December 5, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Ephesians 1:16-20

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, 18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might 20 that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

I was always amazed by the power of a child’s imagination. Anything and everything can turn into some great fantasy for a child. Take for example a broomstick: For us, it is used for cleaning purposes only; for children, it can become anything—a flying magical stick or maybe even a great sword. They may even spend hours flying around in their imagination. But as we get older, we start to see how such naïve and childish imaginations have no place in the real world. Yet some of the greatest breakthroughs in history came from a person’s imagination. Nelson Mandela once said that “the power of imagination created the illusion that my vision went much farther than the naked eye could actually see.” It was his imagination that allowed Mandela to see a completely different world driven by peace that was so outside of reality.  

And this is Paul’s prayer for the believers in Ephesus—that the eyes of their hearts may be enlightened to the immeasurable greatness of his power given to us as believers. Why is this so crucial? It’s because if we’re not careful, there exists a danger in which we may lose our sense of awe and wonder towards God. Our faith is constantly threatened by our own familiarity and can become limited by what we deem as possible. As a result, “we limit God’s help to our own ideas and we do not dare promise ourselves more than we conceive in our minds” (John Calvin). Faith was never supposed to be limited by our own means. It was always supposed to be grounded in His immeasurable power.

It may seem a little naïve at times, but may we never lose our wonder of God. He can take some of the most common and ordinary things in our lives and use them for His glory. May we continue to walk by faith and not by sight—believing God will do more than we can imagine!

Prayer: God, we confess our lack of faith in You. Forgive us that we turn to our own ways and limit what You can do in our lives. Restore us back to a place of wonder that is grounded in Your truth. Increase our faith so that we may experience You in a new and fresh way. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Kings 6:15-19: When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Questions to Consider

  1. Notice the different reactions between the servant and Elisha. What can we learn from this?
  2. How can we fix our eyes upon the Lord?
  3. Considering this passage, how should this change us?

Notes

  1. The servant, seeing with his physical eyes, naturally sees the enemy coming upon them. This results in both fear and anxiety that leads the servant to panic. The servant focuses on his own ability, while Elisha’s eyes are focused on the Lord. While the servant turns to man, Elisha turns to God.
  2. Rather than looking at their situation, Elisha deliberately turns to prayer. Because the servant is focused on the physical world, he cannot see God’s power. As Elisha prays for him, the servant’s eyes are then opened, and he finds both peace and confidence. It is in prayer where we can find the faith to fight.  
  3. Personal response. May our first instinct be to turn to prayer and to Him. May we have the discernment to see how God sees things, rather than what we see with our physical eyes.

Evening Reflection

Mark 9 speaks of a situation in which a father asks Jesus to come and heal his dying son. Jesus condemns their lack of faith, to which the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” In this interaction we see that Jesus responds to the man’s desperation and honesty. Sometimes, faith begins with an honest confession of how much we can fall short. But take hope—even the faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains. Spend some time asking God to help you in your areas of unbelief and to give you a little more faith.

December 4, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“What’s God’s Will for My Life?”

Ephesians 1:11-14

 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, 12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.

Growing up, I wanted to be so many things—a policeman, a racecar driver, and an architect. What did you want to be when you were growing up? Oh, the good days, where the sky was the limit to our wildest dreams! It’s interesting that even at a young age, there’s this underlying question driving all of us: what is the purpose of my life? And as believers, we tend to rephrase it as, What is God’s will for my life?  Yet it’s a question that brings more frustration than motivation for many of us. Every major step we take, we wrestle with the question: Is this God’s will for me?

In today’s passage, Paul has an answer for us. Those who have been chosen by Him have been also predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will. Notice that Paul writes, who works all things: not just the good things in our lives, but also the things we may consider bad. In fact in Romans 8:28 Paul assures us “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” But if we’re not careful, we may use verses like these to justify the bad decisions we make. God doesn’t necessarily justify the bad things in our lives; instead, He chooses to redeem them for a greater purpose beyond our understanding. While the specifics may be unclear in the moment, one thing we know for sure: He wills so that our lives may be for the praise of His glory.

