May 8, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, was first posted on July 19, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“How Can We Live a Life of Holiness?”

1 Peter 1:15-16

But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

The prophet Isaiah saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple. The seraphim were calling to one another, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord almighty, the whole earth is full of His glory.” When Isaiah saw the holiness of God, this made him want to be holy. So he cries out, “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” Though he hadn’t committed any heinous sins, just the normal things in which we all fail from time to time, and no one was really bothered about it, he cries out, “I live among a people of unclean lips!” The reason why Isaiah was so bothered by his sins was because He encountered the holiness of God. 

Many want to live pure lives because of fear of punishment, or they try to avoid sin because of fear of being caught, but these reasons do not lead to a life of holiness. While fear of punishment might work for a little while, it doesn’t change the heart; and fear of getting caught might work when you are around other people, but fails when alone. A life of holiness and purity comes from encountering God.  When there is an ongoing and growing connection with Christ, and you are growing in the knowledge of Him, you want to glorify Him instead of bringing His name down by immorality and impurity. As you become more intimate with Christ, you don’t want to hurt Jesus by sinning. And you come to realize that God is not trying to take away pleasures from your life, but He desires to protect you so you can receive what is best. When we know the grace of Jesus, we don’t give up on the life of holiness but are encouraged to pick ourselves up and try again.

Prayer: Lord, help me to desire to live a life of holiness.  Lord, give me the strength to live that life. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 6-7

May 7, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on December 12, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Gives Us the Authority to be a Voice in the World?”

Proverbs 22:11

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

When I was in seminary, a guest lecturer asked my class a simple question: “What gives us the authority to be a voice in this world?” A few tentative hands were raised with these answers: “The truth of Scripture”; “the Holy Spirit”; “the good works we do.”  But all these answers were shot down. The lecturer said, “Integrity. Integrity is what gives us authority to speak and expect people to listen. Without integrity, we lose our influence.”

We don’t have to look too closely to see how the Church is losing its influence in this world. With each rising scandal and controversy, our right to be heard in this world is becoming increasingly compromised. Yet, this is not the sole responsibility of celebrity pastors who find their failures being aired out in the public arena. 

Have you seen a car speed, swerve, and display general recklessness only to discover a Jesus Fish on its rear bumper? How about people who confess their faith to their co-workers only to go out drinking and going overboard? How many times have we compromised our morals and standards of holiness?

According to this Proverb, the authority to speak influentially in a way that is heard and makes an impact comes from the integrity of the internal with the external. It’s not about perfection, but when what is true in our hearts flows forth out of our lips as consistency, people listen.

We are called to be influencers for the kingdom of God wherever we go. It is our integrity that will allow us to fulfill this calling. Are there any areas of contradiction in your life that God is calling you to reconcile? Let us apply the grace of God that will transform us to be a people of integrity.

Prayer: Father, I need Your grace. I know there are many areas that I make compromises in my life. Bring agreement between what I know is true and the way I live my life. Grow integrity in me that I may declare Your kingdom in this world.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 6:39-42: He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does this text tell about living a life of integrity?
  2. Why is it important to be people of integrity in how we relate with those around us?
  3. According to this text, what kind of influence are we called to wield?

Notes

  1. It begins when we cast a critical eye on ourselves instead of others.
  2. Verse 42 tells us that our ability to help others comes when we deal with our own issues first.
  3. We are called to be people who help others without judgment while being honest with ourselves.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. What are some patterns of compromise that weakened your integrity? In what ways were there separation between your heart and your words. Pray and ask that God would bring reconciliation between your thoughts and your words so that integrity will rise and you will be one of influence as God has called you to be.

May 6, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 4, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Respect”

Malachi 1:6

‘A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me?  If I am a master, where is the respect due me?’ says the Lord Almighty.  ‘It is you priests who show contempt for my name.’ But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name’?”

No one wants to be disrespected; I certainly don’t.  Many years ago, I was livid at this Korean woman, who tried to prove to her friend whom we had just met, that my close relative who sat next to me didn’t speak Korean that well.  To my unsuspecting relative, she asked her to pronounce a certain Korean word, basically to have a good laugh.  I didn’t like it.  Evidently, God does not like to be disrespected either. 

God was many things to Israel in the Old Testament times as he is to us today: a father (Ex. 4:22), a husband (Jer. 2:2), a king (1 Sam. 8:7) and Lord (Ps. 135:5), to name a few.  As a father, God expected to be honored but Israel dishonored him like the way the prodigal son treated his father (Lk. 15:11-31).  Unwilling to wait until his father died in order to inherit the inheritance, the son “said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’” (Lk. 15:12).   What a dishonor to the father!

