The AMI QT Devotionals from August 28-September 3 are provided by Hee Jung Lee. Hee Jung, a graduate of Biblical Theological Seminary, serves at Catalyst Agape Church (New Jersey) along with her husband Pastor Sam Lee. They have four beautiful daughters.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

A Proper Diet

Hebrews 5:14

“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.”

Having raised four daughters, I noticed that something happens to a child at the age of six months: give or take a few months, but around this age their nutritional needs change. Up until then, a baby is sufficed to live on a mother’s milk; but around six months, they need additional nutrients that can only come through solid foods. This is a natural process of maturing that enables the child to grow healthy and strong. The proper steps of introducing solids help their digestive system to adjust, mature, and come into full function. Without this introduction, the child will eventually be malnourished and develop inadequately. It is surreal how much of the natural realm parallels truths in the spiritual realm.

In Hebrews 5:14, we are reminded that “solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” In order for us to properly mature spiritually, we must intentionally live out and apply the Word of God in our attitudes, ways of thinking, speech, and behavioral choices in relationships. And we must do this not occasionally with moodiness, or haphazardly, but we are to do it constantly whereby we deny our flesh and submit ourselves to the Spirit-breathed principles that change us. Only then, are we able to properly mature and our spirits trained to celebrate all that is good and despise any form of evil, which often come through living out of the flesh. As we all do this, how rich and full of love the church would be! How rightfully we would mimic Jesus to a skeptical world!

I’m often surprised at how often we, the body of Christ, actually live in its own willfulness, caught up in negative emotions, strife, judgment, religiosity, spite, unforgiveness and ultimately, clouded from distinguishing good from evil at hand. This should not be. Rather, as we humble ourselves and actively apply God’s Word to all situations in our lives, we will find that we are properly discerning and maturing, capable of chasing away evil.  We then transform even the darkest places with the goodness of God’s likeness and His radiant LOVE.

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I want to look, taste, and smell like You. I want to be this way, submitting myself to You in every way possible. Please help me to resort not to my own willfulness filled only with Bible knowledge, but please help me to actively apply Your Word to my life that I might mature and grow up in things of Christ. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for today: Isaiah 18

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Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 4:12: For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double- edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Questions to Consider

1. How has maturity been manifesting in your life lately?
2. Have you been investing time in God’s Word so that you are allowing yourself to encounter God through it?
3. What is one unhealthy fruit in your life that can be addressed by obeying a principle in God’s Word?

Notes

1. God is on a gracious journey with us. The best thing we can do to mature and grow in the Lord is to submit to the work that He is doing.
2. Spiritual discipline is important to growth and maturity. Greater the investment, greater the reaping even in spiritual matters. It’s wise to have a plan or routine set to spend time in reading the Bible and encountering Him in His truths.
3. Read John 15:2 and consider why God prunes and how He brings about greater fruits in our lives.

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Evening Reflection

We began the day reflecting on applying God’s Word to our lives for proper maturity and growth. How did you fare today in the light of that truth? Remember, there is no condemnation for us. Every day is a new day with new mercies to walk with the Lord.