August 30, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Placing Trust in our Faithful God”

Jeremiah 33:14-15 (The Message – Selected for easier translation)

19-22 God’s Message to Jeremiah: “God says, ‘If my covenant with day and my covenant with night ever fell apart so that day and night became haphazard and you never knew which was coming and when, then and only then would my covenant with my servant David fall apart and his descendants no longer rule. The same goes for the Levitical priests who serve me. Just as you can’t number the stars in the sky nor measure the sand on the seashore, neither will you be able to account for the descendants of David my servant and the Levites who serve me.’”

I recently engaged in an interesting conversation with a seasoned missionary who had served in several Asian nations. He noted that one of the most difficult challenges he faced was creating and nurturing a united community among the local pastors and leaders. I asked for his explanation of why a united cohort was so difficult to achieve, and his answer was not only informative but quite insightful.

I would have assumed that personality differences, feelings of jealousy, miscommunication, divergent philosophy of ministry, doctrinal variances, etc. would have been the myriad of obstacles. However, he explained that when people grow up in nations, societies, and cultures where their gods cannot be trusted due to fickleness and unpredictability, the citizens end up assuming that NOBODY can be trusted. In other words, if their best “gods” couldn’t be trusted, why would anyone trust another imperfect human being?

Britannica article writes: “Cruel and fickle, passionate and vindictive, jealous and insecure, petty and insane: the inhabitants of Mount Olympus represent an attempt by the ancient Greeks to explain the chaos of the universe through human nature.” (https://www.britannica.com/list/12-greek-gods-and-goddesses)

A monumental difference in the God of Israel and the gods of the world is: faithfulness. His word and His promises are as certain as “day and night.” His faithfulness gave the Israelites hope, even in the middle of despair and defeat at the hands of the Babylonians. The theme of God’s faithfulness runs all throughout Scripture. He certainly wanted us to know that He can fully be trusted, as certain as day and night.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I’m the one who is fickle while You remain faithful. Thank You for being so patient with me. Help me to more deeply understand and appreciate Your faithfulness. My hope is in You and Your promises. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 91:1-6 (NIV): Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Questions to Consider 

  1. According to verse 1-2, how can you grow in your confidence of the Lord’s faithfulness?
  2. What is the certainty of this psalmist in relationship to God?
  3. What do you observe about the nature of God’s faithful protection in verses 5-6?

Notes 

  1. Verse 1 invites us to dwell in the shelter of God. Verse 2 encourages us to declare that God is our refuge and fortress.
  2. The psalmist is certain of his protection by God from enemies, harm, and attacks.
  3. The protection is given day and night.

Evening Reflection 

How has God revealed His faithfulness in your own life? Give God praise and thanksgiving declaring that you trust His faithfulness.

August 29, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Better Days Coming” 

Jeremiah 33:14-15 (NIV)

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.

Survey: If an expectant mother listens to Mozart, will her child actually be smarter when he/she is born? (If you are curious, feel free to search for “Mozart Effect” later for all kinds of responses.)

All parents long for a better and brighter future for their children. Parents hope that their children will not make the same mistakes they’ve made along the way. Parents hope that their children will have richer relationships than they’ve built. Parents hope that their children will discover a deeper satisfaction in their vocation. And so forth. With those aspirations in mind, parents today will go over and beyond (convinced by every book on raising kids) attempting to provide their children with a perfect combination of educational classes, physical activities, music lessons, healthy foods, virtuous friendships, etc. to ensure the success of their children. But what if a better future of our children can only be guaranteed by the Lord?

The people of Judah were heading into impending doom and punishment. For 70 years, they would be captives under Babylonian Empire (Jer 29:10). This was the discipline for the people of God as a result of their disobedience and idolatry. However, at the end of 70 years, Jeremiah prophesied that Jerusalem once again will be inhabited and restored. The Lord would not abandon His people; rather, he will “fulfill the good promise.”

For all of the Jewish parents, this was good news. Not only will their children (and grandchildren) have a better future, but they would have a reestablished spiritual future. God would raise a “righteous Branch” from the line of King David who would restore God’s justice and righteousness. (We now understand that that was a prophetic reference to Jesus Christ.) This was a guarantee from the Lord. Parent who were held in Babylonian captivity were given the good news to remind their children that a better future was soon coming, that a better spiritual future is just around the corner. The parents pointed the children towards a line of David because only He would guarantee a better future.