As a master, God expected to be respected but Israel disrespected him like the way the farmers in the parable of the tenants (Matt. 21:33-41) beat and stoned his servants who were sent to collect his fruit. “Last of all, [the master] sent his son,” thinking, “They will respect my son.”  They didn’t.  “The tenants threw him out of the vineyard and killed him” (Matt. 21:37-9).

It is certainly an uncomfortable question, but it bears asking, “How have we shown contempt for God’s name?”  The woman mentioned earlier just wanted a good laugh at my wife’s expense.  I wonder whether we do the same at God’s expense: having told everyone that we are church-going Christians but living and conducting our business like the world in pursuit of temporary pleasure (that produce a quick laugh).   

Not a pleasant way to start the morning but a necessary one from time to time.  Let’s check our heart this morning and pray about ways (however insignificant they may seem) to honor God today.

Prayer: I praise You Father that I matter to You even though I don’t understand why You should concern Yourself with an insignificant person like me.   It is amazing to think that You would consider my respect for you as something important, since You are God of the universe.  Thank You for Your humility.  Whenever I don’t honor and respect You, gently remind me to repent so that I will turn to You once again.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 4

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chron. 21:2-3, 6-7: “So David said to Joab and the commanders of the troops, ‘Go and count the Israelites from Beersheba to Dan. Then report back to me so that I may know how many there are.’  3 But Joab replied, ‘May the Lord multiply his troops a hundred times over. My lord the king, are they not all my lord’s subjects? Why does my lord want to do this? Why should he bring guilt on Israel?’  But Joab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, because the king’s command was repulsive to him. 7 This command was also evil in the sight of God; so he punished Israel.”

Ps. 20:7: (David) “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What was King David’s motive in counting how many soldiers he had?
  2. Joab was known neither for his spirituality nor for ethical conduct (2 Sam. 20:10), but here he called it correctly: what David did was repulsive.  In what sense was the census disrespecting God?  
  3. It is likely that David wrote Ps. 20:7 some time before he ordered the census.  What makes this doubly disrespectful to God?

Notes

  1. In short, as the chief of the military, he wanted to make sure he had enough people at his disposal to do what he desired to do militarily, whether defending against or attacking the enemy. 
  2. Ultimately, David was putting more weight on his own resources than the Lord in order to accomplish what he wanted militarily.  In short, David showed little faith in God’s ability to help him; that’s called mistrust and God felt very disrespected and dishonored (“evil in his sight”).
  3. Ps. 20:7 clearly indicates that David knew better, particularly since he had experienced God’s deliverance many times before, such as when he, as a lad, was able to defeat the giant Goliath.  James 4:17 says, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”  

Evening Reflection

Peer pressure affects adults as well.  Sometimes, in our attempts to avoid an unflattering perception of us as Christians, we end up saying and doing things that disrespect God.  So, what kind of opportunities did you have today to honor God?  How did you fare?  We can always pray for a better tomorrow.   Pray.

May 5, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on December 31, 2014.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Proverbs 31:10-12, 29

“A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.  11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life . . . 29 ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’”

“27 yrs old, 5 ft 3, female.  College grad; art major.  Monthly salary: 2500 RMB ($400).  Good-looking.”  So read the hundreds of letter-sized flyers posted along the walls near the entrance of the park.  It is  Saturday afternoon, and the area is full of men and women in their late 30s and 40s milling around looking for spouses… for their children.

The infamous “marriage market” of Shanghai.  Parents used to stand around holding these signs advertising the more desirable qualities of their yet unwed offspring.  Other parents would come up to express interest; phone numbers would be exchanged.  Now it seems in an effort to be more civilized, the signs are posted on a wall in orderly fashion, and sometimes even the younger people will come by to take a look for themselves.  

What qualities to look for in a spouse?  The Bible doesn’t say directly, but it does say that if a man ends up finding a wife of noble character, he has found a treasure.  What man wouldn’t want a wife he could be fully confident in?  Proud of (v. 11)?  A wife who will bring him good and not harm, not just temporarily, but for a lifetime (v. 12)? This is what a woman of noble character can be to a man.

What woman wouldn’t want to hear her husband say that there are no other women who compare to her?  That to him, she is the best (v. 29)?  What woman wouldn’t want to know that her husband feels so lucky to have her because she is such a rare find (v. 10)?  This is the love and regard that a noble woman can bring out in a man.

Those looking for wives, look for true value.  Those looking to be wives, develop a noble character.  Those who are wives, continue to be noble.  Those who have wives, treasure and honor the noble qualities in your spouse.

