October 13, Sunday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Sam Lee of Catalyst Agape Church in New Jersey, was first posted on December 1, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Finishing Well”

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Can you believe it’s already October? As the year is winding down, it has been a long spiritual journey; finish strong and make the last quarter of 2019 count. As the finish line looms, run as though you are going to win instead of just crawling to the finish line. The Bible assures us that our time with the Lord doesn’t drain us; rather, it fills us. How? Since He is the vine and we are the branches (Jn. 15:5), His life flows through us, especially when we have intimate and vital connection with Him through our daily quiet time, which, in this way, becomes pivotal to having a victorious life in Christ.

I remember attempting to hike up a mountain in North Jersey Appalachian trail. Being out of shape physically, when my body started to give out, I had to turn back in defeat; I failed to make it to the top. Then, after working out regularly for an extended period, I retried to climb the same mountain: I easily conquered it. I felt so good that after dismounting, I successfully climbed the mountain next to it.

Many of you have been spiritually exercising the whole year through AMI Quiet time; hopefully, it wasn’t a matter of checking off an item from your daily to-do list. If you have been approaching it with the right attitude, then, I believe you are now ready to conquer another spiritual mountain even higher. During your time with the Lord throughout the year, God has bestowed in you spiritual authority, revelations and truths, compassion, deeper faith, and “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). If you merely survived this year spiritually, then, may you thrive in the coming year in which you run to be victorious in every facet of your life, in Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me the strength, through the Holy Spirit, to overcome the many obstacles I face. Help me to push forward, in word and prayer, in love, faith and hope. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 13

October 12, Saturday

Today’s blog, written by Pastor Sam Lee of Catalyst Agape Church in New Jersey, was first posted on December 7, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Real Power of the Gospel”

Philippians 1:2-6

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 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.

I want to focus on the gospel today.

Paul was in the loneliest situation one can imagine. He was all alone, in prison, facing death, chained, no material comfort, hungry, far from home, no money, no electricity, no heating, and on top of that he was called to singleness. In situations when all would be overcome by loneliness, anger, condemnation, and depression, Paul overcomes. Paul understood that all dysfunction and hopelessness is the effect of sin. Paul was able to be joyful in all situations because of the gospel. Paul believed there was no barrier to the gospel no matter how hopeless the situation.

I want to encourage you that the gospel is not just four laws to memorize but it is real and active in us because of Christ “I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 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.” Sin has brought every problem known to us. But, amid many problems we face, I want to encourage you to focus on what Christ has done for us. In the most hopeless situation, there is hope in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for Your love, sacrifice, and death on the cross for us. That alone is enough for me to be forever grateful to you. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 11-12

October 11, Friday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Stir Up One Another”

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

When I’ve read these verses before, this exhortation to “stir up one another to love and good works” would often stand out to me. I always thought about it as a beautiful picture of a community or a group of faithful followers of Jesus coming together to motivate and encourage one another to love Jesus and love others. I’d imagine this exhortation to be like an inspirational or motivational speech that we see in movies, like the halftime speech of a sports movie or a speech from a general to his troops before they go in battle: “Let’s go and win one for Jesus everyone!”

Yet if you look up this word for “stir up” in the original language (παροξυσμὸν), it means “a provocation which literally jabs (cuts) someone so they must respond.” The implication here is that stirring up one another isn’t just a motivational or inspirational thing, but it involves provoking, jabbing, and cutting one another—meaning, it can bring discomfort or pain. It doesn’t really sound very inspirational or motivational, does it? Why should there be any discomfort or pain?

When the author of Hebrews exhorts the church to consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, it implies something very important: that on our own, as individuals, without the prompting or provoking of others, we won’t make decisions or choices that lead us to love and good works. If we were perfectly capable of growing in Christ individually, we wouldn’t need others to stir us up. We need to be stirred up because otherwise, we wouldn’t love others or do good works.

In our communities then, we need to cultivate relationships and friendships for ourselves where others can stir us up to love Jesus and others, even if that means discomfort or pain, even if that means our friends rebuke or challenge us. No one really looks forwards to being rebuked or challenged. None of us really want to be told that we’re headed down a wrong or unhealthy path. But I believe all of us should desire to be pointed to Jesus by our brothers and sisters in Christ; and one of the most crucial ways this happens is when we allow others to speak truth in love into our lives. Today, let us consider how we can allow others to stir us up towards love and good works.

