Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on March 28, 2015.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“What Integrity”
Job 27:1-5
“And Job again took up his discourse, and said: “As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me.”
I recently introduced the habit of journaling to my class, and they were asked to spend the beginning of the period writing about whatever came to mind. A cheeky little sixth grader promptly raised her hand and asked if I was going to read her journal; it was clear that my answer would determine how pithy her entry would be. In my eagerness to have them experience true, unfiltered journaling, I announced that if they didn’t want me to read this entry, the students could write a “p” for “private” on the corner of the page and circle it. Many of them approved this proposal and started writing away.
I’m not sure how resolutely I intended to keep this promise as it left my lips, but as soon as class was dismissed and the journals were neatly stacked on my desk, there was nothing more tempting to me in that moment than to read the very pages I pledged to not read. So after a brief, hardly identifiable struggle against my better judgment, I gingerly paged through each entry marked with a circled “p” and read them all.
If I were to be completely honest with myself, I’d have to sadly admit that demonstrating integrity matters more to me when I’m around people than when I’m alone. It’s more motivating to do the right thing when it visibly strengthens my reputation and when acting otherwise might result in being judged or disappointing someone. But when no one is around, my truest self is revealed — the self that often resembles nothing like the self that presents herself at family group or at Sunday service. The self that, on a recent visit to New York, stopped by a hotel to use the restroom and then decided to sneak herself into the complimentary breakfast area and indulged in an English muffin. And some scrambled eggs. And some bacon. All while sitting at a table as a perceived patron, doing my morning devotions – not bothered enough by the irony of my actions to leave before helping myself to another scoop of eggs.
My pastor or friends or family group members may never know about these private moments of defeat (well, I guess they might now), but they don’t just vanish away. Each of those little decisions does its part in paving a path that is wide; the further I proceed, the more unrecognizable my sins will become to my hardening heart. Instead of leading a double life, I am called to live for an audience of One, who will give me the strength to overcome temptation so that I don’t live this life in vain. Let’s fight for a soft heart today, pressing on to live our private moments with integrity so that we can hear His gentle voice not just in theory, but powerfully in our daily lives.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am devoid of integrity. Put the fear of God in me so that I take the matter of integrity with an utmost seriousness. Amen.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 1, 2016, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei. He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Curry Is Just a Man!”
Acts 14:8-15
Now at Lystra there was a man sitting who could not use his feet. He was crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them.
In the past few years, Stephen Curry has become a household name. Analysts, coaches, fellow players, and fans are gradually coming into agreement that he is the greatest shooter in the history of basketball. Winning an NBA championship, being crowned MVP, holding all sorts of all-time records— these are just testaments to the beauty of his game, the likes of which the world has never before seen. But perhaps the most admirable thing about Mr. Curry is his constant effort to point glory towards God, both on and off the court. In nearly every way that an athlete possibly can in public, Stephen points attention to God.
Barnabas and Paul, even with their impressive resume of teachings and miracles, said it well: “We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news….” So averse to self-glory that they tore their clothes at the news that men had begun worshipping them. Instead, they urged the people of Lystra to turn their praise towards the living God.
It’s incredible to see heroes who willingly step down from their pedestal and point the glory to another. These people touch us in a way that transcendent heroes never can. While there are plenty of talented and impressive people in the world, there is something paradoxical and yet beautiful about a humble hero that draws us in. Jesus Christ sits at the center of this beautiful paradox. He Himself could have said those very same words: “I also am a man, of like nature with you, and I bring you good news….” Take a minute today and reflect on the incredible humility of our King. How can we imitate the humility of Christ in our lives?
Prayer: Jesus, there is no one like You. Thank You for being our humble King, stepping down from Your pedestal, and becoming a man. Help us to understand this mindset that You had, so that we might imitate You. Thank You for the Christ-like examples that we have: pastors, teachers, athletes, and also friends. Strengthen Your people to continue living in Your grace. In Your name I pray, amen.
Bible Reading for Today:Acts 22
Lunch Break Study
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-9, 16: But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, for you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not being merely human?What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field, God’s building.Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.
Questions to Consider
In this passage, what is Paul’s rebuke towards the church in Corinth?
After explaining that both he and Apollos are just servants, how does Paul redefine the Corinthian church?
