Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for November 21-26 are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 10:1-4

For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. 2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?3 But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

How does the phrase “fantasy football” make you feel?  For the men (sorry to stereotype) who play it, you probably got a little giddy, because to you, FF represents your last bastion of childish fun in your otherwise mature, pressure-packed, overworked, and utterly responsible existence.  For the wives, girlfriends, children, or people who like to have normal conversations with the men in their lives (again, I know women play FF), the term “fantasy football” makes you roll your eyes (or convulse violently), because you know that from mid-August to late-December, your men will be engulfed by this nerdy addiction (think of it like the 21st century’s version of “Magic, The Gathering”).

I’m not going to go into great detail about the nuances of FF, but one thing you need to know is that by the halfway mark of the season, it becomes apparent that one or two teams are hopelessly out of the competition.  Now, when this happens, it is important for these teams to continue to try and not abandon the season altogether by not playing a full roster or making stupid lopsided trades.  This ensures integrity throughout the league.  In order to prevent poor teams from mailing it in, leagues will often institute a last place punishment, ranging from things as benign as a loser’s trophy, to the extreme of having to get a humiliating tattoo.  Other than to dissuade them from quitting, these types of punishments serve as lasting reminders of one’s ineptitude and failure.

In verse 3 of today’s passage, the author of Hebrews tells us that part of the reason why God instituted the OT sacrificial system was to remind us of our sins.  The graphic ritual of animal sacrifice served as reminders of the gravity of our sin and our own ineptitude and failure to the holy standards of God.  But thanks be to God, who by sacrificing his Son on the cross did away with the old system, as well as our shame and guilt.  Because of Christ’s once and for all atoning sacrifice, we no longer need to be reminded of our failures; in fact, the opposite is true—meaning, we can and are expected to take glory in the cross.  This morning, ask yourself: Am I trying to make old sacrifices by reenacting my sin, or am I living the victory of the gospel?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross.  Thank You that I no longer need to live in the shame of sin, nor do I need to be haunted by my past.  Help me to live in the victory You had over death and the cross.  Thank You that in Christ, I am a winner, not a loser!

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:31-39: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[i] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[j] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions to Consider:

1. Have you ever felt that people, circumstances, or even God were against you? How does this passage speak into those feelings?
2. What is the picture of Christ given in this passage?
3. What does it mean for you to be “more than a conqueror”?

Notes:

1. First, God is for us, not against us. Second, notice the phrasing of v. 31:  Paul doesn’t say that no one will ever oppose you or make your life difficult (we can expect this); rather, he is saying that having God on your side is better than having no opposition (though it may not always feel this way).
2. In verse 34, Christ is depicted as interceding on our behalf—we can think of Him as our defense lawyer.
3. Personal/application question.

Evening Reflection

Today’s theme was living in victory and laying aside sin and shame.  How has your thought life been lately?  Do you live in the freedom and power of Christ, or do you dwell in shame and guilt?  Do you truly believe that you are more than a conqueror?  Does your life reflect this truth?

Note: The AMI QT devotionals for November 19-20 are provided by Christine Li.  Christine graduated from University of Pennsylvania and currently lives and works in New York City.  She attends Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

Psalm 23:1-4

 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

In college, after late nights of studying (or, according to our pastors, just hanging out), our church brothers would walk the sisters home to ensure that we made it home safely. I lived less than two blocks away from where we used to study; there probably would have been very little danger going home alone, but it was still a very nice favor. Now, as a more-grown person living far from my friends, getting home in the evenings can feel a lot less safe. I appreciate those memories more than ever – what a difference an extra presence can make in a dark situation!

As believers, we know that we will encounter troubling times and situations in this life. We might feel isolated or bereft at work and school; some of us even feel as though we face physical danger. Our instinct is often to look around and identify our support system – friends, teachers, loved ones – in hopes that they will support and protect us. There is no doubt that their appearance can be reassuring and comforting.