It is both humbling and freeing for us, and yet it also brings us the utmost confidence, for this promise is given to those who have been called by Him and love Him. Rather than being paralyzed with this question of what is God’s will in our lives, we can put our trust in Him—that in all things He is working for our good. Whatever season we may be in, know that He is doing something good. Our job is to be faithful to what He is doing now. May we continue to obey and follow after Him!

Prayer: Father, we thank You that You see the greater picture of our lives. Though we only see a glimpse, I pray that we may be faithful and obedient to where You have called us now. Holy Spirit remind us and assure us that nothing can thwart God’s will being done in our lives. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Joshua 5:13-15: When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Additional Context: After this encounter, God reveals the plan to conquer Jericho. God commands them to march around the city once for six days. Then on the seventh day, they were to march around the walls seven times. On the seventh time, God commands them to shout and that the walls would fall down flat.

Questions to Consider

  1. Imagine yourself in Joshua’s position, hearing God’s plan to overtake this formidable city of Jericho: How would you respond? How did Joshua respond?
  2. How does worship give Joshua the confidence to submit to His plan?
  3. When God asks you to do something, what is your response? What are the areas where you are refusing to submit?

Notes

  1. The Scriptures are filled with God revealing some of the most ridiculous and extra-ordinary plans. Yet for those who receive these plans, it is in the place of worship that enables them to submit to God’s will. In worship, Joshua is able to submit to God’s will.
  2. Joshua comes before the Lord with his face to the earth. This teaches us that worship begins with our humble submission to the Lord. God also commands Joshua to take off his sandals, since he was standing on holy ground. Worship drives us into the presence of God and His presence sets us apart. In His presence, we are able to find confidence in His plans over our own.
  3. Oftentimes, we tend to put more weight on our logic and reason. This does not mean we should make decisions rashly, but we should allow faith to always drive our decisions more than our logic. Personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

Meditate on Psalm 16:11“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Reflect on the passage above. The psalmist reminds us that life is a journey and not simply a destination. We are reminded that God cares more about the process than the actual destination, or as Rick Warren writes: “God cares more about who you become than what you do.” But far greater than this, the psalmist reveals that more rewarding than our plans is His presence. Spend some time reflecting on this. When you come before Him, are you restless to hear some sort of direction? Or do you find the fullness of joy just by simply being in His presence?

December 3, Monday

The AMI QT Devotionals from December 2-9 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) currently serves as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco.  Andy is married to Jane who is a pharmacist.

 

 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“A Miserly Living—Not What the Lord Has in Mind for Us”

Ephesians 1:3-8

 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love5 he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight

Henrietta ‘Hetty’ Green was an American businesswoman who pioneered the way for women on Wall Street. Earning her name as the “Witch of Wall Street,” Hetty was not only known for her investment strategies, but also her frugal and miserable living habits. Rumors have it that she moved from rundown house to another to avoid taxes; ate cold oatmeal to not pay for hot water; and drank disease prone skim milk over the more expensive whole milk. Once her son injured his leg in an accident and she delayed treatment in search of a free clinic. This resulted in having her son’s leg amputated. Some even claim her penny-pinching habits caused her own death. But here’s the irony of it all: she died as the wealthiest woman in history with a $100 million to her name, equal to over $2.5 billion today! What a sad and ridiculous way to live!

And it’s precisely this type of living Paul warns the believers against. More often than not, we tend to live more out of what we don’t have, than what we do have. We say things like, “If I had this, then I’d be able to…” or “It’s because I’m not this, I am this way.” Sadly, we have everything at our fingertips, yet we find ourselves miserable and empty. These are the lies of this world and Paul paints a completely different picture for believers in Christ. He says that as believers we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing and lavished with all the riches of His grace. These are blessings entirely independent of us or even our circumstances, for they are blessings unconditionally given to us through Christ. Brothers and sisters, we have more in our accounts than we could ever imagine!