What does it mean that we are God’s temple?
Notes
Paul rebukes the Corinthian church because of jealousy and strife, which was causing division in the church. This division was because some people were fans of Paul’s teachings, while others were fans of Apollos’ teachings. Paul chastises them for bringing division in the church over such matters.
Paul says that the church is God’s field, God’s building, and God’s temple.
Many people misuse this verse to say something like, “You shouldn’t smoke cigarettes” or, “You should eat healthier because you are God’s temple.” But this is not the correct interpretation according to the context. Being God’s temple is a corporate call for unity within the church. Paul is urging churches to protect the unity of God’s dwelling place. Destroying God’s temple, in this case, has nothing to do with cigarettes, eating fried food, or getting tattoos. Destroying God’s temple happens when we cause division in the church.
Evening Reflection
In today’s Bible study, we talked about the importance of unity in the church. Spend some time and pray for the unity of your church community.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on May 16, 2016. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“What Will Do You When They Call You Names?”
Acts 22:21-22
“And he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Up to this word they listened to him. Then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live.”
When I was much younger, I used to get very upset when people would not believe me about something I knew was true. I recall a time I was playing a board game with my family, and they thought I cheated because they refused to believe I could have made this one particular move. But I did not cheat! Being young, I threw a temper tantrum and stormed to my room in righteous indignation.
In this passage in Acts, Paul is in a similar but much more severe circumstance. He explained his calling from God, but the Jews absolutely did not believe that he was really called to be a minister to the Gentiles, for this did not fit in with the “truth” about God that the Jews believed. They were so against what Paul said that they even called for his death! Paul, though, did not storm away in a temper tantrum; rather, he endured the indictments and endured the resultant flogging.
In our Christian lives, there will be many times when the world will question our faith, our convictions, our pursuits; we may be called ridiculous or senseless or deluded. How will we react? Will we storm away from the world in anger, or will we turn back with love, knowing that Christ endured an even greater hardship? Will we be patient, trusting that God is in control?
We are called to be witnesses; we are called to be image-bearers of Christ. Though this is not an easy calling, we know that we have the power of God on our side. Let’s not turn from the world in anger or fear, but rather embrace the suffering and embrace this world in love.
Prayer: Lord, thank You that You have overcome the world. As You have overcome, give us the strength to overcome. Though hardship and persecution may come, may our love and patience simply grow in the face of adversity. This is only possible by Your strength, so come once again and empower us for Your ways. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 21
Lunch Break Study
Read Matthew 5:11-12: Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Questions to Consider
Is there a contradiction in being considered “blessed” while being persecuted?
What do you think persecution looks like in our culture?
What should our reaction to persecution be?
Notes
I don’t think many people would post #blessed while suffering. Yet this passage tells us that there is blessing in being persecuted. We are blessed because persecution is the best means of preparing us for the reality that we have a better home (see Hebrews 11).
This passage speaks of reviling and uttering evil against us. Those are likely the most common forms of persecution we may face in our culture, since, God-willing, we will not likely endure any physical suffering in our culture. Still, persecution is a reality in our day and we need to be prepared, or else we may be overcome or turn bitterly away from the world.
As crazy as it sounds, this passage tells us to “rejoice and be glad” while suffering in persecution. We rejoice because we are blessed. So how can we best endure suffering? We worship and praise our great God who has overcome the world!
Evening Reflection
Reflect back on today. Did you encounter any antagonism towards your faith or any opposition to your convictions, whether minor or major? How did you react? Take some time to thank God that He is the only One who can give us strength to overcome.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on April 27, 2016. Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Who is Your Biggest Encourager in Your Faith?
Acts 20:1-3a
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples and, after encouraging them, said goodbye and set out for Macedonia. 2 He traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece, 3 where he stayed three months.
An uproar had just been quieted by a reasonable city clerk in Ephesus. This uproar had been caused by a crowd opposing the ministry of the gospel. Wherever Paul and his companions traveled, opposition and persecution often pursued. Yet what is amazing is that though Paul faced discouraging situations and circumstances, he pressed forward, even while encouraging the younger believers to remain faithful to the Lord.