Prayer: Jesus, I think you for the community that you have provided for me. I pray that you will use my brothers and sisters to speak truth into my life. Stir me up towards loving You, Jesus, and others through Your body. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 2:11-14: But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Questions to Consider

Why did Paul confront Cephas (Peter) in this passage?
What do you think would have happened if Paul never confronted Peter?
Why would it have been difficult for Paul to rebuke Peter?
Why is it difficult for us to rebuke and confront others too? How can we grow in this?

Notes

Peter was at one point eating and fellowshipping with Gentiles, but when the circumcision party came, Peter changed his behavior out of fear of them and stopped being present with Gentiles. Paul calls him out on this, because Peter was giving into fear of man and helping to create division over bad theology.
If Paul didn’t confront Peter, the church itself would have been divided, people would have been led astray by the bad theology of the circumcision party, and perhaps, many people would have been deeply discouraged or even led away from faith in Jesus.
Paul could have easily felt awkward or uneasy rebuking Peter, because of Peter’s stature within the church. He had been one of Jesus’ key disciples, and he was one of the primary leaders of the early church. I think no matter our age or position, most of us would find it difficult to confront people who are older than us or more accomplished than us. There could have been fear on Paul’s part of speaking out of place or as the idiom says, going above his pay grade.
Reflect on this for yourself, but I think, generally speaking, we all fear confronting because we worry about what people will think about us or ruining a friendship in some way. At the same time though, rebuking and confronting should be something that we do for our brothers and sisters in Christ. How do we grow in it then? We must remember that we speak truth in love. Our motivation is love for our friends and love for Jesus. If we truly love our friends, we should be willing to rebuke them if it means that they will love Jesus.

Evening Reflection

A church community is necessary and crucial for growing in love for Jesus and others, but that doesn’t mean that it’s easy. Take some time and thank God for the church community that you’re in. If you’re struggling to be thankful for your church, pray for your heart first. Pray that you will love the church like Jesus does. And then, pray that God will grow His church in love and good works.

October 10, Thursday

The AMI QT devotionals for October 10-11 are provided by Pastor Shan Gian who serves at Symphony Church in Boston.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“One Another”

Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Have you ever thought as you were listening to a sermon at church, I wish my friend was here to listen to this, or I hope my small group member is paying attention? My guess is that most, if not all of us, have thought something like that before. While there are some good intentions behind this kind of thinking, I’ve found that it’s easier for us to think about how another person is receiving a message more than actually receiving that message for ourselves. This verse in Galatians is a prime example of this.

Paul exhorts the church to carry one another’s burdens, to help comfort and counsel one another in difficult circumstances or to challenge one another in our struggles against sin and temptation. When we read this, our tendency may be to think about others: We think about that small group member who has been struggling and how we can help them; or we remember that friend of ours who has been having a hard time at work and how we can encourage him or her. It is great for us to stop and consider how we can be a blessing to others and carry their burdens, but when we do this, there’s a really important person that we tend to forget—ourselves. Paul is not just saying to carry other people’s burdens, but we should mutually carry one another’s burdens. An intrinsic part of “one another” is ourselves. We don’t only consider how to help others, but we ourselves must allow others to help us with our own burdens.

Though it is important for us to strive to be a blessing to others, we shouldn’t forget that we ourselves need to be blessed by others. Because we have a desire to serve others, we can easily put on a brave face, telling others that we’re okay, instead of being vulnerable and open and letting others bless us. And ultimately, this can lead us into a dangerous place. On our own, we cannot handle all of the burdens of our circumstances, struggles, sins, much less the burdens of others as well. What we all need is the support of others, of a community that desires to bless one another and point one another to the love of Jesus.

Today, take a moment and think about how you yourself need others to help carry your burdens. If there’s an opportunity, share with a friend about your own needs and struggles and ask for prayer. Let’s bear one another’s burdens today.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank you for the love that You have shown me through others. I pray today that I can share my burdens with others and experience Your love through my brothers and sisters in Christ. Bless me today through Your church. AMEN

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 10

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 1:7-10: But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us

Questions to Consider

What is the foundation of our fellowship within the church?
If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you probably know better than to say you are without sin. However, it’s still pretty easy for us to deceive ourselves and think we’re not that bad or don’t need much help. What are some areas in your life where you may be deceiving yourself? What are some sins that you’re not admitting to others or yourself?
What happens if we confess our sins to others?