The most regrettable part of Hetty’s life was that she constantly lived in fear and anxiety, never being able to fully enjoy life. May our lives not be marked by such fear and anxiety, but may our lives be marked by the unending grace we find in Him. For in Christ we have more than we could possibly ask for—both a fullness and joy found only in Him.

Prayer: Father, we bless Your name, my soul blesses Your name. Thank You for all the blessings You have graciously poured over my life. Jesus, help me to remember I have been given everything I need in You. May I live out of Your abundance.  Amen.

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:14-17: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Questions to Consider

  1. Who is a child of God? What are the blessings of His adoption?
  2. What is the difference between the spirit of slavery and the spirit of adoption we have received? How does receiving the spirit of adoption change our relationship with Him?
  3. How does Paul address suffering? What is the relationship between our adoption and suffering?

Notes

  1. Sonship to God is not a universal status to everyone. John 1:12 says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” To be His child is a right given to us by the Father and to those who are led by His Spirit. As children, we have an intimate access before Him and an inheritance assured to us.
  2. A spirit of slavery is driven by fear. However, the spirit of adoption affords us the privilege of crying out to Him as father. The word “Abba” is an Aramaic term modernly translated as “daddy.” In other words, our adoption affords us intimacy, access, and a relationship with the Father.
  3. Suffering is a mark of our sonship with the Father in this world. But this suffering points to a glory awaiting us as heirs of God. The glorious riches available to Christ have also been available to us provided we suffer well.

Evening Reflection

Have you ever seen a toddler fall or lose something, and their first instinct is to cry out for his mommy or daddy? Even if somebody would assure him that nothing was wrong, the only thing that can comfort him is the presence of his mommy or daddy. It’s this primal instinct that captures this cry of “Abba” Father. Take a few moments to reflect on this idea of crying out to God as “daddy.” What emotions or feelings come up?

In the same way, may we learn to cry out to Him, believing that in times of need only He can comfort us. Spend a few moments reflecting on this truth. Remember, as His children, we may approach Him in full confidence as our Father. In all things, may we turn to Him first.

December 2, Sunday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“The Best Advice I Can Give”

James 5:13-18 (NASB)

Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

My adviceAs a young pastor still learning a lot about what it means to lead and care for others, I often find myself in situations where I am unsure what advice to give to people. I find myself often seeking the wise counsel of older, more experienced pastors. I ask them how they would handle certain situations or their thoughts on what I believe I’m receiving in prayer. But more times than not, our conversations end up in a place where there really is no other solution than this: they need to pray.

And I’m starting to realize how the best advice I could give as a pastor is really this—you need to pray. I would often feel the pressure of wanting to say the right thing or have that nugget of wisdom that will help them to see things more clearly. But in the end, I’m learning that there is no substitute, no alternative to someone humbling themselves before God and Him speaking to them.

James is often considered one of the most practical books found in scripture. And you can see this in his final exhortation to the believers. James speaks to those who are suffering, those who are cheerful, those who are sick, those in sin; in other words, in all circumstances of life, James’ practical direction is prayer. And the language here is not suggestive, that is, the verb tense used here is an imperative: He must pray.

The question I want to challenge all of us here today is how practical is prayer in your life? When we are sick, when we are stressed, or when we are confused, is prayer the practical next step for you? What about times when you are rejoicing or celebrating, is prayer or worship the immediate response?

As practical as the book of James is, it is also profoundly theological. For James, the idea that every good and perfect gift comes from God is not merely an ideal—it is a reality in which we are to live daily. Our everyday interactions are not just between two people; there is another Person involved, meaning the practical workings of our lives have a profound spiritual reality. Therefore, we must pray. And the promise is that prayer that is right before God can accomplish much.

