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.

November 25, Sunday

Devotional Thought for Today

“It Must Be Faith with Deeds”

James 2:14-26

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

When I decided to go on one-year missions to Shanghai in 2013, I shared the news with faith workmy non-Christian brother. His immediate response to what was supposed to be an exciting news was, “Don’t you think it’s better to provide education and service to people in need than organized religion?” Although his response hurt and frustrated me, I realize now that his question has some merit. What can religion do for the one who is sick, starving or without any basic needs met? Of course, they may be able to have a relationship with God and go to heaven, but is that what Christianity is all about? Does the God of love only care about salvation and not the earthly needs of His children?

When we look at the Bible, we can see that God is not reticent of people’s needs. Instead, we see God’s providential hand all throughout Israel’s journey from slavery into the promised land; we see Jesus’ heart to heal the brokenhearted in the story of Samaritan women; and we see Jesus feeding people rather than sending them away. Luke 4:18 sums up Jesus’ ministry as more than a proclamation of spiritual salvation, but a holistic ministry that brings deliverance to the captives, healing to the sick, and release for the oppressed.

The Christian faith is one that goes beyond a belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It is a faith that is put to the test by our actions where faith and deeds meet to reflect the life of Christ. James calls it foolish to believe that you can have one without the other; in fact, Satan even believes in God, yet his faith is not credited to him as righteousness because his actions (or lack thereof) do not reflect a true salvific faith.

It is no different with us. To live an active life of faith we are called to respond with our deeds. While the greatest moment in our relationship with God is when we come to faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ who saves a sinner like us, James shows us that our faith is made complete by our actions. That is, we are called to more than a life of belief, but a life where all that we do reflects the hope and faith that we have in a God who cares about all the needs of a person – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Therefore, let us be people whose faith is made complete by our faith and actions today!

Prayer: God I thank You that your work on the cross has sanctified me once and for all. Help me to live a life of not just faith, but a life with faith and deeds. And help me to be a beacon of light to others in all of their needs. In Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 6

November 24, Saturday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Favoritism Forbidden”

James 2:1-9

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 

I distinctly remember my 1st grade teacher who would give out “special assignments” to her students. These assignments were small tasks such as delivering papers to teachers or retrieving mails from the office. Why it was special, I’m not quite sure anymore since it was simply running errands for the teacher; but it was an excuse to get out of the classroom with a “buddy” of your choosing. In the beginning of the year, I would raise my hand expectantly, but every time I found myself putting my hand down discouraged. It didn’t take me long, however, to realize that my teacher would always pick the same girl, and that girl would always pick the same friend! My teacher had a favorite whom she picked every single time, and that student had a favorite whom she picked every time. It was no secret to anybody in the class, and this left every student feeling like they were loved less than our teacher’s favorite.

Today’s verse begins with a call to all Christians to live a life without favoritism. James, first, notes the obvious: It is easier to pay more attention to the one who is rich than the one who is poor.  James, then, radically reframes our perspective by pointing out that God did not show favoritism with us; instead, God chose sinners like us to be rich in faith that we may inherit the Kingdom of God forever. While we were broken and rejected, “He lifted [us] up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay; He set [our] feet upon a rock, and made [our] footsteps firm” (Ps 40:2). When we recognize we are recipients of this amazing love and grace, our response should be to love all our neighbors without partiality as well.

The favoritism James has in mind may be extended to the kinds that seep into all areas of life. We see favoritism in the workplace when the colleagues who have more degrees getting the choice assignments; in schools with the kids from affluent homes having more friends; in the church with the people who are more gifted getting all the attention; and in politics with those who belong to a particular race getting preferential treatments.  Favoritism can be as seemingly insignificant as school labels to as big as racism, but as James reveals that partiality is an active rebellion against God’s commands to love others as ourselves.

Let’s take some time today to reflect on the various ways that we may have engaged in favoritism. As we go in repentance for the ways that we may have failed to love others the way God loves us, let us be reminded that God did not discriminate against us but brought us into a life of faith.  

Prayer: God I thank You for your love that brought me out of the miry clay to be set upon a rock. I ask for Your forgiveness in the ways I have participated in favoritism. Help me to love all my neighbors as myself without partiality. In Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 4-5

November 23, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Look After the Distressed”

James 1:26-27

 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

For many families the Thanksgiving tradition goes far beyond a traditional turkey meal with family members gathering from all over town to express their gratitude. Instead, Thanksgiving means getting past the turkey food coma to wait in line to snag the best Black Friday deals. It’s estimated that in 2016, 101.7 million people braved the crowds to grab their long-awaited discounts. It’s always puzzling to me to that the busiest shopping day would be after a holiday designated for gratitude and family gatherings. Every year I hear stories on the news about lines circling around buildings, people getting trampled on, and fights being broken up at the wee hours of the night. It’s as if Thanksgiving did not happen a few hours before as people fight for material possessions, pushing anyone aside to get their bargains.

