The AMI QT Devotionals from July 3-8 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, has recently completed his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco (and also soon to be married 😊).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Revelation 14:12

Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.

Our church has recently wrapped up another successful summer VBS, and despite all the crying, the endless chaotic bundles of energy, unintentional food fights, and the over-tired/over-hyped volunteers, it’s one of my favorite programs at our church. Every year I walk away with another special memory of our time together which blesses me until the next summer. This year, my new moment involves a little girl from the community who had been dropped off by her grandma. Once her grandma had left, the girl cried for at least an hour, begging us to go home to her mommy. I made an attempt to cheer her up, but the moment she saw me approaching, her crying worsened! I helplessly walked away and returned about fifteen minutes later to see her in the arms of one of our volunteers, reciting the memory verse for the day. What a miracle! But the happiest moment was to see her actively participating in the Bible lessons, and later dancing and singing to the songs of worship. She left the church that day with a big smile on her face.

This little girl had walked in feeling abandoned by her grandmother and thrown into an unfamiliar setting. Yet she left the church that day with a verse memorized in her head and a melody to hum about the love that God has for her. The simple truth of knowing God’s Word and putting her faith in Him had ingrained itself in her head, at least for that day. And this is what the writer tells us regarding the key behind the endurance of these saints. The ‘secret’ condenses down to two things: keeping God’s commandments and sustaining your faith in Christ. The same simple lesson that we teach at VBS, is the same lesson that helps us endure to the end. Let us hold fast to the Scriptures knowing that even if heaven and earth pass away, His words will remain forever (Matthew 24:35). May we respond to the Scriptures in a faith that is lived out.

Spend a moment to memorize a verse or two that you can recite to yourself throughout the day. Here’s one from our past VBS: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (Romans 8:31). Note: Please make sure to read/pray them in proper context! May His word encourage and strengthen you throughout this day.

Prayer: Lord, we confess that many times we can complicate the Christian faith. Jesus, just as you depended on the Scriptures when you were tempted in the desert, may we also turn to your Word. Help us not to put our faith in other things or people, but to only put them in you. Father, allow your word to strengthen our feeble hearts and become living and active in our lives.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 5-6