Brothers and sisters, it’s already December. Another year is ending, and the question I want to ask is how’s your prayer life? In less religious words, basically what I want to ask is how’s your relationship with the Lord? The vibrancy of our relationship with God dictates our ability to see how interconnected and involved He is in our lives. So I pray that every moment and aspect of our lives would be in and through and for God.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of prayer. Thank You that when we humble ourselves and pray, You are a God who is there. Thank You that we have been given such a practical tool to build our relationship with You. Help us to use it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 2

 

December 1, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Now Matters”

James 5.7-9 (NASB)

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.

 One Friday night when I was praying at church, I received a picture of what looked like a banquet hall during the times of Jesus. You could hear the clattering of plates as all these people were running around, getting the tables set. There was an urgency to their preparation. I was quickly reminded of the Parable of the Wedding Banquet (Matthew 22:1-14). One of the key details of that parable is when the king notices a man amongst the guests who did not have the right wedding garments, that man is immediately thrown out of the banquet to a place where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. This is to foreshadow what it will be like when Jesus returns. Those who have the right garments will be welcomed into the wedding banquet.

The reason why I share this is because of the conviction the Lord placed upon my heart through this vision. When I asked for understanding, God’s responded, “The preparation for the banquet has started. What are you doing to help others to find their wedding garments?”

As those who profess Jesus as Lord and Savior, what is included in this confession is the belief that Christ will come back. It is on that day where all things will be made new, death will be no more, and God’s people will be eternally in His presence (Revelation 21). There will be a great wedding banquet. No one knows when this will happen, only the Father. But as we see how quickly things are changing in the world, you can sense that it’s not too far off.

In my heart, I have assurance of salvation; I believe that because of Christ, my wedding garments are ready. But what am I doing to help others prepare?

James in today’s passage exhorts the church to patiently wait for the coming of the Lord. Just as the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, he calls the believers to be patient. The day is near. And then verse 9 seems to repeat all the teachings he had covered so far. What I believe James is calling people towards the day of the Lord with great hope and anticipation, while at the same time, reminding them to be mindful of the manner in which they are currently living their lives. There is hope that has been secured, but there is manner in which we are to patiently wait. We can easily become nihilistic, thinking that the end will soon come, and so not to worry about how we live our day-to-day lives. But this is not so for those who are in Christ.

The manner in which we live now matters. The way God challenged me in prayer to think about how I am spending my life now is the same message that James is reminding all of us here in this passage. We are a people who will behold unimaginable glory. But until that day comes, until we see our God face to face, I pray that the lives that we lived to that point would be ever so pleasing onto Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will return. The Spirit and the bride declare, “Come!” But we ask for Your mercy that when You do come, we would be found living lives in a manner worthy of Your calling. And we cannot do this without Your Spirit— fill us with Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 12-Proverbs 1

November 30, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

James 4.11-12 (NASB)

Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?

 In a podcast series I recently finished (Serial, season 3) that investigated the judicial and prison system of Ohio, there was one law held by every person interviewed. No matter how unjust or unreasonable their situation was, no one broke this rule: you don’t snitch on anyone. And these young men would go to such great lengths to uphold this law—a law that isn’t even recognized by the judicial system. You may have differing opinions on this issue, and that’s fair; but one thing for sure: All of them understood that no one is above this law.

Whether it’s in Christian leadership or in the corporate setting, when someone begins to think that they are above the law—certain rules apply to some but not to me—it signals a grave danger ahead. The arrogance of this thinking is morally reprehensible, but more importantly, it is disdainful in the eyes of God. The tricky realization is that all us do commit this offense. We have areas in our lives that we know go against God’s heart, but we choose to disregard them.