We will consider where Paul received the constant drive to keep going later during the Lunch Break study. But for now, let us consider how encouragement helps us to remain faithful to the Lord and His ministry. Personally, some of the most meaningful encouragements have often come from testimonies of brothers and sisters in our church. Recently, as I was listening to testimonies of spiritual growth and transformation that each person had experienced through God’s grace at our church, I was overwhelmed with encouragement of how God was at work in each person’s life— I realized how oblivious I had been to God’s work right under my nose.
At home, we placed a growth chart on the wall of our children’s bedroom. Each new season, we measure our children’s height. Most of the days, we are oblivious and unaware that our children are growing, but with each new measurement, we are always amazed at just how much they have grown in just a short time.
In the same way, I may not be always aware that spiritual growth and transformation are taking place right within our church family. But when I pause to hear a testimony, I am amazed at God’s work of growth and transformation, and that encourages me tremendously in the midst of trying and difficult challenges.
In your life, how do you receive encouragement from others as you serve in God’s Kingdom? It’s important that we be challenged, taught, and corrected, but at the same time, how are you being encouraged in your faith today? How are you encouraging others in their faith?
Prayer: Lord, in my own weakness, I confess that I need encouragement from You and from others in the body of Christ. I ask also that I may be empowered by Your Spirit to bring encouragement to others. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 20
Lunch Break Study
Read Phil 1:3-6 (NIV): I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Questions to Consider
Why does Paul pray with joy as he prays for the Philippian church?
What is the basis of Paul’s confidence that God’s work will be completed in the lives of the Philippian church members?
Notes
Paul’s joy resulted in his partnership with the Philippian church in the work of the gospel. One way in which they partnered with Paul was in giving financially (2 Cor. 8:3) even out of their poverty.
Paul was confident that God who initiated His good work would sovereignly and faithfully complete His work in the lives of the Philippians.
Evening Reflection
As you reflect back on today’s conversations with others, were you able to bring an encouragement to someone? As you look forward to tomorrow’s schedule, is there someone that you might be able to encourage?
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 5, 2016.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Don’t Leave Home Without It Him”
Acts 1:4-5
In one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized withwater, but in a few days you will be baptized withthe Holy Spirit.”
Once, a theology professor and former academic dean of a Reformed seminary, who used attend my church, said to me, “There is no spiritual power in the seminaries.” So, there might be some truth to people jokingly mispronouncing “seminary” as “cemetery.” But behind the humor lies good reason: first, since the Bible is treated as a textbook to be studied in dry academic fashion, it begins to lose its luster as a sacred book “sent” from above; second, seminarians “forget” to pray while juggling a demanding course load, church responsibility and perhaps even a part-time job; third, some seminaries are so hell-bent on imposing their particular brand of systematic theology, that those students who believe it begin to disdain others who don’t. That’s being carnal, not spiritual (1 Cor. 3:1-4).
But what’s really missing is the Holy Spirit. As Luke writes, the disciples, who recently graduated from “Jesus Seminary”, were told to attain one more set of tools, spiritual gifts, from the Tool Giver, a.k.a., the Holy Spirit, who “distributes them to each one, just as he determines” (1 Cor. 12:11). But many seminaries and churches alike do not really like to talk about the Holy Spirit, and even less so spiritual gifts. Perhaps, these matters aren’t all that appealing to their pragmatic and rational mindset. But that is precisely what Jesus told his seminary graduates to attain before they venture out of Jerusalem, ostensibly to do God’s work.
I am an AMI Teaching Pastor and I’m very grateful to Pastor Keith, who called me one day in Mexico (2006) to invite me to AMI, saying, “I know you have a teaching gift that you’ve developed; so join us and be our teacher.” I hope and pray that you will have someone who recognizes and appreciates your gifts, so much so that they might even ask you to serve a certain ministerial role in the church. But, while I am happy to teach, I always pray first, at length, asking the Lord, among other things, to fill me with the Holy Spirit. To leave Him out would eventually leave me as spiritually dead as a cemetery. Stealing a line from an old American Express ad, “Don’t leave home without [Him].”
Prayer: Lord, my head is full of facts, data and information, yet I am utterly powerless without the Holy Spirit. Please fill me with the Spirit so that I am empowered to say YES to your will and NO to temptations. In 2023 may I be filled with the Holy Spirit daily. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 19
Lunch Break Study
Read Acts 19:13-6:Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.