Today’s passage talks about a religion that our Father accepts as pure as one that looks after the marginalized. We see that on the top of God’s priority is for His children to take care of those in need. While it may be easy to dismiss the problem of homelessness, hunger, and poverty as a problem too big for us to solve, God highlights throughout Scripture our call to bring, not only spiritual revival for others, but physical as well. We are called to be the light of the world in every situation by serving God’s children in all areas of need.

In America, while 101 million people wait in lines during Black Friday every year, about 40 million people face hunger every day. If every person who goes shopping on Friday serves one person who may not have the opportunity to enjoy a holiday meal, we could provide a Thanksgiving meal for two years. While I am not saying discount shopping is bad, let’s remember that God calls us to look after those in need.

Can I encourage you this Black Friday to continue in a heart of gratitude by serving someone who may be in need it? It can be as simple as blessing a retailer worker who missed Thanksgiving to work, donating to a local food pantry, or using the money you saved for Black Friday shopping on someone in need. Whatever it is, may we, in Thanksgiving, be a light to those who are in need.

Prayer: God I thank You for Your constant provision in my life. Help me to be a light to those who need it most this season. May I be able to inconvenience myself to serve those who may be less fortunate. In Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:5-8: In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!

Questions to Consider

  1. What attitude should we have while serving others?
  2. How did Jesus model the attitude of service we should have?
  3. List some practical ways that you can serve someone today.

Notes

  1. We should have an attitude of humility, like Jesus.
  2. Jesus modeled a life of humility and service by coming into the world to face death for the sins of the world.
  3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

This morning we discussed a religion that God deems pure and faultless as one that looks after the marginalized. We reviewed in the afternoon, Jesus’s life as the greatest testimony of service to the marginalized when he faced death on the cross for sinners. How did you do in being a humble servant today? Were you able to help someone in need, pray for someone who may be struggling, or give what you have to those less fortunate? Tomorrow is a new day, but remember Christianity is called to be a religion that helps those in need.

November 22, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

–Wishing a Blessed Thanksgiving to All Our Readers–

“Greater Are His Ways”

James 1:22-25

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Today’s passage is one that I used to hear every youth pastor speak on, yet I always had mirrordifficulty understanding it as a young believer. I didn’t necessarily have trouble understanding the meaning of the passage, but I couldn’t seem to understand the analogy associated with the verse. I mean how ridiculous is it for any person to forget what they look like after staring at the mirror. Isn’t the very point of staring at a mirror to see what you look like? It would take me a long time to realize that the absurdity of the analogy was precisely why it was used in this context. In the same way it is ridiculous for any person to forget what they look like after staring at an object for the sole purpose of looking at themselves, it is foolish for a person to stare at a Bible and walk away with the heart of disobedience. Why read the Word then?

Today’s passage highlights the truth that we are called to read the Word with the heart to obey. Anything other than a desire towards obedience to the Word is deception in James’s eyes, and as absurd as forgetting how you look like while staring at a mirror. But more than that, we read that obedience to the will of God is what leads to true blessings. So often we believe our ways are better than God’s way because we want to see our own type of fruit, but James shows us that true blessing comes in walking in alignment with the Father.

Stickered on the front page of my Bible is a post-it that says, “If we read with the will to obey, He by His Spirit will show us His way.” Let us be people who open our Bibles every day, not just for the sake of reading the Word, but with the will to obey. When we come with this heart of obedience it is God’s promise that He will show us a way to submit to His will. Take some time now to reflect on any areas of your life that you are struggling to obey God. Be encouraged by today’s passage that it is in the perfect law that there is freedom, and thus, you can release your plans for His as God’s desire is to bring blessings upon your life.

Prayer: God I thank you for Your saving grace that has made me a new creation. Help me to read the Word every day with the heart of obedience. I pray that You would make a way in times when my heart desires to go astray. In Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 2

Lunch Break Study:

Read Psalm 19:7-11: The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does this passage say about the commandment of the Lord (i.e., descriptors)
  2. What does this passage list as the benefits of keeping God’s commandments?
  3. Take some time to reflect on ways you can obey the Lord today. It can be as simple as taking the time to pray for your neighbors or maybe it’s something God has been asking you to do for a while, but you have been hesitant to obey. May you find that the Word is sweater than honey as you obey His call.

Notes

  1. The law is perfect, right, pure, clean, true, righteous, precious, and sweet.
  2. The law will revive one’s soul, rejoice one’s heart, and enlighten one’s eyes.
  3. Personal response.

