Entries by YMI

ODJ: unexpected blessings


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April 18, 2013 

READ: Matthew 5:1-12 


God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted (v.4).


It’s likely we’ve read Jesus’ Beatitudes as a list of virtues—
 attitudes and actions that He wants us to pursue. So, we 
 think, He wants us to be humble (Matthew 5:5), merciful (v.7), pure in heart (v.8) and peaceful (v.9).

These are wonderful qualities to have. If we’re to be consistent in reading the Beatitudes this way, however, some of these ‘virtues’ become tricky. Does Jesus really want us to mourn (v.4) or to be persecuted and insulted? (vv.10-11). (Some have said we should mourn over our sins, but this is not actually said in the text.) This way of reading the Beatitudes can also lead to a works based understanding of salvation. If we’re humble, gentle, merciful and so on, we assume that God will then ‘bless’ us.


Perhaps Jesus was making a different point. Luke’s recording of the Beatitudes makes it clear that Jesus was not addressing people who thought they were poor, hungry or sad, but people who literally were (Luke 6:17-23).


This has led commentators like Dallas Willard to suggest that Jesus’ Beatitudes are not a list of virtues but a list of ‘outcasts’ rejected by society but “blessed” by Jesus (the people mentioned in Matthew 4:23-25). They were spiritually impoverished (5:3), sad (v.4), shy and prone to abuse (v.5), seeking but denied justice (v.6), ridiculed for being merciful or living by their strict conscience (vv.7-8), peacemakers instead of political radicals (v.9), and those persecuted for doing right or following Jesus (vv.10-11). All such people were ‘written off’ by both the secular society and religious elite of Jesus’ day.


If this is what Jesus was saying, then the message of the Beatitudes is radical. Jesus welcomes all whom society rejects. Today that would include murderers, molesters, drug dealers, the homeless, mentally ill and overweight people.

Jesus ignores the world’s popularity lists. He takes anyone who will come to Him. —Sheridan Voysey


MORE
Read Mary’s inspiring “magnificat” (also known as the song of Mary) in Luke 1:46-55 to see the way God reverses the fortunes of those who are despised by the world.
 
NEXT
What hopeless or ‘written off’ people do you know? How can you be as gracious towards them as Jesus is to you?
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: All The Comforts Of Home

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April 17, 2013 

READ: John 14:1-6 

In My Father’s house are many mansions; . . . I go to prepare a place for you. —John 14:2 

Once, during my tenure as a human resource officer for a construction company, we took some jobs in a neighboring state. This meant our workers were faced with a 2-hour commute each way, plus a full workday. To ease the burden, we booked motel rooms for the week, but we also arranged vans and drivers to transport those who decided to commute. Almost every worker took the vans!

One of our grumpiest workers discarded his usual demeanor as he described the thrill and surprise of his wife and four boys on the first night. He hadn’t told them he had an option to come home, so he showed up unexpectedly to surprise them. Later his wife called to thank the company owner, telling him their family was “loyal for life” to anyone who understood how important home was to workers.

Anyone who has been deprived of home, even for a short time, will understand the comfort Jesus’ disciples drew from His words when He promised that an eternal home awaited them (John 14:2). Then, to make their joy complete, Jesus told them He would prepare and guide them to that home, and, joy of joys, He would be there too (v.3).

Remember the greatest comfort of this life: Jesus promised that one day we will go home to be with Him.

— Randy Kilgore

Heavenly Father, we praise You for these words
from Jesus that touch the deepest longing in
our soul—the hope and comfort of home. We
want to be with You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

There is no place like home— especially when home is heaven. 

ODJ: if My people


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April 17, 2013 

READ: 2 Chronicles 7:1-22 


If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land (v.14).


I was speaking with three friends about the lamentable condition of our country, America. They mentioned the continued practice of abortion, the rise of homosexual marriage, and the debt crisis. One friend cited 
2 Chronicles 7:14 and said that our nation’s problems will only be solved when our country turns to God. I said that would be difficult to pull off, as America believes in the separation of church and state. We Americans cannot compel Muslims, Buddhists or atheists to worship Yahweh. Nor would we want to. Life goes badly—both for those inside and outside the church—whenever Christianity becomes the religion of the state.


But this doesn’t mean that 2 Chronicles 7:14 doesn’t apply to us. Peter declares that God’s people are the church, which is a kingdom of “royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). Our problem is not that my country is failing to live Christianly, but that the church is failing to live as God’s holy nation. Christians have the same marriage challenges and other problems as people who don’t claim to know Jesus. This is a scandalous black eye on the bride of Christ.

We can’t compel others to live righteously, but what if we followed Peter’s command to “show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into His wonderful light”? (v.9). We may be outnumbered, but we could still make a difference.


The early church did so much for so many that in AD 362, Julian the Apostate complained he couldn’t return the Roman Empire to paganism. How could he persuade the average Roman that Christians were bad, when “the impious Galileans support not only their own poor but ours as well”?