Perhaps a child may be smarter for having listened to Mozart while in the mother’s womb. But I guarantee that any child will stand in justice and righteousness if he/she encounters Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, You promised that You would one day return and bring back the fulness of God’s Kingdom. Thank you for this promise and the good news. I pray that Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as is in Heaven. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Job 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 3:1-2 (CEB): My son, don’t forget my instruction. Let your heart guard my commands, 2 because they will help you live a long time and provide you with well-being.

Prov 26:10 (NIV): Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Questions to Consider

  1. What helps young children to eventually live a long and well-being life (another translation suggest “successful” life)?
  2. What are the potential outcomes for a young child’s life when raised in the Lord’s instructions?
  3. Are there exceptions to the rule (good parentingàgood kids; bad parentingàbad kids)? Think of King Saul, an unrighteous king, and his son Jonathan who stood for God’s righteousness throughout his short life (1 Sam. 23:16-18). What does that mean?

Notes

  1. To not forget God’s instructions. To guard God’s commands in their hearts. Starting with God’s commands as children.
  2. Although wisdom literature does not make absolute guarantees, one can expect to live a long life of well-being and remain on the path of wisdom.
  3. Having good kids is also God’s grace, a merited favor.

Evening Reflection

In what ways have you invested into the next generation with God’s word? (Parents, spend a few moments reading God’s word.)

August 28, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“Where to Find God’s Best Work”

Jeremiah 33:10-13 (NIV)

“This is what the Lord says: ‘You say about this place, “It is a desolate waste, without people or animals.” Yet in the towns of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem that are deserted, inhabited by neither people nor animals, there will be heard once more 11 the sounds of joy and gladness, the voices of bride and bridegroom, and the voices of those who bring thank offerings to the house of the Lord, saying, “Give thanks to the Lord Almighty, for the Lord is good; his love endures forever.” For I will restore the fortunes of the land as they were before,’ says the Lord. 12 “This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In this place, desolate and without people or animals—in all its towns there will again be pastures for shepherds to rest their flocks. 13 In the towns of the hill country, of the western foothills and of the Negev, in the territory of Benjamin, in the villages around Jerusalem and in the towns of Judah, flocks will again pass under the hand of the one who counts them,’ says the Lord.

In the widely used Experiencing God booklet, the author reminds us of the first spiritual principle in order to live a God-centered life as opposed to a self-centered one: God is always at work around you. And as God works around us, He then invites us to join Him in His work. Naturally, the question rises, “If God is always at work, just where around us is He working right now?” This section of Jeremiah provides us with a clue in how to discover God’s work—one of His best work.

Jeremiah had been placed in confinement in the courtyard of King Zedekiah, because he had been delivering unbearable news that Israel would fall at the hands of the Babylonians. (It was bad enough that Jerusalem was under a siege; the last thing the people needed to hear was the bad news confirming what was inevitable.) But during Jeremiah’s confinement, God comes to bring some hopeful news. He foretells Jeremiah that one day (about 70 years from the fall of Jerusalem), these streets that are “deserted, inhabited, and desolate” will once again hear “sounds of joy and gladness.” Eventually, shepherds will lead their flock in pastures to rest their flocks. These are words filled with renewal and hope, as a city that is dead will one day come to enjoy life.

Life has a way of inviting enough challenges and difficulties that can eventually lead to despair and sometimes even depression. At this stage, we can feel totally alone; not only that, but we can be so tired, that we are tired of being tired. There seems to be absolutely no way that anything will turn our lives around. It is safe to assume that the people of Israel probably felt that they had seen the last days of their once glorious city.

Yet, this is precisely the place where God does His best work—that is, taking what is dead and giving it life. God does His best work when there seems to be no humanly possible solution.

Are you trying to figure out where God is at work around you? Perhaps you can start by looking for people who may have hit rock-bottom, ministries that seem to have hit a dead-end, or circumstances that are beyond human effort and wisdom. Ask God what He’s doing in those situations, and you might hear God share His plans to rebuild and renew. He just might invite you to join Him as well.

