UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by the then (2013) staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of their blog first posted on July 17, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Cross”
Psalm 77:10-15
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Have you ever felt like God is nowhere to be found? The psalmist sure did. So, when he feels abandoned by God, he begins to meditate on the deeds of the Lord. He does not give the works of the Lord just a passing, superficial glance. He ponders them until his heart is stirred to declare the holiness and greatness of God above all other gods.
Consider the cross. The Hebrews writer says,“Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). Consider how the Father sent the Son to suffer and die in your place. Though the Son begged that this cup might pass from Him, the Father called His beloved Son to endure His wrath.
Think about who Jesus died for – rebels who reject the One who came to save them, who prefer the death of God over having a relationship with Him. Dwell on the tremendous outcome of Christ’s suffering; death gives way to life; enemies become adopted sons and daughters; and nothing can separate you from the love of God.
Sing a song of worship to the Lord.
Prayer: Dear God, there are many confusing and troubling challenges in my life. I often do not understand what You are doing or why life must be so difficult, but I thank You for the cross, for it shouts to me that You are never indifferent to me or absent from me. Though I may not understand my circumstances, I know that You love me. I thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 3
Lunch Break Study
Read James 3:9-12 (NIV): With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Questions to Consider
- What is the major problem with the tongues of people?
- What do the metaphors in verse 12 imply to the listeners?
- Try to be deliberate in your speech today. Ask the Lord to use your tongue to build up rather than tear others down.
Notes
- The major problem that makes the tongue so evil is its duplicity. Blessing the Lord and yet cursing people reflect the best and the worst of human speech and heart.
- The implication of the metaphors in verse 9-12 shifts from the initial claim that one person cannot utter both good and bad statementsto the claim that a person of one kind cannot utter statements of another kindand finally to claim that a bad person cannot utter good statements.
- So what does bad speech pattern reveal about your heart?
Evening Reflection
Are there some speech patterns in your life that you feel God needs to get a hold of? Invite the Lord to change your heart towards Him so that your speech pattern will reflect His character.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for wisdom and your Spirit to fill me so that my speech patterns will edify and build up those around me. Amen.