We need to closely follow the argument here in this short passage. The teaching is to not speak against one another, especially about those within the community of faith. For when we do, three things occur: we (1) speak against the law, (2) judge the law, and (3) are not doers of the law. For James, when we disobey God’s commands, we are judging the commands by saying they are not applicable to us. This is judgment of, that is, rejecting, the validity of the law itself. And one example of this pattern is when we believe the command to love our neighbor as ourselves does not apply to us, and thus, speak out against our brothers/sisters.

The question we must ask ourselves is when we cast judgment on others, do we recognize that it’s not just “having a hard time with this person”? The seriousness of the indictment is that we have made ourselves above the One Lawgiver and Judge. There is no minor command that the Lord gives us, especially when it involves loving others. We cannot pick and choose lest we become judges of the law.

As was said yesterday, as we honestly reflect upon our character and heart, I pray that this would lead all of us to greater humility. I pray that the Word of God would peel back the deception that we have come to accept and be freed of the arrogance of our hearts.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that Your word is sharper than a double-edged sword. Thank You that it pierces us deeply so that we may be refined and become more like You. Send Your Holy Spirit so that we may love our neighbors as ourselves. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 18:9-14: And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What are the reasons for which the Pharisee felt that he stood right before the Lord? Was he wrong? What does this reveal about God?
  2. If you were to put these characters in your current context, who would be like the Pharisee and who would be like the tax collector? Who are you more like?
  3. What are the thoughts and feelings you experience when you find out that it is the tax collector that goes home justified? Why?

Notes

  1. The Pharisee religiously did/did not do what he was supposed to: he doesn’t swindle, is not unjust, does not commit adultery, and, unlike the tax collector, doesn’t cheat his own people. He fasts and pays his tithes. In one sense, he’s not wrong that he is more righteous than the tax collector. But God’s standards of righteousness are far different from ours. Scripture teaches us that even the most righteous person is no better than anyone else in regard to His standards.
  2. Perhaps the Pharisees are like church-goers. They do the “right” things. But ultimately what’s revealed is that they expect God to act in a certain way because they are not like the other people. The tax collectors are ones who truly understand that apart from the grace of God, we are hopeless and forlorn (and deservedly so).
  3. Personal response. You may find yourself experiencing a mixture of feelings. Perhaps you feel relieved that God’s mercy is so great. But others, you might feel slighted. You may feel like there’s something unfair about the situation. Bring these feelings before the Lord and ask Him to reveal what this reveals about your heart.

Evening Reflection

As you close today, meditate on James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy… what does it mean to you that this one Lawgiver and Judge provided the way of salvation for you through His Son? What do you feel when you reflect on the fact that the Judge has also shown you mercy, and no one else can bring anything against you? Spend some time thanking and praising the Lord for this truth.

November 29, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Quarreling and Fighting”

James 4.1-10 (NASB)

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: “He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us”? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

As I have been processing the death of Stan Lee, someone who shaped much of my childhood as a 90’s kid watching Saturday morning cartoons, I’m reminded again of how death causes us to reevaluate life. In death, we see what’s really important—what is the substance of man. We think of people like Anthony Bourdain or Kate Spade—people who seemingly were at the top of their careers with everything that they could ever imagine—crumble internally to the point of taking their own lives. It is a reminder that there is more to life than riches and fame.

Today’s passage is a poignant reminder of this reality. In a community filled with quarreling and fighting, James quickly addresses what is truly at the root of it all. Especially when it comes to our conflicts with other people, it is so easy for us to look at the other side and point out everything that the other person did wrong. We even use religious language, accusing the other person of lacking humility or being worldly. But at the core of it, God’s word teaches us that it is because of our own lustful, envious desires that we find ourselves in conflict with others.

The consequence is multi-faceted: There is conflict and drama externally around us, but there is also another layer where these desires cause chaos within ourselves. A commentator notes that the word member in verse 1 is more often used to refer to a bodily organ or part of the human body; in other words, our unchecked, self-seeking desires cause a war within ourselves. The pleasures we seek actually disrupts our peace and well-being.