Notes

It is walking in the light, i.e. walking with Jesus. The foundation of all that we do within the church is Jesus.
Personal reflection question.
When we confess our sins, we experience the forgiveness and “cleansing” of Jesus. We don’t have to be in a community nor do we have confess our sins to someone else in order to be forgiven of our sins. Forgiveness is offered to us unconditionally by the blood of Jesus. However, when we confess our sins to one another, we not only understand the forgiveness of Jesus, but we also experience a deeper and typically more powerful cleansing. Confessing to one another gives us a greater freedom and confidence in the love of Jesus.

Evening Reflection

We are not meant to walk with Jesus on our own. We are deeply in need of the fellowship of the saints to help us carry our burdens and point us to Jesus. If you haven’t yet, reach out to a friend from your church tonight and simply ask for prayer. Offer to listen and pray for your friend as well. Let us strive to be people who are dependent on one another to follow Jesus.

October 9, Wednesday

Today’s devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on December 26, 2013. Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for Today

“What It Really Means to be Wise”

Proverbs 29:9

“If a wise man goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace.”

Growing up, when I would get into fights with my younger sisters over something, our parents would often say to me, “You’re the older one – as the older one, you should give way to the younger girls.” I thought it was so unfair. Why should I be the one to give in? And what did being older have anything to do with it?

As adults, we’ve come to understand what my parents meant, that being the more mature one means that one doesn’t always have to insist on things being fair. The older one, emotionally, has more wherewithal to deal with not getting to have things his or her way. If there is only one ice cream left but two children, the older one, if mature enough, can let the younger one have it, because the older one has compassion on the younger, because the older one knows that he or she can better handle the disappointment of going without.

Our Scripture for today is a proverb about what happens when a wise person and a fool go to court. In other places in the Bible, there are warnings against going to court too hastily (Proverbs 25:8) and encouragement to resolve matters before it gets to that point (Matthew 5:25). Here, too, I think we can take this proverb as a warning to the wise against insisting on fairness to the end, especially if one’s adversary is someone less wise.

As the wiser person, it’s not about looking down on someone and saying, “I’m wise, you’re foolish; because I’m the better person, I will give in to you.” That would be proud and actually less than mature. Mature wisdom sees those who are not there yet with mercy and compassion, and knowing they themselves are better able to handle giving way, they yield, graciously.

We need to stand our ground on important issues. But for the lesser, can we be the wise one today? “Choose your battles;” some of the wisest counsel I’ve ever received.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am not the wisest, but if I encounter conflict today, would you give me the grace to yield and not have to insist to the end on things being fair? As you have been gracious to me, help me to be to others. In Jesus’ name.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 29:11, 22: “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. 22 An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.”

Questions to Consider

We often talk about “venting” to our friends and how we “need” to do this. But what does the Bible say (v. 11)?
What is the wise person’s response in frustrating situations? (v. 11)
What is the result of letting ourselves be controlled by anger rather than keeping anger under control (v. 22)? What happened the last time I either spoke or acted out of anger?

Notes

Venting is what fools do. We need to be able to share, but sometimes it can go too far.
He/she is able to manage his/her emotions.
Dissension and sin. Usually when we act in anger, we do things we regret later.

Evening Reflection

How were my interactions with the people around me today? With family members, shopkeepers, restaurant workers? Did I give way to others more or did they give way to me?

October 8, Tuesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun (Radiance Christian Church, S. F.), was originally posted on March 13, 2013.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Shame on Me No More”

Psalms 25:1-3 (ESV)

To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.

Lewis Smedes, who is a well-known author and Christian psychologist, describes shame as the emotions that are felt when there is a sense that we are being devalued, despised, and ultimately rejected. Obviously, it is a very negative emotion that involves a great deal of pain and for that reason many of us struggle with deep feelings of shame. When we allow the enemy to speak lies, we can feel as if God despises us; however, the truth of the scriptures tells us that he will never put us to shame, for the Lord loves and adores us. Nevertheless, he does “hate” the shame that he sees hidden within each of us.