God’s word reminds us, also, that in every situation, we can be most comforted by His steadfast and faithful presence. Though He may not feel like a tangible presence, we know that we do carry His spirit with us wherever we go. Therefore, we can trust that whether we are in the valley of the shadow of death or in green pastures, the Good Shepherd is with us every step of the way.

On Sundays, we gather as believers to worship, and we should strengthen each other for the mission we are on the remainder of the week. Let’s encourage one another to be secure in His presence for all we face. We can remind each other that God is not far-removed from our lives; instead, He is present, attentive, and active in every situation. Let’s praise Him together for being Emmanuel – God with us – and take heart that, though He sends us into the world, He is the one who leads us on and protects us.

Prayer: Father, thank You for being Emmanuel – God with us. We know that when we are with You, we have nothing to fear. No matter where or how You lead us this week, give us faith to trust You. Please remove all fears and doubts, and flood our hearts with the peace that You bring once again.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 8

Note: The AMI QT devotionals for November 19-20 are provided by Christine Li.  Christine graduated from University of Pennsylvania and currently lives and works in New York City.  She attends Remnant Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 1:1-3a: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power.”

In middle school, I gained a pen pal when one of my closest friends moved to Japan. For two years, we kept in touch by sending snail mail to each other. It was exciting to send a letter or a package to her, but the anticipation of waiting for a response was a nightmare for my insecure, teenage self. With each passing day of nothing in the mail for me, I would worry: What if she didn’t like what I had sent or shared? What if her letter to me got lost? What if she got tired of corresponding and didn’t want to continue?

Sometimes, doesn’t it feel like hearing from God can be similarly confusing? When I started getting more serious in my walk with God, I marveled when people said they heard from Him. I didn’t know how to hear Him, and I would wonder in frustration: “Have I done something that makes Him not want to talk to me? Does He even hear what I prayed? What if He’s trying to speak to me but I miss it?” Because I didn’t know what to do, the result was that I had little motivation to seek His voice.

Scripture reminds us that God has always been continuously speaking to His people. He used prophets to reveal Himself in olden times; in our days, God has spoken decisively through Christ. All the questions we yearn to have answered– whether He loves us, whether He is present, whether He has purposes and plans for us, whether He is with us– these can all be answered when we take time to consider His revelation through Jesus.

If you find yourself having a hard time learning to hear from God, don’t be discouraged. Let’s start by meditating on what He has already made plain to us. We can study the life of Christ to understand God’s character, His incredible love for us, and the promises that He will keep. As we become more and more acquainted with Him, we will start to learn and understand the messages God has for us and the world.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You have revealed Yourself to us. We want to know You better and be in constant communion with You. Thank You for revealing yourself directly through Christ and that You will always guide our hearts into Your love. Give us in Your wisdom so we can know how You want us to glorify and honor You with our lives on earth.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 6-7

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for November 17-18 are provided by Doug Tritton, who is now a full-time staff at Symphony Church in Boston.  Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary.  He is married to Cindy; in fact, they just became parents!

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 9:24-28

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

When I first became a Christian in college, I had a faulty understanding of forgiveness. I thought it was conditional—meaning, I thought if I missed a sin to repent of, I would not be forgiven of that sin. So I lived in fear, thinking I had to repent from each sin I committed. This was quite a burden I carried! But then, God showed me just how deep His grace is. It took two years, but eventually I understood that I was eternally forgiven and justified before God; and even more, I was now called righteous! If only I had grasped that earlier.

This passage shows us this reality through this powerful verse: “he has appeared once for all.” Once for all. And that is why Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” He really meant this. It is finished—not partially finished, not just His part finished and now it’s our part; no, it is fully finished. Even though I am sinful, I am eternally forgiven in Christ. What a relief; what a freeing reality! Still, we should repent from our sins, as the Bible commands, but let us remember that our repentance doesn’t save us– it is Christ who saves, once for all.