Prayer: Lord, help me this day to value the things your word tells me is important to value in people.  Help me to value and honor noble character, in myself and in others.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 31:25-27, 30: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness . . . 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Describe a wife of noble character in your own words (vv. 25-27).
  2. What are not necessarily the qualities of a wife of noble character?  What kind of a woman should be praised (v. 30)?
  3. What qualities do I value more in others?  What qualities do I spend more time investing in developing in myself?

Notes

  1. She is not an insecure woman but one with a strong sense of self and her worth.  She does not worry about the future, but not in a foolish, careless way.  When she speaks, the content of her speech is quality content, not empty chatter.  She is responsible, hardworking and not lazy.
  2. Being charming or beautiful.  One who respects God and lives her life to honor Him.  If you encounter someone of noble character today, consider praising that person, giving a word of encouragement.
  3. In others, am I attracted more by charm and appearance or inner character?  In the mornings, do I spend more time preparing to present my outward appearance to people than I do preparing my heart to meet them as I spend time praying and meditating on God’s word?

Evening Reflection

Was I a person of noble character today?  Did I look for and encourage those qualities in others?  How were my words?  What is the state of my household affairs?  Did I make the best use of my time today?

May 4, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on December 19, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

“Numbering Our Days”

Proverbs 27:1 

Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

About a year ago, as I was sitting through a funeral service, I was reminded of how short our lives were in comparison to eternity.  Moments like these are always a good reminder that God has numbered our days; and because of this reality, we should live wisely and according to His ways.  

This proverb warns against overconfidence concerning the future.  Boasting in the future means that one thinks he/she has control over the future, and this is the way of the foolish.  One commentator said, “A wise person must not speak nor plan as if he himself had full disposal of his destiny and power over his future.”  The wise live day-by-day, trusting the outcome to God and being grateful for whatever may happen.   James 4:14-16 says it like this: “yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’  As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.”

Are you overconfident when it comes to your plans, dreams and future?  In light of our lives being a momentary mist, are you doing your best to live wisely and for His purposes?  Spend time in prayer, completely surrendering your future to Him.  Pray that you would make your life count for Jesus alone.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the reminder that my life is nothing more than a mist, that is here one minute and gone the next.  Help me to live for your glory and kingdom with the time I have on this earth.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Revelation 2

Lunch Study Break

Read Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.[34] “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Questions to Consider

  1. When it comes to the area of worry, what is the main issue Jesus is pointing to?
  2. What is the solution to anxiety over our future?
  3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes

  1. The reason why we get anxious about our life and future is because we lack faith.   We lack faith that God’s ways are best and that He will provide for us in His time.  
  2. The way that we overcome worry is by making His kingdom the highest priority (v. 33).  We seek His kingdom and trust that He will add things that we need.
  3. We can be assured that God knows and cares for our every need.  He desires us to trust Him and to seek the things of His kingdom.  

Evening Reflection

Devote some time in prayer.  Remember His great promises for you and continue to trust Him with every circumstance in your life.  He is a gracious heavenly Father who knows us and loves us.

May 3, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 31, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Philem. 1:23b-5 

“. . . sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.  25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

In a church where the pastor believed in the training method of sink or swim, more than twenty of us, all under the age of 25, without much formal training, served in this growing Korean congregation.  How passionate and assured of what we were taught and believed back then!  Some 30 years later however, many of us have become more like a Demas than a Mark.    

Demas was not only a believer but a “minister” as well, since Paul called him, “My fellow worker.”

Perhaps well-known to the Colossians, he is mentioned again in Paul’s letter to them written in 61.  A lot can change in a few years and it certainly did for Demas.  In Paul’s last epistle, written in 66 or 67, he wrote, “For Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica” (2 Tim. 4:10a).  Even without graphic images readily available on the internet and a volatile market that, on a good day, can make you a millionaire, the Hellenist world back then was just as alluring to the flesh as the modern world is today.  And Demas, despite all those times he spent on praying, studying the Scriptures, and preaching the gospel, succumbed to it (1 Cor. 10:12).  

Similarly, several young men, who used to serve with me, are no longer in the ministry; some have even abandoned their faith.   But there is a hope, because we believe in a God who redeems sinners and quitters and everyone in between.  Peter sinned when he denied knowing Jesus, but he was eventually restored.  Mark quit the first missionary trip led by Paul, who, still upset, rejected him when he was hoping to be included in the second trip (Acts 13:13, 15:36-40).  Yet, some 15 years later, Paul wrote to Timothy, “Get Mark . . . because is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Tim. 4:11).  God had so restored this one time quitter, that Mark ended up writing the first gospel.  