There is yet another layer. Why is there a disruption of peace? Because these lustful pleasures separate us from God. We become an enemy of God because we have befriended the world. We ask and do not receive, because we ask with wrong motives. We suffer because our prayers become ineffective. God no longer hears our prayers for they will only hurt us more, for we ask with wrong motives. We are separated from the very Source of our peace.

So what is the solution? Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you (v.10). And James lays out what this looks like. He calls for us to submit ourselves to Him because He gives us a greater grace. Confess that we need Him. Mind you, the first step isn’t to try to fight this thing on our own. It is to come back, crawling if we need, to our Father who will draw near to us if we draw near to Him. Brothers and sisters, may we always be a people who seek to draw near to Him, knowing that there is no life apart from Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You provide a greater grace to those who earnestly seek You. Thank You that Your grace is greater than our lustful desires that disrupts our peace. Help us to constantly submit ourselves to You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Colossians 3:4-10: When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. 5 Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. 6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, 7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, 10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—

Questions to Consider

  1. What are the things that belong to our old self? What is the consequence of a life that lives in these things?
  2. What should be the mindset of a person who has put on the new self?
  3. What does it mean for you that in Christ who is your life, you are being renewed (v.10)?

Notes

  1. These things belong to the old self: immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech. The consequence of living such a life leads to the wrath of God.
  2. Paul writes in verse 5, “Therefore consider…”—in other words, turn your mind to the truth that you are no longer your old self. I especially appreciate how the Amplified Version puts it:  So put to death and deprive of power the evil longings of your earthly body [with its sensual, self-centered instincts] immorality, impurity, sinful passion, evil desire, and greed, which is [a kind of] idolatry [because it replaces your devotion to God].” We are commanded to cut off the power of these old desires because of Christ.
  3. Personal response. Perhaps there is a part of your old self that you have been struggling with. What does it mean for you that Christ is your life?

Evening Reflection

Have there been moments throughout today where you felt the nearness of God? In what ways did you experience the truth of James 4:8, where you drew near to God and He drew near to you? Reflect on these moments. Cherish them in your heart. Give thanks to God for them.

November 28, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

James 3.17-18 (NASB)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Throughout my study of philosophy in undergrad, I had some amazing professors. They were amazing not just because of their grasp of the subject matter but because of the humble and inquisitive manner in which they taught. This had a deep impact on my own pursuit of wisdom. However, despite their positive impression on me, I distinctly remember a time when I refuse to follow their example.

For some odd reason, I needed to take a 100-level philosophy course in my final semester of college. Being the “big bad” senior who had already finished his senior project for my major, I strolled into this class, ready to “educate” the freshman that filled this 100-level course. I scoffed at their attempts of putting on their berets and “philosophizing.” Every comment they made that didn’t agree with my reading of the material, I quickly interjected my “superior deducing abilities,” refuting in a tactful-yet-passive-aggressive way why they were just plain wrong.

The reason I still remember that class today is because of the sheer arrogance and foolishness I see in my heart. Philosophy (philo – love, sophia – wisdom) is the love of wisdom. But I had weaponized it to put others down. It is quite the indictment when we read James’ description of the wisdom that comes from above—it is first and foremost pure, that is, morally blameless. This wisdom is peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. The “wisdom” I displayed in class was not this. And the thrust of James’ message is that the wisdom not from above is not only useless, but it is earthly, natural, demonic.

True wisdom is one that makes peace with people. It is one that builds up someone. It shows mercy. It bears good fruit. It comes from a place of humility because we recognize that this wisdom is truly not from ourselves but from above, the Giver of every good and perfect gift.