Now that we are forgiven, we are called to wait eagerly for Him, the One who saves us once for all. Let our hearts be crying out for Him—crying out to meet the One who freely gave it all for us: “So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Let us wait with joy, for our Savior is coming!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You offered Yourself once for all. You took the full burden of our salvation; You took it all upon Yourself. Thank You for Your eternal saving power. Let me not ever feel like there is any burden on me, because You said, “It is finished.” Though the world oftentimes feels heavy to me, help me to know that You carry my burdens. And help me to have hope, because You are coming!

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 1:5-10: This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Questions to Consider

1. What do you think it means to walk in the light?
2. What happens if we confess our sins?
3. What is the consequence of denying or ignoring our sin?

Notes

1. It can be easy to think that walking in the light means we have to live without sin. But this passage also says, “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves….” So walking in the light is more about walking in relationship with God, knowing that He is the One who forgives us.
2. God shows us His faithfulness by forgiving us. And more than that, He cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. Remember, repentance is not only about receiving forgiveness for each sin, but about receiving forgiveness for all sins, and acknowledging that God alone can save.
3. We make ourselves liars and the word of God is not in us. We are all sinners – this passage is clear about that. God is now calling us to bring our sin to Him, knowing that He alone is the source of forgiveness and new life.

Evening Reflection

Tonight, let’s spend some time in repentance. But let this repentance bring freedom and joy, because Christ saves, once for all. From repentance, let’s go to sleep in the relief that Christ is the One who carried, still carries, and will always carry our burdens.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for November 17-18 are provided by Doug Tritton, who is now a full-time staff at Symphony Church in Boston.  Doug, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is currently pursuing a M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary.  He is married to Cindy; in fact, they just became parents!

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 9:15-22

Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant. 16 For where a will is involved, the death of the one who made it must be established. 17 For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force as long as the one who made it is alive. 18 Therefore not even the first covenant was inaugurated without blood. 19 For when every commandment of the law had been declared by Moses to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God commanded for you.” 21 And in the same way he sprinkled with the blood both the tent and all the vessels used in worship. 22 Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.

Now that we have a daughter, my wife Cindy and I were thinking recently: Do we need to make a will? It felt a bit weird (the prospect of your own death!), but then I got to thinking that this probably does not matter too much – we don’t have that much anyway! If I were a millionaire or had lots or property or possessions that would be one thing, but nope, my will would be quite small!

In this passage, we also read about a will that God has made. But the difference is, unlike me, He has glorious riches beyond all measure. And more than that, He greatly desires for us, His people, to share in this wealth—He wants to distribute graciously! There is an inheritance waiting for all of us, as it says in this passage – “those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” God made a will declaring that those who believe in the name of His Son Jesus may receive His inheritance and share in His glory. But rather than putting any burden on us to meet the requirements to receive this inheritance, He sent His own Son to die for us, thus allowing this will to be executed. Praise God for His love for us, His heirs!

This is very humbling. We are inheriting great, great riches—and this has nothing to do with anything we have done. God gave this freely. But remember, like the saying goes, “there is no such thing as a free lunch”; so while free for us, this inheritance was very costly—it cost the precious blood of Jesus. Though we live in the reality of receiving this inheritance, let’s not forget the price. Let’s worship our God who died freely so that we may live freely!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for shedding Your own blood for me. Thank You for writing this will before time, a will that You knew You’d carry out on Your own, at the cost of Your blood. Thank You that now I can share in Your eternal wealth and glory. Help me to never to forget this cost that You paid for me. Help me to honor You as You rightly deserve! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 5:6-8: For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Questions to Consider

1. What was our state when Christ died for us?
2. What was God’s response to our current state?

Notes

1. This passage makes it clear – we were weak when Christ died for us: “While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” That’s us. We were the ungodly, the ones undeserving of the riches of heaven.
2. God’s response to our weak state was to die for us! He knew we could not earn our way to His inheritance, so He paid the price Himself. Praise God!

