REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 27, 2013.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“God our Shelter”
Psalm 91:1-16
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. 5 You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. 12 On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the adder; the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot. 14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Within this morning’s Psalm is the bold proclamation of what it means to make God our shelter. The psalmist declares that when we are in the shadow of the Almighty, we will experience no fear or pestilence. Thousands may fall around us and destruction may threaten us, but God will guard us with His angels. For many Christians, there is a conflict between this Psalm and the difficult situations and circumstances we may face. Even Jesus Himself experienced this conflict. The devil used this text to tempt Jesus, right after His wilderness experience. Jesus’ response to the devil was, “Do not put God to the test.”
What Jesus knew and what the psalmist declared was the truth; that God is our refuge and fortress and we can trust in Him (v.2). Even when we go through pain and difficulties, God reminds us through this text that He will persevere with us. This is an exhortation for us to cling to the Lord even more so during times of darkness because God will answer and rescue us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, you sing and rejoice over me, both loudly and silently. What great joy and delight to know that you sing over me and my journey in this life. Father, You love me just as you love your Son, Jesus, and such knowledge is too wonderful for me to contain! Thank You. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 13
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 4:10-13: I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Questions to Consider
- Paul now thanks the Philippians and turns it into a teaching moment. What does Paul point out here? In other words, what is he teaching?
- Until Paul had received the gift, he was “in need,” yet, he was content, meaning satisfied with what he had. Why?
- Are you a giving or helpful person? Ask the Lord to show you opportunities to help people in need. How would you rate your contentment with your current circumstances? How does verse 13 encourage you in this regard?
Notes
- Paul points out that although he is thankful for the gift, he wants the Philippians to know that their giving is an act of service to God, rather than just doing Paul a favor.
- Because he had Christ! This is not a hypothetical lesson that Paul is expounding on; his life is his evidence! And this was his secret to his contentment.
- Personal response
Evening Reflection
Zephaniah 3:17: “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.”
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my soul has to sing out Your praise in light of all that You are and all that You have done! I thank You for creating me to worship You and You alone. Lord, allow Your joy to invade my heart! Amen.
Praise Him for how He is same yesterday, today and forever.