So if you feel like a Demas today, don’t lose hope!  With our God, any moment can be the beginning of a comeback, all the way to redemption and being useful for the Lord.  

Prayer: Dear Father, I get so discouraged at times because of my constant shortcomings and failures.  How many times have I told myself, “It’s over; there is no way God will ever take me back.”  Nevertheless, I’m encouraged by how Peter and Mark made a comeback in their faith because you never abandoned them. I know that you will hold onto me as well, to see that I succeed in my faith journey.  Thank you.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 1

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 10:12: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Cor. 10:12).  

Prov. 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

2 Tim. 2:22: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”

Rev. 2:5: “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.”

Questions to Consider

  1. We know that the lure of the world is formidable, but what attitude on our part makes us even more vulnerable to it?
  2. What are some ways to avoid being tempted by the world?
  3. What is the first step toward spiritual recovery?

Notes

  1. A false aura of invincibility that causes us to take lightly potentially compromising situations is always dangerous.  When we frequently step into an area known to have many mines buried, soon or later, we are going to step into one.
  2. Of course, there is no sure way, but one way is fleeing from it.  This doesn’t mean hiding yourself away in a high mountain, waiting for the Lord’s return.  It does mean getting rid of things in our lives that serve as a pipeline to sinning.  It could be cable television, unhealthy relationship, clubbing, etc.
  3. Repentance.  It is turning from sinful ways in order to shift to God’s way. 

Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, what temptation did you face?  How did you handle it?  What’s the best way for you not to yield to the lures of this world?  Ask God for strength for a better tomorrow. 

May 2, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 6, 2013.kk

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Jesus, I Welcome You.”

Luke 2:28-29

“He took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word.”

What would it have been like for Simeon to be given a promise from “the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ” (v. 26) and actually get to hold Jesus in his arms?  For Simeon, his life on this earth would never come to an end until God’s promise was fulfilled.  What a life!  There are more things in life that may not happen in your lifetime.  Do you have things that you want to ask God to do before your time on this earth is finished?

Michael Card applied Simeon’s Song of Luke 2:28-29 in the following way: “Now it is time to take Him in your arms and your life will never come to an end.”  When you welcome (receive) the Son of God in your life, your life will never come to an end, but have eternal life.  As matter of fact, God gives you “the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).  

Assuming that you have already accepted Jesus into your life, is there an area in your life that you are still hesitant to welcome Jesus into?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I welcome you into all areas of my life.  Come and take total control of every aspect of my existence.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Obadiah 1

May 1, Saturday

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 15, 2013.  Young is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MA). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Gentle Answer”

Proverbs 15:1 

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

This is a no-brainer, right? But, in practice, we continue to ignore this precept!  

Lord, help me to apply this truth. 

As for me, I have gotten into arguments with my wife because I did not apply this verse.  I am a fool. 

Men, be gentle with your words.  Be thoughtful in what you say and how you address your wife.  Sisters, be gentle with your words to the brothers.  We get defensive because you get offensive. I have seen unnecessary arguments start because we ignore this truth in my family. 

How about you? “Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (James 1:19).  

Prayer: Jesus, help me to speak gently to those I love.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Haggai 1-2

April 30, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on November 26, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Can We Commit the Sin of Idolatry?”

Psalm 115:1-18

[1] Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!

[2] Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?”

[3] Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.

[4] Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.

[5] They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.

[6] They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.

[7] They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.

[8] Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.

[9] O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

[10] O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

[11] You who fear the LORD, trust in the LORD! He is their help and their shield.

[12] The LORD has remembered us; he will bless us; he will bless the house of Israel; he will bless the house of Aaron;

[13] he will bless those who fear the LORD, both the small and the great.

[14] May the LORD give you increase, you and your children!

[15] May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth!

[16] The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth he has given to the children of man.

[17] The dead do not praise the LORD, nor do any who go down into silence.

[18] But we will bless the LORD from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the LORD!

What do you think about when you hear the word “idolatry”? In today’s world, we might think of worship of pagan gods or exalting high profile people but if we look at our hearts, we often worship idols all the time.  John Calvin said: “The human heart is an idol factory. . . . Every one of us from our mother’s womb is an expert in inventing idols.” 

Each of us has invented and worshipped false, failing saviors.  Although these things may not necessarily be bad things in and of themselves, such as sex, food, comfort, approval, success, etc., they are never meant to replace God.  When we do put them at the center of our lives, it leads to dissatisfaction. 