Today we discussed our call to not only read the Word but to obey His Word. So how did you do? Were you able to read the Word with the will to obey? If you are struggling with obedience in a particular area can I encourage you to share with a trusted friend. Some of the greatest breakthroughs come in vulnerability and prayer, and it may just be the encouragement you need. Tomorrow is a new day, may your prayer be that you would begin each day with a heart of obedience to the King!

November 21, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Greater Are His Ways”

James 1:19-21

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

(To continue yesterday’s story) After my running accident, I was told I needed surgery. Devastated—knowing that I did not have the money to pay for the surgery—I shared with a church sister in tears. About a week later, I received a text that this sister had made arrangements for me to attend a healing conference in Georgia. Humbled and overwhelmed, I flew to Georgia with so much confidence that God would heal me. Every passing day I waited for God to do what seemed like the impossible, but every day nothing changed. I left Georgia still in pain and distraught that nothing had changed. But a week after I arrived home, something was radically different in me. That is, it took me about a week to realize God had healed me of my depression during the conference!

In our moments of trial, anger is usually the first emotion we feel. Anger was not only my first reaction during my accident, but it was my perpetual attitude after hearing I needed surgery. Today’s passage teaches us, however, that “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (v.20). How many times have we found ourselves in the wrong place for allowing our anger to get the best of us? In our anger we say things that hurt others, we blame God, and we act in full rebellion to God’s Word. But James calls us to righteousness by humbly accepting the Word planted in us (v.21). We are called to respond to every situation with the truths declared in Scripture. While human anger will always reap works of the flesh, the Word will always reap righteousness in our lives.

I went to this conference angry and hurting, wondering how I got to this point after a simple attempt to change my life. But God’s plan was always to bring healing and restoration in ways I did not expect. That is the promise in Scripture that God “knows the plan [He] has for you . . . plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jer. 29:11). Whatever you are going through, may today’s passage be a reminder to look to the promises of Scripture instead of responding in human anger. His plans are always good, and we can trust and hope in His promises that never change.

Prayer: God I thank You that I can trust in every word You have declared. Help me to respond to all situations with humility and not in anger. Help me to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. In Jesus name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Titus 3:1-7: Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, 2 to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone. 3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

Questions to Consider

  1. What reminder does this passage give to all Christians?   
  2. What does this passage say regarding what we used to do before God our Savior appeared?
  3. Why do you think the author reminds us of what Christ has done for us after telling how we should act as well as how we used to be before meeting Christ?

Notes

  1. The passage reminds us to be submit to authority, to be obedient, do what is good, slander no one, be peaceable and considerate, and gentle towards everyone.
  2. The passage reminds us we were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passion and pleasure, and we lived in malice, envy, and hatred.
  3. The conjunction “but” in verse 4 seems to imply that because God has saved us, we are saved from our old ways and we are able to act according to verses 1 to 2.

Evening Reflection

Today we looked at James’s call to respond in righteousness by the way of the Word in moments of trial. Although our natural response may be anger during times of difficulty, our lunch break passage reveals that because of Jesus’s work on the cross we can respond in obedience and gentleness. Take some time to reflect on the day and write down instances that you may have responded in your old nature. Go in repentance before the Lord, but do not be discouraged, for it is God’s work on the cross that will allow the Holy Spirit to help you overcome. Remember, you are a new creation and God’s mercies are new every morning.

November 20, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“The God of Every Good and Perfect Gift”

James 1:12-18

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.

Back in 2016, I fell into a deep state of depression that shook every foundation in my life. I had hit such a low point that I became adamant about changing every routine in my life just to see healing. One of those changes was running regularly. It was about three weeks into my new routine, however, when I went out for my run and I clumsily stepped hard into a ditch. I heard a pop in my hip and I was immediately on the floor in pain. (Later, I was diagnosed with a hip labral tear that would require surgery.) My honest thought at the moment was, “Really God?! I’m already in emotional pain. Now this!”

When trials come our way, one of the last things on our mind is to remain faithful and believe that at the end of it, we “will receive the crown of life” (v.12). Instead, we focus on our problems, we wonder why God would bring us pain, and we blame God, actively choosing sin as we try to make our own way. While exercising is not sin, I later realized that my decision to go running was my own; and in my distraction, I did not see the ditch that was right in front of me.

But today’s passage shows us that God does not tempt us, but we have a choice during our moments of trial to choose God or be tempted by sin. While it may be easier to be tempted by sin during our difficulties, we see that all sin leads to spiritual death, while our God offers every good and perfect gift. To receive the crown of life, we must choose every day and in every situation which master we will serve—God or sin.