Prayer: Lord, show me where You are working around me. Instead of judging others who are struggling or looking at situations with pessimism, help me to see what You might be doing? In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 8

Lunch Break Study

Read John 11: 38 – 44 (NIV): Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What does Martha’s response to Jesus’ request to take away the stone reveal about her belief?
  2. Think about the “they” who took away the stone. What does this action reveal about these unnamed people?
  3. As Jesus prays to the Father, what “benefit” is Jesus hoping that others might receive?

Notes

  1. Martha notes that Lazarus had been dead for “four” days. In popular Jewish belief the human spirit hovered near the body for three days, then departed as the color of the corpse began to change. Normally death would be irrevocable and all hope abandoned for one buried four days (Ecclesiastes Rabbah 12:6; Leviticus Rabbah 18:1).
  2. Whether or not they had faith, “they” did as Jesus instructed.
  3. The benefit is for those who hear Jesus’ prayer to believe in Jesus.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time praying for someone who might be going through an impossible situation. Ask God to do His best work in that person’s life.

August 27, Monday

The AMI QT Devotionals from August 27 to September 2 is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.  Peter is a graduate of U.C. Riverside and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).  He and his wife Jessica have three very active children: Nathan, Abigail, and Jason.

Devotional Thoughts for Today 

“Solitude: The Best Place to Hear from God” 

Jeremiah 33:1-3 (NIV) 

While Jeremiah was still confined in the courtyard of the guard, the word of the Lord came to him a second time: 2 “This is what the Lord says, he who made the earth, the Lord who formed it and established it—the Lord is his name: 3 ‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’

Question: If you were to be stranded on a deserted island, name three items that you’d take with you?

As kids, we’d converse over such silly and hypothetical questions. We’d name items of necessity such as food and water, then we’d laugh as we listed entertainment items such a video games and TV. But there was always one “holy” person in our group who would say, “The Bible.” Of course, an answer of such holiness and weightiness would kill our silly conversation. But there’s something to be said about God’s Word and solitude.

In this chapter, Jeremiah finds himself in solitude. Previously, the prophet had been warning of Judah’s impending doom at the hands of the Babylonians. The army of the king of Babylon was then besieging Jerusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet spoke that eventually the city would fall with its army. Not wanting to hear the bad news, King Zedekiah of Judah had confined Jeremiah into the courtyard of the guards. It is in solitude that God speaks again to Jeremiah telling him of the “unsearchable things.”

It is in the place of solitude where God speaks to His people. Today’s technology gives us unlimited access to the latest information, ideas, news, entertainment, etc. However, it has also taken from us something that is invaluable for our spiritual growth—and that is solitude. John Ortberg writes, “Solitude is the one place where we can gain freedom from the forces of society that will otherwise relentlessly mold us.” Especially today, we must intentionally carve out space and time for this solitary confinement, so that instead of being caught up into our society’s noise, we can be arrested by God’s word.

Question: If you were to be stranded on a deserted island, name three items that you’d take with you?

Answer: A Bible. (End of Conversation)

Prayer: Lord, today, I want to know how to take a meaningful and necessary pause in my life. Help me to hear Your voice as I wait on You in silence. In Your name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 7

Lunch Break Study

Mark 6:30-32 (NIV)

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. 31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” 32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

Questions to Consider

  1. What do you think is going on in the minds and hearts of the apostles in this scene?
  2. Why do you think Jesus takes the apostles to a quiet place for some rest?
  3. How does this scene help you to understand the importance of solitude?

Notes

  1. Perhaps the apostles were tired and hungry, as the text would indicate. However, consider the possibility that they were feeding off of the fame they were enjoying. Consider the words of Henri Nouwen: “In solitude, I get rid of my scaffolding.” Scaffolding is the stuff we use to keep ourselves propped up, to convince ourselves that we are important. (Ortberg, John)
  2. Jesus understood that the mission would still take a few years. Proper rest allows God’s servants to run the marathon rather than a short sprint.
  3. Personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

When was the last time you took half a day to be alone with God? How about even 30 minutes walking with the Lord? Turn everything off (not on silence mode), and spend 15 minutes alone with the Lord. Ask Him to “arrest” your heart and your mind and speak to you.

August 26, Sunday

Devotional Thoughts for Today 

“We Belong to God” 

Jeremiah 32:38-40 

They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and their children after them. 