Evening Reflection

As you go to sleep tonight, remind yourself that you are an heir to God. How amazing is that!  He is giving us riches beyond measure – all the riches of heaven! Remind yourself of this hope we have in Christ, and let this give you peace that God our Father, who wrote us into His will, is taking care of us.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from November 15-16 are provided by Emerson Lin.  Emerson, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, serves as a staff at Kairos Christian Church, while studying at Talbot School of Theology.  He and Annie got married earlier this year.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 9:12-14

He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!

I grew up always loving the game of tennis that I probably spent more time on the tennis court than I did anywhere else. Every day I would train with my coach three to four hours—hitting ball after ball. If there were any issues with my strokes or footwork, my coach would correct me, and we would work on one motion for an hour straight. The goal for all of this training, conditioning, and lifting wasn’t so that I could be healthy, but so I could optimally perform in my tennis tournaments.

In this passage, the author describes how the blood of goats and calves can only ceremonially clean a person on the outside. But it is only through the blood of Jesus that we may truly be clean on the inside. However, the author shares that Christ did not come to simply redeem us so we could enjoy this just for ourselves; but he inserts the word “so” (v. 14) to indicate that there is a greater purpose to our redemption—“so that we may serve the living God!”

Many of us—including myself—struggle with a consumer mentality when it comes to our faith. While we may not actively want to become consumers, we naturally default to that state because of our consumer culture: For example, “If I don’t get anything out of small group, it is a waste of time,” or “If the preacher is not intellectual stimulating, then I’m looking for a different one.”

Please understand that it is good to receive from the church and the Lord and grow in our personal faith. But the author of Hebrews states that Christ cleared our conscience so that we may serve the living God! Our goal is not to just build ourselves up but ultimately to make sure that God’s kingdom is being built up.

I encourage you to examine yourself: Are there areas in your Christian walk where you consume more than contribute? Do you feel that you’ve been too focused on growing inwardly? When was the last time you contributed to your small group, large group, prayer meeting, and to the growth of the church? Ask the Lord to help you become a better contributor to His Kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for redeeming me and washing my sins away. Your love for me wasn’t so that I just stand on the sidelines to enjoy this wonderful gift myself. I want to serve You and contribute more to the growth of Your Kingdom. Help me to be less inward focused and more outward focused. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 3

Lunch Break Study

Read James 2:14-26: What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good[a] is that? 17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder! 20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God. 24 You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Questions to Consider

1. Why does James encourage his readers to have works with their faith?
2. How does James’ example of Abraham reveal the importance of works and faith working together?

Notes

1. Because faith alone without works is dead. The word for dead, in this context, means “fruitless” or “useless.” God is calling us to be effective ministers in different areas of our lives.
2. The Bible says that Abraham believed in God, but it wasn’t just through belief. God tested Abraham’s loyalties through the sacrifice of his most precious thing – Isaac. Faith alone is dead, but when coupled with works, it is obedience.

Evening Reflection

In view of the theme of being a contributor rather than a consumer, how has this spurred you on to serve the Lord more? Are there areas in church or even in your community that you feel God is calling you to serve? Small group? Worship? Boys and Girls club? Ask the Lord the open doors for you.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from November 15-16 are provided by Emerson Lin.  Emerson, a graduate of University of California, San Diego, serves as a staff at Kairos Christian Church, while studying at Talbot School of Theology.  He and Annie got married earlier this year.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 9:8-10

The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed as long as the first tabernacle was still functioning. 9 This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. 10 They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings—external regulations applying until the time of the new order.

When I was little, my mother would ask me to wash the dishes after dinner. I remember dreading the number of plates I would have to wash each time. So, out of laziness, I would take a sponge without dish soap and just wipe the excess food off the plate—as long as it looked clean, no one would know that it was dirty. My mother soon found out, and she made me wash the dishes for an entire month– with soap.

