REPOST 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 27, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Love the Giver Then Thank Him for His Gift”
Psalm 78:23-31
Yet he gave a command to the skies above and opened the doors of the heavens; 24 he rained down manna for the people to eat, he gave them the grain of heaven. 25 Men ate the bread of angels; he sent them all the food they could eat. 26 He let loose the east wind from the heavens and led forth the south wind by his power. 27 He rained meat down on them like dust, flying birds like sand on the seashore. 28 He made them come down inside their camp, all around their tents. 29 They ate till they had more than enough, for he had given them what they craved. 30 But before they turned from the food they craved, even while it was still in their mouths, 31 God’s anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel.
When we think of God, we often think of a loving Father who is gracious and patient, quick to forgive, desiring to bless His children. But how often do we think about God’s wrath? God is not only loving and gracious, but He’s also holy and just. As a good father, our Heavenly Father loves us enough to be upset when we’re not grateful for his provisions, when we live in continual disobedience, and rebellious to His ways.
The Israelites incurred the wrath of God because all they cared about was satisfying their earthly cravings. All they cared about was the gift and not the giver. And this is why God’s anger arose against them.
Today, let’s begin by worshipping God for who He is. Meditate on God’s goodness with a heart filled with thanksgiving. Let’s not be like the Israelites, but fear God and continue to confess our sins and our need for Him. What blessings has God showered you with? What has been your attitude toward these blessings?
Prayer: Father, I declare that You are completely holy and just. I praise and thank You for not only the blessings in my life but also Your discipline, for I know that both come from Your love and grace. I confess that I need You more today than ever. Teach me to live in gratitude and thanksgiving. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Genesis 46
Lunch Break Study
Read James 4:7-10 (NIV): Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Questions to Consider
- What happens when you resist the devil?
- What results when you come near to God?
- Place yourself in a setting where you are able to draw nearer to God with all of your mind and your heart.
Notes
- When we resist the devil along with his enticing temptations while submitting to God, the devil will flee from us. Rebellion against God is a serious matter. The devil is the greatest rebel of all time, and he is in the business of persuading God’s people to join him in rebellion. If we rebel against God, we are submitting to the devil.
- As you draw near to God, He will draw near to you. The most urgent and important business for each of us is to draw near to God each day, each week, each season of our lives. In His presence, we draw strength to face our circumstances in life.
- Instead of being angry with others, submit to what God is doing in your life, accept that things will be difficult for a while, and don’t sit in judgment on others (4:7-12). Don’t demand that things be done to suit you, either in your personal life or in the church. Accept that your circumstances may be sorrowful for the time being. Submit to how God has fashioned things, and he will eventually lift you up (4:7-10).
Evening Reflection
How did the Spirit of God help you in resisting the devil and his schemes to bring about severe damage to your life?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I believe in Your love and affection for me as Your child. Help me to see the beauty of Jesus Christ so that I would draw closer to Him. Amen.