According to statistics, there are 153 million orphans in the world. It has been recorded that if we were to gather all the orphans and rank the population as a nation, it would be the ninth largest country in the world. This is a heartbreaking statistic. Although this is the number of actual orphans, let us consider the number of persons in the world who live as if they are orphaned. What is meant by this? This means the number of people who believe that no one will care for them, and as a result, they live life as if they must fend for themselves. This is a lonely and stressful way for a person to live. This, however, should not be for us believers.

In Jeremiah 32:38, it says, “They shall be My people, and I will be their God; then I will give them one heart and one way.” When we permitted Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, we also consented to being adopted into God’s family, a spiritual family. It came as a package. We recognized God to be our heavenly Father, Jesus as our Lord, and Holy Spirit as our forever spiritual guide. God placed a seal of approval on us, vowing never to leave nor forsake us. This is the fulfillment of the promise that we would be God’s people and He would be our God (v.38). 1 John 3:1 says, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” Romans 8:15 says, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father.’”

This assurance that we belong to someone and somewhere is invaluable; but the assurance that we belong specifically to God’s family, where He covers us and provides care for us, gives us enormous peace and assurance that all that we need (physical and emotional) are at our disposal. Furthermore, the recognition that we have a spiritual family that we rightfully belong to should motivate us to investing more intentionally in the relationships with the brothers and sisters at church. God is providing us another measure of care through this family, and this belonging is healing to our self-worth and value. It is a crucial part of our identities.

Having these truths in mind, we can take a deep breath of relief. God has not left us to ourselves to figure out life. Rather, He has taken us in as His own, giving us permission to look to Him for everything and to enjoy being part of the amazing family that He has established through the blood of Jesus. Be at peace today because you are well cared for and you certainly belong!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for adopting me as Your very own! How privileged I am to be taken in under Your royal wings and to be given a family to journey life with. As one of Yours, You have entitled me to everything that belongs to You. I can trust You to care for me and not live self-sufficiently as if I were lord over my life. Thank You! In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible Reading: Job 6

 

August 25, Saturday

Devotional Thought for Today

 “Why God Does What He Does”

 Jeremiah 32:26-30

Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? Therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it. And the Chaldeans who fight against this city shall come and set fire to this city and burn it, with the houses on whose roofs they have offered incense to Baal and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke Me to anger; because the children of Israel and the children of Judah have done only evil before Me from their youth. For the children of Israel have provoked Me only to anger with the work of their hands,’ says the Lord.

In basic literature, it is understood that in every story there is a protagonist and an antagonist. The protagonist, who is the main character and is generally the “good guy,” is provoked by the antagonist, the “bad guy.” The protagonist is the hero usually abhorring evil and preserving good.

In Jeremiah, God can be understood as the protagonist, despising wrongdoings and idol offerings.  When a heart is rich in love, its natural tendency is to despise unrighteousness, because love does not delight in evil but always rejoices with the truth (1 Cor. 13:8). Also, an upright heart is attracted to all that is good and beneficial to another. Love celebrates the promotion of others and gives up of oneself (John 15:13). To elaborate, sincere love abhors the ways of the flesh and is drawn to whatever is right, honorable, pure, and holy (Philippians 4:8). This truth magnified to perfection is the reason that sin separated people from God, causing Jesus to be the only qualified sacrifice to pay the penalty of iniquity.

Therefore, it is healthy as a believer to do an inventory of our thoughts, words, and behaviors to gauge how we are progressing spiritually. Spiritual maturity is to love God with our whole being and then to love others as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:39). Is your heart increasing in love or is it stuck in self-preservation? Increase in love reveals that the heart is submitting to the ways of the Lord, while self-preservation is a sign that you have not allowed the Lordship of Christ to reign over yourself (thoughts, attitudes, & will).

In Jeremiah, we see a Father who is not passive but active in bringing about correction and alignment in His children, in order that we may live in the richness of our true identities as His royal children. This is love.