There is more to this story (i.e., God’s healing) and I plan to share that tomorrow.  For now, remember that whatever you are going through in your life, may today’s passage be a reminder that every good and perfect gift is from above. God knows your pain, and your struggles are not in vain. Take heart for God has overcome to world, and He desires to lavish on you the crown of life!

Prayer: God, I thank You that every good and perfect gift is from You. Help me to see that in every trial and tribulation, that Your desire is not to harm me but to raise me up. Help me to choose You this day so that I may walk in faithfulness and away from sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 21

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why does Jesus tell us not to worry?
  2. Who does Jesus associate worriers with?
  3. What are some of the things that worry you the most? Reflect on whether these worries come from desires that drive your life instead of faith in God.

Notes

  1. Because our Heavenly Father provides for all our needs.
  2. Jesus says that pagans worry about the needs of life, but as Christians, we are called to seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.
  3. Personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

This morning we reflected on our Heavenly Father who provides every good and perfect gift; and in the afternoon, we looked at Jesus’ call to Christians to seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness that it may go well with us.  The two are very much intertwined when we recognize that we are called to live a life of faith. Faith is what will allow us to endure trials, recognizing that it’s in our trials that God is doing a good work in us. And faith is what will allow us to recognize that God will provide for all of our needs. Take time to reflect on some areas that you are lacking faith, and ask God to fill you with hope and trust in this area. It is God’ desire that you would release the doubts, so that He may fill it with Truth. It all begins with a prayer of submission and release.

November 19, Monday

The AMI QT Devotionals from November 19-25 are provided by Jennifer Kim, a staff at Catalyst Agape Church (New Jersey). Jennifer, a graduate of Boston University, spent a year in Shanghai as one-year intern from 2013-14. She is currently attending Alliance Theological Seminary.

 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Finding Joy in Affliction”

James 1:1-11

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance .4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Hiking is one activity I dislike. It requires days of planning, heavy lifting, profuse amount of sweating, bugs, lack of water, etc. I have tried to be understanding by asking countless hikers what makes hiking so enjoyable for them. Nine out of 10 times they will say it’s about the accomplishment of getting to the top of the mountain, seeing the beautiful scenery, and knowing you made it after a long, gruesome process. Now I recognize that my lack of understanding for the world of hiking comes from my inability to reconcile the seeming paradox of how something so arduous can be so enjoyable.  I also recognize that this struggle is one that many Christians face when they read today’s passage.

How can any person consider it, not just joy, but PURE joy, when they face trials of, not just one kind, but MANY kinds? The answer is seemingly quite simple for James – by recognizing that trials produce a perseverance that matures our faith to be made complete, lacking absolutely nothing. Wow, a faith that lacks nothing! Imagine with me what a faith that lacks nothing looks like – no doubts, no fears, no bitterness, and no obstacles between you and God. This faith is not fleeting nor is it a momentary revelation, but it changes us completely to begin living in complete trust and faith in our God. As paradoxical as it may seem to be joyful when we are struggling, when we look at it in light of the fruit that trials can produce in our lives, we are able to see that every difficulty is worth the struggle in order that our faith may be made complete.

Ultimately, I may not be able to understand hiking because I cannot see the joy and glory of making it to the top of the mountain; but, I can certainly say that a faith that lacks nothing is worth every battle. If you are going through a difficult time, I pray that you would find peace and rest in your circumstances. I recognize that the call to be joyful in all trials is easier said than done. But can I encourage you to reframe your perspective to see that it is God’s love for you to grow in intimacy with Him that you may be facing trials. You are not alone as God’s hand is in your trials. May your faith be made complete through your circumstances.

Prayer: God I thank You that You love me too much to let me stay the same. I pray that you would grant me wisdom to see You in all circumstances that I may persevere in my trials and find true joy. Refine me oh God that I may be made complete in Your sight. In Jesus name. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: John 20

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And, “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.

Questions to Consider:

  1. What does Peter tell his readers to do when they are persecuted?
  2. Why does Peter say we are blessed when we are face trials?
  3. What trial are you facing in which you are having difficulty rejoicing in? Write them down and ask God to reveal how He is growing you in those trials.

Notes:

  1. To rejoice as participants in the sufferings of Christ. (v.13)
  2. We are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests on us. (v.14)
  3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

Today we reflected on God’s call for us to be joyful in trials because it’s in trials that our faith is made complete. Take some time to be honest with God about your struggles. It’s ok to be filled with emotions, even if it is not joy, but bring it to the Lord and ask Him to reveal His plan in perfecting your faith through this trial. Wisdom is being able to recognize that amidst our pains and struggles God has a plan greater than we can imagine.