies. Forgive me for the times I deny
You and fail others, and teach me to run to
You for Your overflowing compassion.

Being imperfect emphasizes our dependence on God’s mercy. 

ODJ: God knows you


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September 14, 2013 

READ: Jeremiah 1:4-8 

I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb (v.5).


Collectors Weekly recently posted a fascinating series of pictures of the contents of suitcases left behind by deceased patients of the Willard Asylum for the Chronic Insane between 1910 and the 1960s. The images tell stories but leave many questions. One suitcase held a woman’s collection of whimsical hairbrushes, packed next to a small straw broom. Another suitcase held a clock, a tub of shoe polish and a small hand-carved Scottish Terrier. There were books, musical instruments, photographs and journals. Each photo reminds you that a person left this luggage behind, a person who was someone’s mother, brother or friend. The scattered remnants give us vague glimpses of the people who owned them.

God speaks an assuring word to the prophet Jeremiah, a word that also assures us. “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart” (Jeremiah 1:5). Jeremiah was no surprise to God. No person is.


He doesn’t merely know about us, as though we were a random fact lodged in His brain. Rather, God intimately knows us (meaning a deep, personal knowing—what people once called a soul knowing). Even more, God formed us. We are His idea, His creation. God desired us.


Still Jeremiah protested. It’s as though he believed this word was too good to be true. God had affirmed a call on the prophet’s life, but Jeremiah was afraid. He said, “I can’t speak for you! I’m too young” (v.6). Fear keeps us from hearing God’s words of love and from receiving His delight.


God persisted. “Don’t be afraid . . . for I will be with you” (v.8). He knows and loves us completely. —Winn Collier


› John 14:1-14

MORE
Read Jeremiah 17:7-10. Who can know your heart? What blessing comes to the one who trusts in God?
 
NEXT
What do you feel when encountering the fact of God’s deep knowledge of you? What space in your heart do you need to open up to God’s probing love?
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: A Father To Follow

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September 13, 2013 

READ: 2 Chronicles 17:1-10 

[Jehoshaphat] sought the God of his father, and walked in His commandments. —2 Chronicles 17:4 

When I think of my father, I think of this saying: “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived, and he let me watch him do it.” During my youth, I watched my dad walk with God. He participated in Sunday morning church services, taught an adult Bible-study class, helped with counting the offering, and served as a deacon. Outside of church, he faithfully defended the gospel and read his Bible. I saw him express his love for the Lord through outward actions.

Asa, king of Judah, modeled devotion to God for a season in his life (2 Chron. 14:2). He removed the idols from his kingdom, restored the altar of the Lord, and led the people into a covenant with God (15:8-12). Asa’s son Jehoshaphat carried on this legacy by seeking “the God of his father and walk[ing] in His commandments” (17:4). Jehoshaphat purged the land of idol worship (v.6) and sent out priests and Levites to teach God’s law in all of the cities of Judah (vv.7-9).

Jehoshaphat’s reign resembled that of his father; he faithfully honored Asa’s godly example. Yet even more important, Jehoshaphat’s “heart took delight in the ways of the Lord” (v.6). Today, if you’re looking for a father to follow, remember your heavenly Father and take delight in His ways.

— Jennifer Benson Schuldt

We magnify our Father God
With songs of thoughtful praise;
As grateful children we confess
How perfect are His ways. —Ball

We honor God’s name when we call Him our Father
and live like His Son. 

ODJ: actions and adventure


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September 13, 2013 

READ: 1 John 3:11-20 

Our actions will show that we belong to the truth (v.19).


I found the experience remarkably similar to driving in Uganda, where I dodge chickens, goats, cattle, boda-bodas, matatus and pedestrians—all the while going up, down and around crater-sized potholes and other obstacles. So while D-BOX was fun, I wonder why I paid for an experience that I get for free on a daily basis!

I’ve found that following Jesus leads me into the thrills of real-life adventure too. Though far more challenging than a D-BOX experience, walking with Him brings challenges and thrills that exceed any simulated ride.