Take time today to consider this: Do you despise the ways of the flesh and wrongdoings? Are you drawn to all that is upright and beneficial to others? The answers to these will give you a good gauge as to how you are doing spiritually. Bring all unhealthiness to the Lord and allow Him the issues of your heart—this is the way of love!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for modeling the ways of love for me! Thank You that as I submit to Your ways and am not be ruled by my feelings, I am allowing Your love to be perfected in me. Thank You that losing is actually gaining in Your Kingdom. I choose to submit myself to You, in order to live as one who is in Christ and can serve as a blessing to others. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 4-5

Correction: In our blog on August 20 (Monday), Jude was assigned as the Bible reading for that day. Thinking that it was a mistake, I changed it to Job 1. Actually, I just discovered that Jude was the correct reading for that day.   My double apology!

August 24, Friday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“A Life Lived in Light of God’s Infinity”

Jeremiah 32:17-20

“Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You. You show lovingkindness to thousands, and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them—the Great, the Mighty God, whose name is the Lord of hosts. You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. You have set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, to this day, and in Israel and among other men; and You have made Yourself a name, as it is this day.”

God is InfiniteThe average lifespan of a person is said to be about 79 years. In comparison to the infinitude of time, a human life is very brief. Perhaps this is why we tend to think in the scope of finiteness. We tend to get caught up in our current situations and gauge our lives in the context of what is happening in the now. It is unnatural for us to think in the scope of eternity. We may even wonder if this is possible to do.

The Lord, however, is boundless in His thinking and establishes His purpose down to the thousandth generation. After all, He did create the grand expanse of the heavens and earth as it says in Jeremiah 32:17, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.” This perspective of eternity allows us to process the experiences of current day in the greater scope of God’s purpose being established in our lives. This is a purpose that is being resolved in order to take us from one state of glory to another. It is also for us to experience the benefits of eternity now.

Consider what the apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” This extends comfort to us that no matter the current situations that we are facing, we can be confident that the promises of God lie in every problem; and that these promises will bring us out with increased glory and blessing.

Therefore, let us not be fixated on what we need to see happen now but on the grander scope of the reality that God operates in. We are spiritual beings more than physical. Look not on the things that are seen but gain the habit of processing in the light of God’s truth that is taking you into a greater weight of eternity. This takes stillness. It is God’s desire for us to experience seeing Him and His promises that are found at the center of every problem life brings us.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that I live in the realm of eternity. Through Your finished work on the cross, I have been set into a life that will take me from one measure of glory to another. I am thankful for this and choose to embrace a mindset that is set on Your eternal purposes. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 4

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 4:16-18: Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Questions to Consider

  1.  How have you been living for the temporal?
  2. What does it look like to live with an eternal mindset?
  3. What are your current “light” afflictions that are helping to establish in you an “eternal weight of glory”?

Notes

  1. It is important to be honest with your true values. Reflect on what consumes your thoughts, priorities, and time to gauge whether you have a mind set on the things above or on the things on earth.
  2. Consider what a renewed mind looks like. How would it go about processing situations and relational challenges in the light of God’s truth? Eternal mindset looks not at the immediate gains for self, rather to the likeness of God that every situation would mold us into.
  3. Consider how the challenges you are facing now has a promise of God in it to build you more into the likeness of Christ.

Evening Reflection

In the light of this morning’s reflection on the importance of having an eternal perspective on life, how did you fare today?

August 23, Thursday

Devotional Thoughts for Today 

Jeremiah 31:33-34  

But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My law in their minds, and write it on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more. 

In these two verses, the Lord speaks of a new covenant that would be made between God and His people. The old covenant, which was written on stone tablets and the people were unable to keep, would be void as God makes a new covenant that would be written on the heart (flesh) of His people. The route to making this covenant possible would happen through the initiative of God and would also require a tremendous cost on His part. This route was forgiveness. Because of God’s love for His people and desire for a relationship with them, He says, “…I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more” (v.34).

For this purpose, the Lord sends His Son Jesus to die upon the cross to bear the iniquities of all mankind—once and for all. This excruciating responsibility that was placed upon Jesus required the laying down the glory of His divinity (Jn. 17:5), as well as extreme suffering to the point of death. But it had to happen because forgiveness is the only possible route to freedom. Forgiveness equals freedom: freedom to love God; freedom to walk in relationship with Him; freedom to be loved; and freedom to love another. This is the power of forgiveness. Forgiveness is living in the new covenant. It is fruit the Word of God inscribed into our hearts.