May revival come to my nation, and may it start with me. —Mike Wittmer


MORE
Read 1 Peter 2:9-25 to learn how you can make a difference for Jesus in your world. 
NEXT
How does it affect unbelievers when ‘Christians’ are unholy and unloving and seem to sin as much as they do? How can you more selflessly model Jesus?
 

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)

ODB: Cape Tribulation

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April 16, 2013 

READ: James 1:1-8 

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. —James 1:2-3 

On June 10, 1770, British navigator James Cook’s ship hit a reef off the northeast coast of Australia. He sailed the ship out into deeper water only to hit the reef again, and this time the collision almost sank the ship. This experience moved Cook to write in the ship’s log: “The north point [was named] Cape Tribulation because here began all our troubles.”

Many of us have experienced a trial that has seemed to trigger a string of other trials. The loss of a job, the death of a loved one, an unwanted divorce, or a decline in health could all be part of the list.

Even though a crisis may seem to be our “Cape Tribulation,” God is still sovereign and He most certainly is in control. It is His purpose to use tribulation to build resilience into us. James writes: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience” (James 1:2-3). The word translated “patience” means to have staying power or the ability to endure.

In the midst of your life-changing trial, remember that God is still at work. He wants to use your “Cape Tribulation” experience to build your character. He has promised His grace to see you through (2 Cor. 12:9).

— Dennis Fisher

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;
To added affliction He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.
—Annie Johnson Flint. © Renewal 1969. Lill

Faith grows best in the winter of trial. —Rutherford 

ODJ: God’s garden


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April 16, 2013 

READ: Jeremiah 1:1-12 


The Lord said, “That’s right, and it means that 
I am watching, and I 
will certainly carry out all My plans” (v.12).


Last spring I planted a herb garden, even though I don’t have a ‘green thumb’. In fact I only sporadically watered the plants when their environment reached desertlike conditions. But, fortunately, I was able to enjoy cooking with the fresh produce of my work throughout the summer. A year later, though, I looked out at my garden and realised that my garden—like my life—was in a different phase. The mint had taken over, some herbs were completely wiped out and others were barren stalks. I decided it was a good season to pull them up.


Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches us that life also moves in seasons. Although the truths found in God’s Word are unchanging, He uses varying methods at different times to accomplish His purposes. Our role as His people is to hear His voice, understand the times, and know how to respond (1 Chronicles 12:32; John 10:4).


Although biblical truths are universal, the application of them can be individualistic and personal. The things He asks of you may not be the things He is asking of someone else.

Even in the church, we can easily get caught up in comparing ourselves with others and feeling threatened if God is moving someone in a different way than what we’re experiencing. We may even go so far as to judge others by our personal preferences or our individual relationship with Jesus rather than by Scripture.

Jeremiah 1 reminds us:


• God knew what we would do in His kingdom even before we were born (v.5).


• God has called us as individuals and will help us complete our work for

Him (vv.7-9).


• Our role is to obey His Word; His is to bring it to pass (Isaiah 55:11;

Jeremiah 1:12). —Regina Franklin


MORE
Read Acts 10:1-35 and 11:1-2, 17-18 to see how God’s specific task and timing in Peter’s life also affected the community of believers as a whole. 
NEXT
When have you been lonely because God called you to do something different to those around you? How can we discern between biblical standards and individual calling? 

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ODB: Money Talk

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April 15, 2013 

READ: 1 Timothy 6:6-12 

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God. —1 Timothy 6:17 

Marilyn and Steven had been married just a few years, and money was tight. But as she looked at their threadbare bedspread, she wanted to replace it. So she decided she would buy a new one with a credit card—hoping to somehow find the money to pay it off.

Her devotional reading for the day surprised her when it pointed her to Proverbs 22:27, “If you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you” (niv). Marilyn decided not to go into debt for a new bedspread that day.

Decisions about the way we spend our money are a personal matter between us and the Lord and can be difficult to make. But God hasn’t left us without help. He tells us: “Honor the Lord with your possessions” (Prov. 3:9), and “You cannot serve both God and Money” (Matt. 6:24 niv).

With such truths in mind, we look further in His Word for help to use money wisely. We find this: “Beware of covetousness” (Luke 12:15). Another says, “The borrower is servant to the lender” (Prov. 22:7). And in 1 Timothy we read, be “ready to give, willing to share” (6:18).

Money is a big issue. God, who provides for all our needs, can show us how to use it to bring Him honor.

— Dave Branon

Lord, sometimes money and finances are
overwhelming. It’s hard to know what decisions
to make, so please lead me and give the wisdom
to use my finances in a way that pleases You.

Never let gold become your god. 

ODJ: needing God


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April 15, 2013 

READ: Genesis 4:1-16 


They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshipped and served the things God created instead of the Creator Himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! (Romans 1:25).