Mark 9:17-8, 28-9:A man in the crowd answered, “Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. 18 Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not”. . . . 28 After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” 29 He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Question to Consider
1.What ties the sons of Sceva and the disciples together?
2. What were the problems that led to their powerlessness?
3. We are still in the first week of the New Year. Perhaps you’re tired of powerless Christian life: always giving into even the slightest temptation. Devise a plan to turn that around. What could be your first step?
Notes
Both tried to do something good—setting free demonized people—but they failed because they didn’t have what it took: the power of God.
The sons of Sceva obviously underestimated what or whom they were dealing with.With respect to the disciples, Jesus’ answer to their inquiry—“Why couldn’t we”—indicate that prayerlessness is tantamount to powerlessness.
Get your prayer life going: daily, substantial in length and alone with God (And don’t post this on your FB; for many it could even be a motive for doing spiritual things). There is no substitute: “This kind can come out only by prayer.”
Evening Reflection
Haven’t we heard enough sermons on prayer? Do you pray consistently, every day? If that’s too much, then even every other day, but meaningfully? See it this way: the Spirit will lie dormant in your life unless you pray for his involvement. There are many exceptions (where the Holy Spirit does his “thing” independent of what we do or don’t do), but otherwise it should be the normative way to look at the relationship between prayer and the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life. So pray.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on April 25, 2016. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“A Mentality of Scarcity”
Ephesians 1:3
Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessingin the heavenly places.
A renowned scholar Walter Brueggemann suggests that so much of our societal ills that continue to plague our culture are caused by embracing a mentality of scarcity. In other words, we always feel as though we never have enough. As a result, our lives are characterized by constant dissatisfaction and frustration, which inevitably leads to a perpetual need to buy the next best thing or to find a more fulfilling relationship in an effort to feel full and satisfied. However, the sad fact is that no matter how many promotions we receive or how much money we make, it still feels like it’s not enough. It is no surprise that so many people in our culture constantly struggle with a profound sense of emptiness.
As Christians, we are not immune to this. Countless believers wrestle with the same issues as they compare their lives to those around them. At the root of this problem is that we so easily forget the amazing truth of Scripture. In Ephesians 1:3, the Apostle Paul reminds us that at the point of conversion, we have received every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. In other words, all that we could ever want is ours in Christ Jesus and have now become people of abundance rather than scarcity. This is true of us no matter what our circumstances might indicate, because the blessings of heaven have been eternally secured by the work of Christ in the gospel! In those moments of emptiness, I want to encourage you to look to the word of God and remind yourself that you have more than enough— in Christ you have received more than you deserve and have been filled to the brim by the grace of God!
Prayer: Father, forgive me once again for my greed and lack of dependence on You. Remind me constantly that Christ is all sufficient in my life. Thanks for having given me all that I possess, including health and relationships. Motivate me to share what I have with those in need. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today:Acts 18
Lunch Break Study (P. Ryun)
Read Ecclesiastes 6:10: Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.
Luke 18:9:To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else . . .
1 Tim. 6:10:For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. . . .
1 Tim. 6:17:Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
Questions to Consider
1. According to King Solomon and the Apostle Paul, respectively, what should we look out for when we seek to be financially secure?
2. What are some factors that might make us feel as though we do not have enough money even though we have plenty in the bank?
3. What should we do instead with respect to wealth? How are you managing your wealth?
Notes
1. Solomon warns that no amount of money will lead to the feeling of having enough—he ought to know since he was the richest man in Israel. Paul warns that loving money will lead to all kinds of conflicts that lead to much headache.
2. Two factors: first, humans always compare, and as a result, they inevitably find someone who has more money than they which leads to dissatisfaction; second, since we realize that wealth is not certain, we try to amass as much as possible for rainy days.
3. We are told not to put our trust in wealth, which means two things: first, engage in activities other than making money (like helping people); two, be generous with your money.
Evening Reflection
Reflect on Paul’s philosophy on possessions: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Tim. 6:7). Now reflect on Agur’s thought on wealth: “Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God” (Prov. 30:8b-9).
In light of that, what is your philosophy on wealth? Do you need to make any adjustments?
REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on February 21, 2016, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan. Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Amazon Prime and King David”
Psalm 131:1-3
A Song of Ascents. Of David. O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. 2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me. 3 O Israel, hope in the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.
Amazon Prime has been among the greatest technological advances of the 21st century. It’s amazing to be able to go online, look for something you want, buy it—and it shows up at your door in two days. We don’t even need to leave our houses. But have you ever bought something on Amazon Prime, and it didn’t get to you in time? It’s happened to me before. I bought a shiny new book, and instead of the expected two days, it took a FULL THREE DAYS to get to me. Oh, the outrage that I felt at this injustice!
We live in such a fast-paced, I-want-it-and-I-want-it-NOW kind of culture that we hate it when we’re made to wait for anything. Whether it’s waiting for a package to be delivered, waiting in line at the grocery store, or waiting for the traffic light to turn green—we don’t like waiting and the uncertainty it brings us. It’s not even just the small, mundane things that make us feel impatient. No one likes the uncertainty that life brings: waiting to find out where we’ll go to college, who we’ll marry, where we should live, what job we should take next, etc.
If David in Psalm 131 were to meet most of us, he would say that we are like “unweaned” children. To wean a child means to gradually move him or her off the breast milk or off the bottle onto solid food. The picture that David gives, though, is more than about food. The weaned child is calm and quiet because he knows that his next meal is coming to him. He’s content because he trusts in his mother or father to take care of him. On the other hand, unweaned children are fussy and demanding; they kick and scream and cry, because they’re hungry and they want food now.
As David has learned to be like a weaned child, he encourages us to do the same. He is able to be patient and say, “I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me,” because he trusts in his Heavenly Father to take care of him. We might not understand why or how or what is going on. We might not even know what life brings in the near or distant future. But we can be like a weaned child and be at peace as we trust in our loving Father. As we worship on this Lord’s day, let us strive for this heart of patience and contentment, trusting that our Father will take care of us.
Prayer: Father, I pray that I will truly worship You and trust You this day. I know I will not know or understand all that’s going on or all that is to come, but I pray that I will be content to know that you love me and will take care of me all of my days. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on March 22, 2015. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“A False Security”
1 Samuel 26:1-2, 6-9
Then the Ziphites came to Saul at Gibeah, saying, “Is not David hiding himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the east of Jeshimon?” 2 So Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph with three thousand chosen men of Israel to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph… 6 Then David said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Joab’s brother Abishai the son of Zeruiah, “Who will go down with me into the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai went to the army by night. And there lay Saul sleeping within the encampment, with his spear stuck in the ground at his head, and Abner and the army lay around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has given your enemy into your hand this day. Now please let me pin him to the earth with one stroke of the spear, and I will not strike him twice.”9 But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can put out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?”
We are all familiar with the story of the Titanic – the massive ship that ended in a massive crash and a tragic loss of life. The Titanic is certainly famous for sinking after receiving a fatal blow from an iceberg, but one thing it’s less 0known for is the ad campaign that preceded its first and final voyage. The Titanic was marketed as a ship that could not sink. Can you imagine – an unsinkable ship? It seems silly to us now, but it was believed very much back then by not only the passengers aboard, but by those who produced and navigated the Titanic, so much so that they didn’t bother to supply it with enough lifeboats for every passenger. It just wouldn’t have been necessary on an unsinkable ship.
One thing we can learn from this tragedy is the danger of false security. And in our passage for today, Saul reminds us of that danger once again. He is encamped with 3000 men (v. 2) surrounding him for protection – a formidable army that had set out against David and his men, a group of merely 600. In comparison, Saul must have been assured of his safety. But when it was least expected (literally as Saul was asleep) David made his move and was given an opportunity to claim Saul’s life right in the midst of his fortified army. Saul was much more vulnerable than he knew.
David on the other hand, with his measly 600 men, was protected all along the way – both in this encounter with Saul and the one we read about a couple chapters prior. David was not protected because of his great skill and his great army and his great resources. He was protected because of the hand of God. And in the end, it was God’s hand that even protected Saul – as his life was only spared in David’s pursuit of righteousness before the Lord.