The question for us today is again concerning the condition of our hearts. When we reflect upon the wisdom by which we navigate through life, especially in our interactions with others, does it reflect a worldly wisdom that is harsh and rigid? Or does it reflect the wisdom from above, pure and full of mercy? Perhaps today’s passage is calling us to turn away from that which is worldly to claim that which is heavenly.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You that You give generously and without reproach Your wisdom to those who ask for it. We reject the earthly, demonic wisdom that causes strife and division amongst us. We reject the arrogance and hypocrisy of this wisdom in exchange for Your pure, peaceable, merciful wisdom. Help us to live out of this wisdom today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 9

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 8:1b: We know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

Questions to Consider

  1. Focusing on the language used by Paul in 8:1b, what can we understand of worldly wisdom/knowledge?
  2. Why do you think Paul writes in 13:1-2 that wisdom and knowledge alone results in “nothing”?
  3. What can we infer about the nature of the Giver of wisdom and His desire for us?

Notes

  1. The language used here juxtaposes “puff” and “build”. The former is big but insubstantial. Whereas it is frail and can be deflated, love solidifies and enhances. Love builds something that is lasting.
  2. Love is the vehicle upon which wisdom and knowledge can be shared in a manner that is, as the passage in James teaches us, pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, etc. Without love, knowledge and understanding remains as is—static and without effect.
  3. It points us to a God who not only is the Giver of wisdom but is wisdom as well as love. It teaches us of a God whose wisdom leads us to His love. Thus, God gives us this wisdom so that we may learn to love and build up others. This wisdom and knowledge are not meant to remain static. It calls us to action.

Evening Reflection

As you think about today, were there moments when God revealed His wisdom that led you to a greater understanding of His love? As you think about the way God’s wisdom has built you up, pray and ask the Lord to give you an opportunity to use that wisdom to build up someone else.

November 27, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“The Power of Words”

James 3.8-12 (NASB)

But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

As a new father, I am constantly reminded that I am not in control. Take for instance a simple diaper change: You have everything you need—the changing pad, the organic, unscented baby wipes, a fresh diaper, and a pair of clean hands. You’ve done this a hundred times by now. And while you remove the old diaper, dispose of it, and turn back to put on the fresh diaper, what happens? Your little one decides that she needs to pee… right now. No rhyme. No reason. Just because.

It’s not uncommon for us to experience these reminders that we are not in control. Specifically when it comes to our words, how many times have we come out of a conversation or dispute, thinking to ourselves, “Why did I just say that?” As we continue to reflect on the power of words, James reminds us that no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

The general sentiment from yesterday’s QT was how our words can negatively affect others. But as we read in verses 9-12, we are also reminded of the potential our words have to bring life and blessing to God and to others. Yes, we can curse others with our words, but also, we can bless God; our mouths can be the source of both blessings and curses. So how do we keep away from cursing and fight for blessing?

James writes that no one can tame the tongue, that is, if left to themselves. James is full of practical words, but the practice can never be taken apart from the faith. For James, everything begins with the Law of Liberty, the righteousness given to us because of Christ’s fulfillment of the law. And although we alone cannot tame the tongue, because of Christ, our tongue can be tamed.

We cannot tame the tongue, but Christ can master us. And when He is our Master, His Spirit tames even the ficklest parts of our being—such as our tongue. And when this happens, our tongues can be used to truly glorify God and bless those around us.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we praise You for You have the words of life. And we take this moment to pause and reflect upon the words that we speak—to ourselves and to those around us. We repent not only for the words that were spoken, but we repent for our lack of mindfulness of those words. Purify our hearts so that the words that overflow may reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 12:33-37: “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak what is good? For the mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart. 35 The good man brings out of his good treasure what is good; and the evil man brings out of his evil treasure what is evil. 36 But I tell you that every careless word that people speak, they shall give an accounting for it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the relationship Jesus is drawing in this passage between the tree/fruit and person/words?
  2. Based on this relationship, what needs to change? How might this differ from how we normally approach on what needs to change in our speech?
  3. In light of this passage, how might your prayer change when it comes to your words?