In Psalm 115, the writer states that idols are only objects made by human hands; hence, they are less significant than those who made them, even if they are made of precious metals such as silver or gold (vv.4-7).  The turning point in the Psalm is in v.9 where the writer states that only the God of Israel is trustworthy and He is their help, not any man- made idol.  It is the Lord who blesses, but those who put their trust in idols or false gods will be disappointed because they are nothing and can do nothing.  The Psalm ends with encouraging words to worship the God of heaven and to remember His greatness.

What are the idols in your heart?  Lay them down as you pray and worship Him this morning.  Ask the Lord that he would be the highest priority in your life because only He is worthy of our worship. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for having given me the strength and willingness to break away from the sin of idolatry; now I just got to do it!  Help me, Lord.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 52

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 10:17-25: And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” [18] And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. [19] You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” [20] And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” [21] And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” [22] Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.[23] And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” [24] And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! [25] It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why did Jesus ask the rich young ruler to give up his possessions?
  2. How can we break from the idols in our lives?
  3. Do you resemble the young ruler in any way?  If so, how?

Notes

  1. Not all of us will be asked to sell everything that we have, but all of us are commanded to set aside any idols that may be present in our lives. Jesus meets with a rich young ruler whose confidence is derived from his wealth and status, instead of God. Jesus tells him to go and sell all of his possessions because He knew that this man loved material things more than God.  Not wanting to heed this advice, the young man went away because he was unwilling to cease his idolatry.
  2. The way we can break away from the idols in our lives it to see the beauty and majesty of Jesus.  Upon seeing the incomparable greatness of our Lord, we will then realize how small and insignificant our idols truly are.   Spend time meditating on his greatness and ask God to break the idols in your life.
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

If we look to some created thing to give us the meaning, hope and happiness that only God himself can give, it will eventually fail to deliver and break our hearts.  –Tim Keller

What you treasure will ultimately require you to die for it; Jesus is the only treasure that died for you.  –Tim Keller

Jesus is the only one that can give us freedom from our idols.  Remember the words of Paul in Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  Give thanks to Jesus and the freedom he gives to all who put their trust in Him.

April 29, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 17, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Do You View God?”

Psalm 89:5-7

Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! 6 For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, 7 a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him?

As the psalmist observes the created work of the heavens, he catches a glimpse of the wonder of God and extols His uniqueness and glory.  In the assembly of the holy ones, God stands apart as the Creator of all.  This revelation, flowing from a critical examination of God’s created work, through the lens of faith, produces amazement and awe.

There is a saying that familiarity breeds contempt. Too many times, we make God too familiar and forget that He is wonderful and amazing. When we take a step back from looking at God through the lens of familiarity and remember that God created the wonders of the sunset, the stars in the sky, the birds of the air, and all of creation with his Word, and yet stoops down and meets with us, we open ourselves to see with more clarity that God is great. 

This morning, our text is calling us to be reawakened to how we view God. Does God seem mundane, ordinary, and familiar? Observe the wonders of creation and let God reveal to you how wonderful He is.

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, I praise you today because you have won me and have broken every chain that I have had. I rejoice in your great Name as my Conqueror, for you, who conquered the grave, have rescued me. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Jeremiah 51

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:25-30: I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, 26 for he has been longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard that he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I am the more eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. 29 So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, 30 for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me.

Questions to Consider

  1. Consider how Paul describes Epaphroditus (v. 25). What does that tell you about Christian partnership?
  2. Contrast the life of Epaphroditus with the teachings of the prosperity gospel.
  3. Is there a specific missionary that you or your church supports? In what ways can you tangible encourage him or her?

Background tidbit:Epaphroditus was a messenger through whom the Philippians sent a financial gift to Paul (Phil. 4:18). He stayed with Paul for a time but returned to Philippi with Paul’s letter to the Philippians.

Notes

  1. As mentioned yesterday, Epaphroditus is set as an example to the Philippians. And here we get a glimpse of how Epaphroditus has been working out his salvation.
  2. Paul highlights in verse 30 that Epaphroditus almost died for the work of Christ, and because of that, Epaphroditus should be honored by the Philippians. Contrary to the health and wealth “gospel,” the loss of life and health, as one seeks to live for the Lord, is not a curse, but rather a commendation worthy of honor and respect!
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Ps. 5:11-12: “But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you. For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.”

Dear God, I rely on Your presence as my Conqueror, everywhere I go and in everything I do; for You not only rescued me but You stand ahead of me and at my side, guarding, protecting, and looking out for me, as I simply live for Your glory here on the earth.  Jesus, You chose to sacrifice everything, even Your very life in my defense, paying such a great price so that I could live. Thank You! 

Declare what it means for you to always have the great Protector guarding over your life.