Any means through which we acquire security is vulnerable to attack of some kind and penetration when least expected if that means is not God himself. He is our only true and reliable source of security—not our financial security, our family stability, our skills and gifts, our opportunities and open doors, who we know and what we do, not our personal histories or who we are or where we come from. None of these things where we are so often prone to search for security can provide what we so desperately desire. No. Only God himself can secure us.
Where do you find your security? Surrender those areas to the Lord and ask him to remind you that He alone is our security. May we declare as David does in 2 Samuel 22, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.” All other securities will indeed fail.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, may my security always be anchored in your Son Christ. Amen.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on July 24 2015.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“People Whom We Will Be Surprised to See in Heaven”
1 King 20:20-8
Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” He answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do what is evil in the sight of the Lord. 21 Behold, I will bring disaster upon you. I will utterly burn you up, and will cut off from Ahab every male, bond or free, in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, for the anger to which you have provoked me, and because you have made Israel to sin. 23 And of Jezebel the Lord also said, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel within the walls of Jezreel.’ 24 Anyone belonging to Ahab who dies in the city the dogs shall eat, and anyone of his who dies in the open country the birds of the heavens shall eat.”25 (There was none who sold himself to do what was evil in the sight of the Lord like Ahab, whom Jezebel his wife incited. 26 He acted very abominably in going after idols, as the Amorites had done, whom the Lord cast out before the people of Israel.) 27 And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”
Can we really grasp the following saying of Jesus, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mk. 2:17)? Condemning the Pharisees comes easy to us, but wouldn’t we have joined their railings against Jesus for “eating with ‘sinners’ (read, prostitutes) and tax collectors” (v.16)?
Undoubtedly, once we arrive in heaven, we’ll be shocked to see those who made it there—such as Karla Faye Tucker, Jeffrey Dahmer, and Ted Bundy. Tucker, a convicted murderer, was the first woman to be executed in Texas (1998) since 1863; and of course, Dahmer and Bundy were notorious serial killers—the latter was executed (1989) while the former was killed in prison (1994). Now, these dubious characters might have lied about their conversions, but if they had trusted Jesus as the One who died to pay for all our sins, then they would’ve already joined the criminal hung next to Jesus to whom He said, “Today you will be with me in paradise” (Lk. 23:43).
Today’s account certainly lends credence to that assertion. After all, “there was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the LORD” (NIV). For instance, just prior to this pronouncement against Ahab, he had taken, with the help of Jezebel, a vineyard belonging to Naboth through a devious plot that resulted in his murder (1 King 21:1-11). Yet, it took a simple contrition by Ahab for an elated God to declare, “Have you noticed how Ahab has humbled himself before me?” And for that, Ahab was spared of having to experience the destruction of Israel during his lifetime.
Of course this is unfair in the courts of man but not in God’s, because He had “made [Christ] who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21); that is, the finished work of Christ is infinitively weightier than any sins humans have committed, including the heinous kinds that the aforementioned three committed.
Are you still not sure whether you have eternal life? Believe in Jesus and His work already completed on the Cross for the salvation of your soul. Then live a life worthy of His grace and mercy. For starters, forgive those who wronged you.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I often take my salvation for granted, but today I must confess how grateful I am to You for allowing me to be part of the redeemed family of God. Help me to live a life that is truly reflective of God’s grace and mercy toward those who don’t deserve any of it—like me. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 14
Lunch Break Study
Read Matt. 23:39-43: One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
2 Pet. 3:9: The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Ezek. 18:23:Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
1 Jn. 1:9:If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Question to Consider
1. What does the Gospel account involving the penitent criminal truly reveal?
2. Describe God’s heart.
3. Pastor Joseph Prince of Singapore teaches that since all our sins—past, present and future—are already forgiven in the finished work of Christ, we no longer need to confess our daily sins to be forgiven. What is both true and false about that assertion?
Notes
1. No account in the four Gospels clarifies the gospel better than this one: this forlorn man had done nothing meritorious to deserve salvation. But it was his faith in Christ, expressed in his rebuke of the impenitent criminal and pleading for Christ to remember him, that saved him: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith . . .—not by works” (Eph. 2:8-9).
2. He yearns for all sinners to “not perish but have eternal life” (Jn. 3:16). He rejoices over “one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent” (Lk. 15:7).