In Christ, we are all given a way out of our shame through God’s unconditional love and acceptance. Smedes calls this the voice and touch of loving ownership. Only when we know that we belong to someone can we be truly freed from our shame. The psalmist is imploring us to get back to the timeless truth that we belong to God, who alone can cover our shame.

Does it sometimes feel like the circumstances of life are getting the best of you? Are you struggling with a sense of shame over your sins and failures? Meditate on the forgiveness and unconditional love of God this morning.

Prayer: Father, I am in such desperate need of Your love and acceptance. It is so easy to shut You out of my life and not allow Your healing grace to cover all of my wounds. Help me to yield to the work that You want to do deep within my soul knowing that You know what is best for me.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 12:2 (NIV): Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Questions to Consider

What does it mean to “fix our eyes on Jesus”? (Hebrews 12:1)
How can we model our lives after the example of Christ, who is the author of our faith? (Hebrews 12:2)
What stands as the main barrier to the perfection of our faith? (Hebrews 12:1, 3)

The perfection of our faith is a long and arduous process. It takes us down many winding roads and through deep valleys but ultimately it brings us to the pinnacle of life.

Note

The Christian faith is often likened to a long endurance race. Fixing our eyes on Jesus means making him the end goal of our lives. Unfortunately, many treat their faith like a short sprint and never consider how important it is to finish well in life. In order to do that, like a world-class athlete, believers have to orient their lives around one single goal.
To follow after Christ, we must live a life of self-denial and pick up our cross daily (Luke 9:23). This requires endurance, casting off sin and shame, and setting our minds on the future glory that awaits us as God’s children.
Sin and the lack of perseverance is the main culprit for those who fall short of their God given destiny. This is why the author of Hebrews exhorts us to throw off everything that hinders and the sin that entangles us. All runners know that you cannot hope to finish the race well if you have any extra weight holding you down.

Evening Reflection

As you prepare to end the day, what were some temptations you overcame? Reflect on how God has sustained and helped you throughout this day.

October 7, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Son, was originally posted on September 22, 2014. David and his team launched the Thrive Church in Taipei this past February. Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for Today

“God Works in Strange Ways”

Ecclesiastes 9:1-3

But all this I laid to heart, examining it all, how the righteous and the wise and their deeds are in the hand of God. Whether it is love or hate, man does not know; both are before him. It is the same for all, since the same event happens to the righteous and the wicked, to the good and the evil, to the clean and the unclean, to him who sacrifices and him who does not sacrifice. As the good one is, so is the sinner, and he who swears is as he who shuns an oath. This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that the same event happens to all. Also, the hearts of the children of man are full of evil, and madness is in their hearts while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

You may have been in this situation before: you’ve invited a friend to Sunday service at your church, and to your surprise, this staunchly atheistic businessman miraculously agrees! You’re not sure whether it’s just to get you off his back, or there’s genuine interest, but all you’re hoping for is that the sermon this week is a “good one.”

My friend Sam was in this exact scenario. He had finally convinced his friend to join him for a Sunday service at his church, but to his utter dismay, the lead pastor was away on a speaking engagement that week; and so the eldest of all the elders took to the pulpit. The old gentleman opened to 1 Chronicles chapter 1. As Sam buried his face in his hands, the elder read in a slow monotonous voice, the genealogy of the Israelite people. Things couldn’t have gone worse. With a long sigh, Sam concluded that his friend was surely never coming back to church. The service drew to a close, and as soon as the benediction was given, Sam’s friend turned to him, and to Sam’s absolute shock, he said, “Sam, I think I want to become a Christian.” After a short, confusing, yet joyous pause, Sam had to ask, “Wait. WHY?”

His friend replied, “As the old man was speaking about people living and dying, I asked myself, what’s going to happen to me when I die? And then I realized, I need to know more about Jesus.” God certainly works in strange ways (to us, that is).