Notes

  1. Jesus teaches that just as a bad tree cannot bear good fruit, an evil person cannot speak what is good, for words are the fruit of the heart.
  2. For someone’s speech to change, the heart needs to be transformed. We may often think that we just need to change the way we speak, but that is simply addressing the fruit of a bad tree; what really needs to change is the heart.
  3. Personal response. Welcome the Holy Spirit to continue to transform your heart so that the fruit (words, deeds, thoughts, etc) may reflect His Spirit.

Evening Reflection

Take some time to think about your day and the words that you spoke. How might this be a reflection of the condition of your heart? Ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit so that your heart may be renewed. Keep track of how that might change your words and thoughts tomorrow.

November 26, Monday

The AMI QT Devotionals from November 26-December 2 are provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland.  Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot School of Theology (Th.M.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).  He is married to Christina. They recently had their first child.

 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Our Words Have Power”

James 3.1-7 (NASB)

Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.  2 For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7 For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.

One of the few TV shows I’ve seen in its entirety is an early 2000s political drama called The West Wing. As the name suggests, it is a show about the inner workings of the White House, in particular, the relationship between the President and his most trusted advisors. There is a particular episode where the staff is preparing for the State of the Union Address—this speech can make or break the political agenda of the president. Therefore, an incredible amount of preparation goes into writing this speech.

There’s a scene where the staff brings together a group of people where they “test” or “poll” particular words/phrases to see how they respond. Even the intonation of how these words are said are polled. And the results from this polling impacted what or how something was said in the State of the Union. This is the power of words.

As we reflect through the book of James, we see that Scripture also testifies to the power of words. So powerful are the things that come out of our mouth that James goes as far as to say that it can defile the entire body or even set on fire the course of our life (v. 6). It is likened to a bit in the mouth of a horse or the small rudder of a boat—meaning, our words are able to steer the entire body. Especially for those of us who are in positions of leadership/teaching, we should use great caution in our speech.  

As a society, we have rejected (rightfully so) the age-old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” Yet, we also live in a society where anonymity of online profiles is part of our everyday interactions. Sarcasm and irony is the tone of our sense of humor; comments can be just as easily edited and they are typed. In such a climate, it is so easy for us to not consider every day the words that emerge from our mouths. How often do we consider that what we speak comes from the same place from which we bless our Lord and Father ? (v. 9)

Today and tomorrow, we’ll be reflecting on what James teaches us on the words that we speak. Perhaps it is a timely reminder for all of us to reconsider not only what we say but how we say things as ones who are seeking the righteousness of God (1:19-20).

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, we praise You for You have the words of life. And we take this moment to pause and reflect upon the words that we speak—to ourselves and to those around us. We repent not only for the words that were spoken but for our lack of mindfulness of those words. Purify our hearts so that the words that overflow may reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 7

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 10: 11, 19, 21, 31-32: The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence . . .  19 When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent . . . 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked, what is perverse.

Questions to Consider

  1. Proverbs are often structured into duplets—one in the positive, the other in the negative. Take a moment to weigh the two sides laid out in this proverb.
  2. What are some themes you see throughout the proverb in relation to speech?
  3. In what ways does this proverb speak to the way you use your speech?

Notes

  1. v.11 righteous mouth gives life, wicked mouth covers wrong
    v.19 wisdom in restraining words, sin when words are many
    v.21 righteous mouth betters others, foolishness leads to destruction
    v.31 righteous mouth brings wisdom, perverse tongues leads to destruction
    v.32 righteous lips understands what is good, wicked mouth knows what is evil
  2. General themes: those who are wise or have understanding are careful in how they use their words, which benefit not only themselves but those around them. Those who do not consider their words leads to destruction, perverseness, evil, and transgression.
  3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

You probably went throughout today speaking—whether verbally or through email/text—many words. Take a moment to pause and reflect on those words. Are they honoring to the Lord? Do they reflect the way of the wise or the perverse? Spend some time bringing your words and speech to the Lord; ask for His refinement.