3. Prince is right in that all sins are already forgiven in Christ, but there is a condition attached to it: we must confess our sins for the finished work of Christ to be efficacious in our lives. Isn’t that how we became believers in the first place? Didn’t we have to believe and then confess (Rom. 10:9) that belief to be saved at the outset? So, why would that change for the sins that we commit thereafter? Prince’s assertion regarding 1 Jn. 1:9, that it was written to unbelieving Gnostics who needed to confess their sins to be saved, is false. 1 John was written to the believers (note the pronoun “we” that includes John), among other reasons, to warn against the false teachings of the Docetics, the precursor to the Gnostics (4:1-3).
Evening Reflection
The truth is that we make our lives too busy, along with being distracted and addicted to entertainment, to be in touch with the abiding presence of God in our daily lives. Perhaps today, you experienced at least one moment in which you truly sensed His gracious and merciful presence. Reflect on that as you thank the Lord for His unceasing love towards you.
UPDATED Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on April 21, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Bible Is Not for Dummies”
Acts 18:24-26
Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.
So little is written about Apollos, but it seems that he had great impact on the early church. His arrival was clearly very notable; and after he was joined up with Priscilla and Aquila, he went on to play a similar role as Paul, strengthening believers and defending the faith publicly. He clearly was so compelling and effective that people were tempted to break off into an Apollos camp in the Corinthian church.
There are a lot of worthy lessons to draw from this passage – the importance of proper teaching in our churches or staying teachable no matter how educated we might be. But what sticks out to me is that learning and teaching is a job that is not just reserved for the primary preacher here. We know that Priscilla and Aquila were also tentmakers like Paul and were trustworthy and capable enough to become partners with him. They were not the ones who regularly spoke up in the synagogue. However, they had also such thorough understanding of the Scriptures that they could not only keep up with well-educated Apollos but also know how to correct and guide him. Instead of just waiting around for someone of more authority like Paul to come with correction, they themselves guided Apollos.
I think we often let ourselves off the hook when it comes to thoroughly learning the Word and teaching others, making the excuse that it is a job reserved for the pastors. It is undeniable that God has called some to study His Word vocationally, and they hold great responsibility among us to educate the congregation. But He has also given His Word and His Spirit freely to each one of us! Let us take hold of the opportunities to all become humble, diligent students and teachers of the Word. Let’s read it and eat it, and as we are digesting, help someone else on how to study and understand it too. Remember, the Bible is not for dummies, meaning God has taken us seriously enough to give us a serious book to study, for life.
Prayer: Father, forgive me for not filling my life with Your Word more and more. Give me wisdom and understanding to read Your Word correctly, and give me the opportunity to bless others with what You give me. Help us increase the opportunity for Your Word to shape and transform our lives. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Acts 13
Lunch Break Study
Read James 1:19-25: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Questions to Consider
1. What does James say having the Word planted in our lives do for us?
2. What is the consequence of just listening to the Word and not doing what it says?
3. How does this passage help us understand the importance of studying the Word? What is the ultimate purpose we want to achieve in studying and teaching the Word?
Notes
1. In verse 21, he writes if we humbly accept “the word planted in you,” it can save; also, verse 25 says that God’s Word is the “perfect law that gives freedom.” Knowing Scripture is not just an exercise for our minds, but it is the means by which we take hold of the salvation life Christ has given us.
2. Knowing the Word but not doing what it says shows that the Word does not have a place to transform our lives. Since having the Word give us freedom and saves us, the consequence of not taking it seriously is that we will find ourselves still mastered under the thumb of our old, evil self.
3. James writes that our study of the Word is worthless if we only look at the Word but never do what it says. The value that comes from looking at the Word is the type of fruit that comes from taking it seriously. So, we want to be good students of the Word and good teachers of the Word, but our priority must be having the Word applied to our lives.
Evening Reflection
How do you feel about studying God’s Word and teaching it to others? One of the biggest obstacles is that the task might seem a little boring. Martin Luther once said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me …“ Let’s reflect on our experience of God’s Word and ask Him to show us how it is alive and active in our lives. As we take steps to study it more, we will find that the idea of studying and teaching God’s Word becomes exciting.
