REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 18, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Mighty Faithfulness of God”
Psalm 89:8-14
O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. 10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. 12 The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. 13 You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Upon pondering the might of God, the psalmist describes God’s power from the standpoint of His rule over the sea, victory over Rahab (i.e., the proud one), His ownership and dominion over the heavens and the earth, and all that is within it. Yet, the astounding description of God’s might is in His faithfulness and steadfast love toward the undeserved (that is, us). Out of all the mighty deeds of the Lord, it is His character of love and faithfulness that stand apart, with which the psalmist begins and ends these verses.
There are many times we look to God and ask for a sign of His might and power. Maybe it’s in overcoming a physical obstacle, or studying for an exam, or winning favor from people. Too many times, we want God to do something mighty for us. This Psalm is a reminder that God’s faithfulness is mighty. Even in the midst of your situations and circumstances, we can hope and trust in God’s faithfulness because it is mighty. This morning, let us rise up in encouragement that we are recipients of the mighty faithfulness of God.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have been and You will continue to be present in my life. I am confident of that! Thank You. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 25
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 3:1-2: Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.
Background tidbit:“Dogs” in verse 2 may refer to Jewish “Christians” who wanted Gentile Christians to become full Jews by practicing all Jewish laws. Alternatively, it may refer to people who insincerely upheld Jewish laws, perhaps to avoid persecution from Jews.
Questions to Consider
- The exhortations from vv. 2-21 are instructions that Paul previously gave the Philippians, either in person or via messenger. What’s the main gist of this?
- What do you know about these false teachers?
- In light of this, how should we hear what we hear?
Notes
- The main gist is that he’s warning the Philippians against false teachers, that they need to be vigilant in guarding the truth of God’s word (c.f., Phil. 2:16).
- Most likely, the false teachers came from within the church; that is, people who were part of the community but were immature in the faith and in their knowledge of God’s word.
- One must be wise and discerning to distinguish spiritual truth from false teaching, since no one goes around saying, “I’m a false teacher.”
Bible Reading for Today: Acts8
Evening Reflection
Ps. 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Lord, You are my protector and I am not intimidated by the schemes of the enemy. I am Your child, so in your name and with Your authority and strength, I will say, “Let my enemies be scattered, for my God lives in me, the hope of glory.” No matter what the situation may look like, I will proclaim that my God is with my family, my friends, my vocation, and my school. Amen.