Therefore, every time you make a choice to forgive someone, you are choosing to live in the New Covenant that has been obtained for you through the cross. You are choosing to remain in this freedom. Unforgiveness binds you into a mirage of a past moment as if it has a power to harm you in the present. The past, no matter how recent or old, is not reality anymore and it need not have power over you. Forgiveness keeps you in the freshness of love and offers relationship over and over again, in the same way that it has been offered to you. Only a person who lives in forgiveness can truly understand intimacy and the joys of such a real relationship.

Therefore, live in the freedom that is yours today by being quick to release others from any wrongdoings against you. Let nothing bind you to a false reality of the past and why not choose this day to live in the present! 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for the truth that it is for freedom that Christ has set me free (Gal 5:1). Please release me from all bitterness and any unforgiveness that holds me captive to my past. I want to live in complete freedom to love and to be loved. Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 3

Lunch Break Study 

Read Ephesians 6:12: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Questions to Consider 

  1. Are you holding any unforgiveness? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to you.
  2. What are some of the fruits of unforgiveness?
  3. What are the fruits of forgiveness?

Notes

  1. Offense is a strategy of Satan to bind God’s people into bitterness. It is important to remember that the battle in our lives is never against a person but against the rulers of the darkness of this age and against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). To remain in freedom, you must obey God’s principle of forgiveness and keep your spirit free from any defilement.
  2. Unforgiveness is rebellion against God’s laws of love. This rebellion invites the fruits of the flesh (carnal) which include hatred, jealousy, judgmentalism, pride, arrogance, division, anger, retaliation, etc. The flesh opposes the Spirit and the fruits reveal as such.
  3. Forgiveness is walking according to the Spirit and allows you to live in love. Forgiveness invites intimacy, understanding, grace, as well as all the fruits of the Holy Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self control).

Evening Reflection

Today, we were reminded that we need to live a life of forgiveness to remain in the freedom of being God’s child. In the light of this truth, did you practice forgiveness?

August 22, Wednesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jeremiah 31: 15-17 

Thus says the LORD: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refusing to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.” Thus says the LORD: “Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says the LORD, and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future, says the LORD, that your children shall come back to their own border.” 

We see here an image of Rachel, wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, weeping for her children who are no more (v.15). In the picture portrayed, Rachel, who represents the mother of Israel, grieves over the captivity of her descendants who have been taken into Babylonian exile. In the midst of such denoted grief and remorse, the voice of the Lord breaks through yet again with hope: “Thus says the Lord: ‘refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded,’ says the Lord; ‘and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. There is hope in your future,’ says the Lord, ‘that your children shall come back to their own border’” (v.16).  The Lord promises renewal and restoration.

This passage is more than an allegory regarding Israel. It is an insight into the heart of God for all of His children, which include us this day. Psalm 30:5 says, “… weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” The Lord is not a detached Father who passively watches His children endure hardships, struggle with spiritual bondage, or grieve through the heartaches of life. Our hope can be placed on an approachable Dad who is intrinsically involved in our current states, even if our feelings tell us otherwise. These verses are a sure hope for us, that in the dark, uncertain, or in the low days of life (which come for all of us), we can expect the Lord to surely bring us out into renewal and restoration. He is working that in your life today, at this very moment.  The Lord will restore everything to all that is entailed for you as His child.

Therefore, lay your trust in Him. Close your ears to any confusing voices of doubt and accusations. Walk with Him. The night is passing and the dawning of a new day is arriving!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being so constant! You are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Thank You that Your promises encompass Your nature; and You will bring me out of every brokenness, hardship, and uncertainty with restoration and renewal. Help me to ask of You and please grant me the grace to wait upon Your faithfulness! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 2

(Correction: Yesterday’s Bible reading should have been Job 1. We apologize.)

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 8:1: Then God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the animals that were with him in the ark. And God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.

Psalm 3:2-6: Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Are there any voices of doubt in you regarding God’s nature as a good and approachable Father?
  2. What are the areas in your life that you are waiting on for renewal and restoration?
  3. What does the renewal and restoration in these areas look like for you?