When Palestinian Tass Saada was just 17 years old, he joined the Fatah movement in the West Bank. Tass hated Jews and engaged in guerilla warfare against them. He was known as “Butcher” due to the many Israeli soldiers he killed as a sniper. But later, Tass surrendered His life to Jesus and now loves God and the Jews. With his ministry, Seeds of Hope, Tass works to provide modern necessities for Palestinians who live in the West Bank, while he also builds relational bridges between them and their Jewish neighbours.


Like all of us, Tass Saada had a deep need for God. Pastor and writer Ray Stedman once wrote that “Human beings are inadequate without [Him].” He then described how the book of Genesis reveals our deep need for God as seen in three realms:

• Natural Science (Genesis 1-2)


• Human Relationships (3-5)


• Spiritual Relationships (6-50)


As we consider one of those spheres—Human Relationships—we read that Cain wantonly took human life (4:8)—much like Tass when he was younger. By killing his brother Abel—committing the first murder—Cain rejected God’s counsel and pushed Him away (vv.6-7).

When we refuse to follow God and His loving instruction, we’re doomed to destruction in relationships and doomed to follow the lies of this world (Romans 1:25). Sadly, our holy God must turn away from us when we engage in our “shameful”, “vile” and “degrading” acts (v.24).


Cain desperately needed God and His truth, wisdom and love. But instead of being accepted in right relationship with God by turning to Him and rejecting the sin “crouching at [his] door” (Genesis 4:7), he committed a horrific sin that left him “cursed” before his Creator (v.11).


Don’t deny your need for God. Turn to Him today and find true life. —Tom Felten


MORE
Read Ephesians 2:1-3 to see our inadequacy before God. Read verses 4-10 to see what happens when we acknowledge our need for Him.
 
NEXT
In what ways have you been living as if you don’t need God? Why is it vital for you to acknowledge your daily need for Him?
 

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ODB: Well Done, David Schumm

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April 14, 2013 

READ: Isaiah 35:3-10 

Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come. —Isaiah 35:4 

At David Schumm’s memorial service, we celebrated the optimism, perseverance, and faith of a man with severe cerebral palsy. For all of David’s 74 years, the simple tasks of daily life required great effort. Through it all, he kept smiling and helping others by giving more than 23,000 hours as a hospital volunteer, along with encouraging at-risk teens.

David selected Isaiah 35:3-10 to be read at his service: “Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you. . . . Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert” (vv.3-4,6). This promise, given to the people of Israel while in captivity, reminds us of our hope for the time when Christ will return for those who trust and follow Him.

During David’s last weeks, he often pointed visitors to a large picture of Jesus near his bed, saying, “He’s coming to get me soon.” This is the hope Jesus Christ gives to all His children, which calls forth our thanks and praise to Him!

— David C. McCasland

Marvelous message we bring,
Glorious carol we sing,
Wonderful word of the King:
Jesus is coming again! —Peterson

Live as if Christ died yesterday and is coming back today. 

ODJ: no tampering


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April 14, 2013 

READ: Deuteronomy 4:1-4 


Do not add to or subtract from these commands I am giving you. Just obey the commands of the Lord your God that I am giving you (v.2).


Kim Peek, a savant who inspired the film 
 Rain Man, once went to a performance of a 
 Shakespearean play. As the performance was ending, Peek stood up and shouted, “You’ve got to stop it, stop it, stop it.” Why? An actor had skipped the second to last verse of the play. The actor apologised and said, “The verses are so much alike, I didn’t think it would matter.” Peek is quoted as saying, “It mattered to Shakespeare, and it should matter to you.”

Similar to Peek warning an actor of the dangers of abridging and tampering with Shakespeare’s words, Moses warned Israel of the danger of amending God’s Word (Deuteronomy 4:2). Because of God’s mercy, faithfulness and judgement in their recent history, God reminded them of the importance of listening to and unconditionally obeying His Word. If they were obedient, they would continue to enjoy the blessings of life and land (vv.1,4). If they disobeyed, however, God would discipline them like He had done at Baal-Peor (v.3).

Thus, their very lives depended on obeying God’s Word. It was vital for them to pursue lives of faithfulness to God, especially by not amending any part of His instruction. Every command and regulation mattered to God, and it should matter to His people. Even the apostle John reminded the people in his day of the dangers of amending God’s Word (Revelation 22:18-19).


Tampering with God’s Word was a serious issue to Moses and John, who sought to follow God in obedience. Now, as followers of Jesus, we don’t worship the Bible; we worship the God of the Bible. We can demonstrate our faithfulness to God by handling His Word with care and great respect, and by listening to and obeying it. To revere God’s Word is to revere God Himself. No tampering allowed. —Marvin Williams


1 Kings 3:16-28 ‹

MORE
According to Joshua 1:7 and Ezekiel 11:20, what are the positive outcomes of obeying God’s commands?
 
NEXT
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is God’s Word to you? What does this say about your view of God?
 

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