Solomon brings to light one of humanity’s most avoided, yet most important topic: death. We’re all headed in that direction; from the morally upright to the most crooked of criminals. Perhaps we do not ponder on this truth enough, for if we did, we would be driven daily into the arms of Jesus, the conqueror of death. Today, take a moment to ponder and thank Jesus for His victory over the grave. If there is an opportunity, share this joy you’ve found with a friend, family member, or co-worker.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your death and resurrection. The hope of eternal life with You gives meaning and brings joy to the things that I do here on earth. Help me to live in light of the joy of eternal life today.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 1:21-26: For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

Questions to Consider

Which does Paul say is better: to live on earth, or go to heaven to be with Christ?
What is Paul’s purpose for continuing to live out his life on earth?
If going to heaven is incomparably better, why do we, as Christians, continue to live in the brokenness of this earth?

Notes

Paul says that it is better to be with Christ. The reality of our situation as Christians is that what lies ahead of us, after we pass on from this world, is far better! This is part of the glorious salvation into which Christ has saved us. But why not just end this life, and go on to what is better?
Paul says that remaining in the flesh is “more necessary on your account.” In other words, the reason God hasn’t taken him home is because he has a mission on this earth to spread the gospel and build the church.
As a believer, a glorious, sin-free, pain-free, God-filled life is waiting for us less than 80 years away. But why wait to enter this glorious new life? Because we have a mission to fulfill here, and when that mission is complete, we will enter fully into that glorious life. But until then, each day is purposefully given to us so that we may love others, spread the gospel, build up the church, and expand His Kingdom. How is His Mission influencing the way you live your life?

Evening Reflection

Earlier today, we looked at a passage where Paul had to make a decision: to depart and be with Christ, or remain on earth for the sake of others. Departing seemed much better for Paul, for remaining on earth required much more suffering, sacrifice, and discomfort; yet Paul’s attitude was to remain in the flesh for the sake of the church.

If you think about it, Jesus had made a similar type of decision: He could have stayed in heaven with the Father, which would have been much better for Him; no one would have said anything. But for our sake, he came in the flesh, requiring suffering, (huge) sacrifice, discomfort, and death; and yet Jesus’ attitude was to give himself entirely up for our benefit.

How can we imitate such self-sacrificial love that we see in Christ, as Paul also sought to emulate? Do we love others enough to sacrifice our own comforts and rights?

October 6, Sunday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend, written by Pastor Ryun Chang, was originally posted on February 22, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing” (2)

Matthew 8:11

“Lord,” the centurion said, “just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I am a man under authority”

Once, when disciples played a pivotal role in implementing the great miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 men with 5 breads and 2 fish, they appeared to get a big head (mind you, their head was already large, seeing that they always argued about who was the greatest among them.) Though Jesus blessed the food, which resulted in its increase, people received it from the hands of the disciples who distributed the food in an orderly fashion (Mk. 6:40). After hearing repeated “thank-yous” from the grateful people, I guess my head will swell up as well (since it has been known to swell up on far less).

As evening came, the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food” (Mt. 14:15). Notice the imperative form of speech that they used in order to tell Jesus what He ought to do: “Send (apoluson) the crowds away.” When considering that the “imperative mood in the Greek expresses actions which are to be realized by the exercise of the will of one person upon that of another” (Summers 1950:112), their statement revealed a self-confident attitude as in, “Jesus, we know better; you need to do this.”

Suffice it to say for now, we don’t command Jesus; He commands us! We don’t order Jesus around; He gives orders to us! Ironically, an outsider (the Roman centurion) understood that principle better than the insiders. Instead of asking Jesus (or shall I say, commanding, for that was this officer’s customary way) to come to his house to heal his man who was gravely ill, the centurion said to the Lord, “Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”

So, don’t get too complacent and don’t be over-confident. Jesus is the Lord—not us—he commands us and we obey him.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 7

Prayer: Lord, teach me to understand my role as your subject and servant. Remind me never to tell you what to do; instead, I shall always submit to your perfect will. Thank you. Amen.

October 5, Saturday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend, written by Pastor Ryun Chang, was originally posted on February 21, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Apart from Me You Can Do Nothing” (1)

Matthew 21:6-11

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

The crowd wildly cheered as Jesus, riding on a donkey, entered Jerusalem just before his crucifixion. If the donkey mistakenly believed that the cheers were for him, how silly that would be. While that was highly unlikely, the same cannot be said about us since we have an unlimited desire for self-aggrandizement and recognition.