In this passage, the author of Hebrews is comparing the differences between the Old and the New Covenant. More specifically, he’s revealing what the Old Covenant could not do to sin. In verses 9 & 10, he writes, “This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper. They are only a matter of food and drink and various ceremonial washings – external regulations applying until the time of the new order.”

When we hear the phrase “clear the conscience,” it is often associated with not feeling guilty. However, in the Greek, “clear the conscience” is translated into “perfect”—meaning, the Old Testament rituals only made the Israelites “perfect” on the outside. However, it did nothing to them on the inside—until the New Covenant came through Jesus.

As believers, we are now in the New Covenant! We believe that it is only through the blood of Jesus that we are perfected (cleansed). However, there are moments when we fall into a trap of living under the Old Testament rituals. While we are not living in an age where animal sacrifices are condoned, we think that serving, giving extra offering, and participating in more church activities will make us cleaner and help with our guilt. However, these things only make us seem clean on the outside. When people see us doing more church, they assume we’re doing well. While these things should be part of our daily rhythm, we must remind ourselves that we are not perfected by what we do, but it is through the precious blood of Jesus Christ.

I want to encourage you to examine your motives and thoughts: What are some things that you may use to make yourself look or feel clean? This morning, ask God to reveal anything that might hinder you from trusting in the blood of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that I am saved by Your blood and not by my works. Please protect me against the lies that tell me that I need to do more things so that I can feel more “saved.” I declare that all I need is the blood of Jesus Christ to be saved! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:1-10: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Questions to Consider

1. Why does Paul describe our salvation as a gift from God?
2. Why are we are not saved by our own works?
3. Now that we are saved, what does Christ Jesus call us to do?

Notes

1. Our salvation is a gift because we did not earn it by our own strength. In verse 3, Paul describes our spiritual state as, “dead in our transgressions” and hopeless. However, God, in all His mercy, came to take us out of death and into righteousness—this is the gift of God.
2. Because we are saved by God’s mercy and not by our own works, we cannot boast in ourselves. Often, we’re tempted to believe that we are loved because of how much we’ve done for Him. We are saved and loved through His mercy and grace.
3. Christ Jesus calls us to do good works. We are not to keep this good news for ourselves but to go into our communities to share the gospel, as well as to feed the poor, the orphans, etc. These good works can only be done because we have received the gift of God. We must not be tempted to think that we earn the love of Christ through these works, but that we do these works because Christ first loved us.

Evening Reflection

In view of today’s theme of salvation by God’s grace discussed this morning, how did this impact you? Were you reminded of a moment when you felt that you were trying to earn God’s love? Review your day here.

Note:  Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor Jason Sato at OTR.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 9:1-5 (ESV): Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness. [2] For a tent was prepared, the first section, in which were the lampstand and the table and the bread of the Presence. It is called the Holy Place. [3] Behind the second curtain was a second section called the Most Holy Place, [4] having the golden altar of incense and the ark of the covenant covered on all sides with gold, in which was a golden urn holding the manna, and Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. [5] Above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

In modern times, art is often seen as a form of self-expression.  The most important thing is to be “authentic” and to express oneself earnestly.  Worship is often seen the same way.  As long as we sing or serve with good intentions and genuine emotion, God should accept it happily.  How we feel and what we desire to do for God becomes the primary focus.

The biblical witness regarding worship is shockingly different.  God gives Moses incredibly detailed instructions for where and how the people are to worship.  When Nadab and Abihu offer God “unauthorized fire” to the Lord in Leviticus 10, He consumes them!  When a well-meaning Uzzah reaches out to steady the ark of God that was in the midst of worship, God strikes him down for his error. (In truth, it was due to the error of King David who should’ve known better than to use a cart to carry the ark; he ignored “the prescribed way”—1 Chron. 15:12-16)!