Notes

  1. The constancy of God’s nature provides us with security, because we can expect Him to be the same towards us at all times. This also gives us a solid starting point for all processing of what God is like for us. We do not have to look at our current status of self or life to define God’s heart towards us; but allow what God is truly like to process the workings of our life. This provides us with comfort and hope as we ride through the challenging days of life. It also provides with confidence to take initiative with God.
  2. God wants to bring healing into our lives that channel His blessings for us in every area (relationships, health, finances, giftings, call, desires, etc). Incorrect belief systems about self, God, and others give Satan the legal rights to mess with us. He can bring experiences that are not channeling God’s blessings, but what may feel like recurring curses. We can be encouraged that God will take every curse and turn it into a blessing (Deuteronomy 23:5). Take initiative with God to respond to His process of healing and freedom in your life.
  3. Make a list of the areas of your life and heart that are needing renewal and restoration. Dig into the Scriptures for the promises that God has spoken regarding those areas. Declare these promises and celebrate in advance of the work that is in process for you in these areas.

Evening Reflection

This morning we reflected on the Lord’s faithfulness to bring renewal and restoration into all areas of your life. In the light of this truth, were you more hopeful today in your approach towards life?

August 21, Tuesday

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jeremiah 31: 7-10

For thus says the Lord: ‘Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, the remnant of Israel!’ Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the ends of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and the one who labors with child, together; a great throng shall return there. They shall come with weeping, and with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble; for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn. ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, ‘He who scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’

There are various traditions around the world by which countries celebrate the ringing in of a new year. In China, people launch fireworks to drive away evil and celebrate the coming of a new time. In Australia, people have picnics and camp out on the beach on New Year’s Eve, and blow whistles, shake rattles, and press car horns to welcome a new year. Then, of course, in the US, we have our traditional ball dropping in NYC with a ball being slowly dropped down a pole a minute prior to midnight and people count-down to ring in a new year. These and many more other ways are traditions by which people around the world are recognizing and celebrating the faithful arriving of an expected promise—that is, a new start.

In Jeremiah 31:7 it says, “For thus says the Lord: ‘Sing with gladness for Jacob and shout among chief of the nations: proclaim, give praise, and say, “O Lord, save your people, the remnant of Israel!” The Lord welcomes the people of Israel to bear witness to God’s faithfulness to them as a nation with jubilant shouts. He promises them that His salvation and faithfulness will be made evident as they will be gathered together as one nation again; and they are to celebrate in advance as a declaration of what is coming. In a similar way, there are promises of God that are over your life that you can offer up thanksgiving and praises in advance, as a declaration of what is to come for you. It is fuel to your spirit and soul to consider what God has spoken in the Scriptures regarding all aspects of your life, including your direction of life, provisions, relationships, health, etc. These are promises that have been provided for you to boldly claim and take hold of.

The Lord has granted you answers and tokens of great hope in the Bible. You need only to expectantly celebrate them in advance, like the Israelites, and declare of every good thing that is coming to pass upon you. Your life will be evidence of God’s unrelenting faithfulness; so go ahead and thank Him in advance as a declaration of His goodness over you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You are so good and Your promises for me are real! You have promises to prosper me in every regard. Thank You for the great hope and anticipation that I can have regarding all areas of my concern, for Your faithfulness will be made evident to me. I celebrate my life that is completely in You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Job 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Lamentations 3:22-23: Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.

Questions to Consider

  1. What are the areas of your life that you need the Lord’s promises for?
  2. How can you adjust your thinking patterns and words to affirm God’s biblical promises for you?
  3. What is the greatest testimony that you have regarding God’s faithfulness towards you?

Notes

  1. Write down areas of your life that you need breakthrough in. Search the Scriptures and find God’s promises for you in these areas. Write them down along the sides of each area. Pray these promises into those areas of your life; and because it is in God’s Word, it means it is His will for you, so you can pray with expectancy.
  2. In order to declare God’s promises over your life, you will need to adjust your thinking and speech according to what has been spoken for you in the Bible. This is part of how you thank the Lord in advance, as well as declare them over your life to see them into fruition.
  3. You have a history with God that is personal to you, which also reveals the personal ways of how God interacts with you. Take time to reflect on what He has already done for you, so that your faith can again be strengthened and activated.

Evening Reflection

We began the day challenged to declare and thank God in advance for His promises over all areas of your life. In the light of this challenge, how did you fare in gratitude and declaration?