Jesus’ disciples were no exceptions since they often discussed who was the greatest among them. Once when Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” they said nothing because “they had argued about who was the greatest” (Mk 9:33-4). The disciples didn’t stop there; they had the same discussion right after Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him. Initially shocked and sad over this closure, it didn’t stop them from “disput[ing] . . . among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest” (Lk. 22:24). About to be arrested and crucified the next day, I wonder what the Lord must have been thinking at that moment: “Father, this isn’t going to work. Is it possible to postpone the crucifixion for a week so I can replace these ‘clowns’ with more qualified people?” Well, that’s me talking, mind you.

We can be sure that God, who “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” will not tolerate such attitudes. Before using us, God will teach us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. That process, I found out throughout my life, isn’t always pretty, meaning I had to eat humble pie on many occasions. It’s a lesson that we need to be reminded of constantly, that is, if we desire to be used by the Lord who will not give his “glory . . . to another” (Is. 48:11).

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 5-6

Prayer: Lord, teach me to be humble and curb my desire to draw attention to myself; instead, remind me to give all the credit to where the credit is due—You, my Lord, Amen.

October 4, Friday

Today’s devotional, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato, was originally posted on November 7, 2014. He and his wife Jessica (along with their three young children) recently moved to Japan to serve as missionaries.

Devotional Thought for Today

“Self-Reliance”—Fool’s Gold

Proverbs 3:21-26

My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. 23 Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. 24 If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the ruin of the wicked, when it comes, 26 for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught.

In our passage today, the author of the Proverbs exhorts us to “keep sound wisdom and discretion” (v. 21). How easy it is to learn wisdom and then fail to keep it, to understand the knowledge of God only to lose sight of it.

For example, Solomon began well. He gained greater wisdom than any before or after him but he lost sight of it in the end. Wisdom is not only to be gained but to be kept.

We are constantly tempted to put aside the wisdom of God for our own wisdom, especially when things seem to be working out all right. But as we trust more and more in ourselves, fear and stress begin to creep in.

I belong to an accountability group with several brothers. We at least seem to be a fairly capable group of men, whether in areas of finances and career or even family and spirituality. Some time ago, while we were having a casual conversation, I found out that we rely more on ourselves than God. Faced with increasing responsibilities and greater awareness of what can go wrong, we’re tempted to rely even more on ourselves and exert greater control over every detail of our lives. But there is no peace in self-dependence—it’s fool’s gold.

The one who holds tight to the wisdom of God will not stumble or be afraid (v. 23-24). They will sleep easily because the Lord is their confidence (v. 24, 26).

We may be successful and competent people, but deep down we know the limits of our own wisdom and power. We simply don’t know everything and even if we did there are many more things outside of our control than in our control when it comes to our health, our finances, and even our children.

Only in God can we rest secure. As we walk by His wisdom, we can be confident in the One who actually is in control of all things. Take some time to entrust your responsibilities, cares, and loved ones to the Lord.

Prayer: Father, thank You for all the blessings and truths You have granted to me thus far. Forgive me that I am so tempted to go back to my own understanding and ways. May I walk in Your wisdom and find peace in a world of uncertainty.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Kings 11:1-5: Now King Solomon loved many foreign women, along with the daughter of Pharaoh: Moabite, Ammonite, Edomite, Sidonian, and Hittite women, 2 from the nations concerning which the LORD had said to the people of Israel, “You shall not enter into marriage with them, neither shall they with you, for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 He had 700 wives, who were princesses, and 300 concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

Questions to Consider

What contributed to Solomon’s downfall?
According to v. 4, did Solomon still love the Lord?
Solomon allowed his wives whom he loved to turn his heart away from God. How can you be wise in your relationships?

Notes

His love of foreign women (v. 1) and his disobedience to God’s clear command (v. 2).
Solomon did love the Lord, but his heart was not wholly true to Him. His heart was divided.
Deliberately investing in friendships that will build your faith; obeying God’s command not to be yoked with nonbelievers; learning to communicate love to family and friends apart from simply obeying them (when their desires conflict with God’s).

Evening Reflection

Did any particular worries or pressures weigh heavily on you today? How can you rely more on the Lord and less on yourself? Allow the Lord to carry Your burdens.