REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 24, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Our Infinite Personal God”
Psalm 90:1-2
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
This morning, we find the psalmist declaring the eternal nature of God as well as acknowledging that God is the creator. As created being, we are finite, but God as the Creator, is infinite. Even though the mountains may seem to last forever is finite.
Many times, we make God out to be so small in our finite understanding. Yes, He is near and intimate and our friend, yet, He is God who has created the heavens and the earth. As close as we can get to Him and draw near to Him, God is still a mystery.
The call for us as His people is to hold both these truths about God: He is a God who is so near and close to us, yet He is the God Almighty who is high and lofty. This morning, let us remember that the God who calls us beloved is also the God who is infinite, eternal, and more awesome than our own understanding can contain.
Prayer: Jesus, your great Name means everything to me and today, I celebrate you as my Defender. You are in me and I am in you. Holy Spirit, thank you for falling afresh on me to be my sole source of power and authority, knowledge and insight, and wisdom and clarity in my life. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 22
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 4:2-3: I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.
Background tidbit: The word translated agree in Phil. 4:2 is the same word that is translated being of the same mind in Phil. 2:2.
Questions to Consider
- What is the apostle Paul’s concern here?
- How does the apostle admonish the people involved in this conflict?
- What conclusions can you draw from the fact that these godly women were not getting along?
Notes
- Paul is concerned because a particular bout of relational angst has popped up in the church which is hindering the ministry.
- He exhorts these women to deal with their “drama” in a God honoring way (i.e., “agree in the Lord”), and for others to assist them towards that end. And he appeals to their salvation as the primary motive, as if to say, “You are sisters in Christ! How can you argue like this? This kind of argument is beneath you.”
- As long as there are relationships here on earth, there’s going to be conflicts. Some disagreements are necessary and healthy; others, not so much. In any case, conflicts are a normal part of life and you can’t escape it. The question is: how are you going to respond to it?
Evening Reflection
John 17:12: “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”
Prayer: “My living God, You are my Defender who rescues me and I rest in Your defense, for You say that I am Yours and You love me. You died for me and You are pleased when You see my faith and have delighted in the fact that I have Your righteousness, which cannot be taken away from me. Even though the enemy has tried to accuse me and proclaim me a failure, but You, Oh Lord, have defended me. It means everything to me to know that You are my Defender, who loves me so much when I have done nothing to deserve it. Praise Him! Amen.