While Jesus doesn’t call everyone to the challenging roads of Africa, He does call each of us to move. “Get up and prepare for action,” the Lord instructed His people in Jeremiah 1:17. “Put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ,” Paul urged in Philemon 1:6. For when our faith and actions work together, our actions make our “faith complete” (James 2:22).


Before launching out, however, remember that to accomplish even more than we could hope for, our first action should be to offer ourselves to Jesus and to the people we’re called to serve (2 Corinthians 8:5).


It’s true. Our actions reveal God working in and through us, and they bring His hope to others (1 John 3:18-19). Let’s show that we belong to the truth, and to God, by following His action-oriented commands (vv.11,23-24). —Roxanne Robbins


MORE
Read Deuteronomy 11:8 and see how obeying God’s commands is an important step in preparing for the actions He wants you to take.
 
NEXT
How would you describe someone living an adventurous life for Jesus? What actions will you take for Him this week? 
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Beneficial Power

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September 12, 2013 

READ: 2 Chronicles 16:6-13 

The eyes of the Lord run to and fro . . . , to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. —2 Chronicles 16:9 

Boxing and strong-man competitions have a unique aspect to them. In the events, the athletes compete individually for the purpose of demonstrating their superior strength. It’s like arm wrestling—you do it to prove that you are the strongest person in the room.

One aspect of God’s glory is His almighty power. But how does He show His strength? He doesn’t do it by rearranging the galaxies before our very eyes, changing the color of the sun at a whim, or freezing a lightning bolt as a trophy to His strength. Instead, in His love and compassion for needy people like ourselves, God has chosen to “show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him” (2 Chron. 16:9).

The pattern is consistent throughout Scripture. From the dividing of the Red Sea, to the marvel of manna in the wilderness, to the miraculous virgin birth, and ultimately to the power of the resurrection, our Almighty God has chosen to demonstrate His strength to bless, preserve, and protect His people.

Be assured that He delights in showing Himself strong in the challenges of our life. And when He proves His power on our behalf, let’s remember to give Him the glory!

— Joe Stowell

Lord, thank You for choosing to expend Your
divine power on the needs of my life. When my
strength is weak, teach me to trust that Your mighty
arm is able to guard, protect, and deliver!

All of God’s promises are backed
by His wisdom, love, and power. 

ODJ: know your enemy


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September 12, 2013 

READ: 2 Samuel 1:17-27 

If you are really serious about wanting to return to the Lord, get rid of your . . . gods (1 Samuel 7:3). 


A recent pop song contains these lyrics: “Do youknow the enemy? Do you know your enemy?Well, gotta know the enemy.”

David knew someone who counted him as an enemy—Saul. The troubled king of Israel hated David, and that spelt big trouble for the future king. David nervously thought, “Someday Saul is going to get me” (1 Samuel 27:1).


But David didn’t hate Saul. In fact he called him “the Lord’s anointed one” (26:9). And though he had the chance to take Saul’s life, he refused to do it (vv.7-9). So when a young man said he had ended Saul’s life (a lie intended to gain favour), David wasn’t pleased (2 Samuel 1:14-16). A wounded Saul had died, but it was by his own hand and sword (1 Samuel 31:4).


Saul and his son Jonathan, David’s best friend, had perished in a battle with the dreaded Philistines. Filled with grief, David poured out his soul in a “funeral song” (2 Samuel 1:17). It includes these lyrics: “Your pride and joy, O Israel, lies dead on the hills!” (v.19). This sure doesn’t sound like someone who knew his enemy! “How beloved and gracious were Saul and Jonathan!” (v.23).


What? Jonathan, I get, but Saul . . .


David went on to state how much he loved Jonathan (vv.25-26). But the fact remains that he also celebrated Saul’s life. Why? Because of his reverence and love for God. He recognised that Saul had been God’s anointed one. This provided all he needed to know.


Jesus said, “Love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” (Matthew 5:44). Our human adversaries have been deeply affected by our true enemies—sin and Satan. Knowing that helps us to see them as Jesus does.


Yes, know your enemies, but also know that God wants you to love them. —Tom Felten


MORE
Read Luke 6:27-36 and note some of the examples Jesus gives for loving your enemies.
 
NEXT
What happens inside of you when you choose to love your enemies? Why is it important to remember who your true enemies are?
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: It’s All About The Love

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September 11, 2013 

READ: 1 John 4:7-19 

We have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love. —1 John 4:16 

I saw a sign in front of a church that seems to me to be a great motto for relationships: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

The greatest love that we receive is the love of God. He loved us so much that He gave His Son Jesus to live, die, and rise again to redeem us (1 John 4:9). We receive His love when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord. “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).

After we’ve experienced God’s love, we then can learn to give love. “Let us love one another, for love is of God” (1 John 4:7).

God’s love enables us to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. We teach, encourage, and rebuke. We weep and rejoice. The love we give is tender and tough and supportive. We are taught by Jesus even to love our enemies: “Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matt. 5:44). Giving love to others can be challenging in some situations, but it’s possible because of the love God has first given to us.

A good plan for our lives today: Receive love. Give love. Repeat.

— Anne Cetas

For Further Study
How do we experience the love of Christ? (John 15:10).
What is the evidence of God’s love in our lives? (1 John 4:16-21).
How can we show God’s love today?

Receive love. Give love. Repeat. 

ODJ: still in process


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September 11, 2013 

READ: Colossians 3:10-19, 4:5-6 

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony (3:14).


After 18 years of marriage I thought I had a pretty good handle on how to love my husband. Trials, children and the hand of God had significantly affected change in our relationship in countless ways. But gentle promptings from the Lord to pick up a particular book on love continued to interrupt my daily activities. Noticing the book when it first hit the market, I knew it would be a great resource for others. Now God was calling me to lay down my pride and see not only what He had done in my life, but also what He still desired to do.


Transformation isn’t always easy, especially when it involves our hearts. Relationships, whether with God, our spouse or anyone else, are a journey—not a destination. Though we grow stronger through the things God is doing in us, circumstances in life will invariably bring stressors or adjustments that require us to submit humbly to God’s continued work (Romans 8:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24). God often uses our closest relationships to bring about the transformation in us that will be the witness of Jesus’ love to an unbelieving world (John 13:35; Colossians 4:5).


From hidden behaviours of the heart to our self-preservationist actions, God calls us to “put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like Him” (3:10). True change, however, requires humility—a relinquishing of our rights that we might embrace His (Psalm 25:9; Proverbs 10:12).


As our worth and purpose become more hidden with Jesus (Colossians 3:3), the less we need to prove we’re right, the more we want His Word to come alive in us, and the more we truly love. —Regina Franklin


Luke 22:1-13 ‹

MORE
Read John 15:12-17 and consider what it means to look to Jesus as our example of how to respond in our relationships with others.
 
NEXT
What happens if we don’t view our relationship with God and others through the lens of growth and change? What specific “new nature” behaviours are you choosing to put on?
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: The Power Of Affirmation

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September 10, 2013 

READ: 1 Corinthians 1:4-9 

I thank my God always concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus. —1 Corinthians 1:4 

During a recent study, 200,000 employees were interviewed to discover the missing ingredient in their productivity. The study concluded that appreciation and affirmation topped the list of what they wanted most from their superiors. This research implies that receiving affirmation is a basic human need.

The apostle Paul seemed to realize this basic need in the Corinthian believers, so before he peppered them with firm words of discipline, he showered them with affirmation. As their spiritual leader, Paul began his letter with thanksgiving to God for the grace being displayed in their lives.

Once far from God, these believers were now participating in His grace through the death and resurrection of Christ. United with Jesus, they were drawing their spiritual life from Him, and the fruit of this union was their spiritual growth in godliness (1 Cor. 1:4-7). Paul deliberately and continually thanked God for His work in the Corinthian believers’ lives. I imagine that they were better able to bear firm criticism from Paul because of his tender affirmation.

When we see people who are obeying God, let’s take time to affirm them and to thank God for what He’s doing through them.

— Marvin Williams

Lord, You are at work in so many ways in my life
and in the people around me. Help me to encourage
my brothers and sisters in Christ by telling them
how I am blessed to see Your work in them.

Praise loudly—correct softly.