In these moments, God appears to be a petty, controlling deity.  Doesn’t He know that it’s the thought that counts? According to our passage, for as long as there have been a people of God, there have been regulations for worship.  God cannot be worshiped just any old way and this does not restrict us, it frees us.  Worship has always been greater than anything the whims of man could conceive.

When God designs the worship, we are reminded that God is light itself and His very body is given for us.  When God designs the worship, we are amazed that the Holy One of Israel would allow us to worship Him at all.  When God designs the worship, we are more aware of God’s presence, provision, authority, and justice than our own.  When God designs the worship, we are awed by the One who sits on a throne of mercy and is worshiped day and night by the saints and angels.

So, when we worship, instead of focusing on our feelings, or using smoke and lights to conjure up strange ambiance, let us wonder at the One who is set apart from us (holy) and who is beyond us (infinite, glorious).  Let’s worship for the audience of One.

Prayer: Oh God, teach me how to worship You rightly.  I want to join with the saints and angels of all ages and places to give You the glory You deserve.  Give me ears to hear that I may honor You with what You ask, and that You might be lifted up.

Bible Reading for Today: Proverbs 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 7:9-12 (ESV): After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, [10] and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” [11] And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, [12] saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”

Question to Consider

1. Who will worship the Lord in the Kingdom of God?
2. What will they say in their worship?
3. What will they do in their worship?

Notes

1. A great multitude from every nation, tribe, and people. Also the angels, elders and four living creatures.
2. They will declare God’s salvation (what He has done), His greatness (who He is), and what He deserves.
3. They will stand with palm branches in their hands, they will cry out with a loud voice, and they will fall on their faces before the throne.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day.  Were you able to take time to ask God how He wanted you to honor Him today?  What makes it hard to hear the Lord?  What makes it hard to obey when you hear?  Take a moment to ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to honor God by hearing and obeying.

Note: The AMI QT devotionals from November 7-12 are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 8:12-13
 “For I will be merciful to their iniquities, And I will remember their sins no more.” 13 When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

A little boy was visiting his grandparents and given his first slingshot. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit his target. As he came back to Grandma’s back yard, he spied her pet duck. On an impulse, he took aim and let fly. The stone hit, and the duck fell dead. The boy panicked. Desperately he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to look up and see his sister watching. Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.

After lunch that day, Grandma said, “Sally, let’s wash the dishes.” But Sally said, “Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you, Johnny?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck!” So Johnny did the dishes.

Later, when Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing, Grandma said, “I’m sorry, but I need Sally to help make supper.” Sally smiled and said, “That’s all taken care of. Johnny wants to do it.” Again she whispered, “Remember the duck.” Johnny stayed while Sally went fishing. After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally’s, finally he couldn’t stand it. He confessed to Grandma that he’d killed the duck. “I know, Johnny,” she said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. Because I love you, I forgave you. I wondered how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.” (Pastor Steven Cole)

Our passage for today reminds us that God (because of Jesus) chooses not to remember our sins, but a more important question is, do we? Many of us allow the Enemy and our own hearts to hold us hostage to the wrongs we’ve done. We hear that voice inside, reminding us of the things we’ve done and making it hard for us to believe change is possible. But 1 John 1:9 promises us that “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 7:21 says, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death.” Our sins should bring us great sorrow, but not the kind that holds us hostage to guilt, shame, and regret. Instead it should produce a sorrow that leads us running to the throne of God, to receive forgiveness and salvation that Jesus made readily available for us. Where there is lingering regret, we have to wonder if we’ve yet turned to God, confessed our sins and received in faith (in what Jesus has done for us) His forgiveness and the power to live anew.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I worship You on this Lord’s Day, help me to do so with full persuasion that I am forgiven and accepted by You. I confess to You that I have sinned by [confess your sins to the Lord]. Please forgive me. Help me to live now in freedom from condemnation and the in newness of life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 4

Note: The AMI QT devotionals from November 7-12 are provided by Cami King. Cami, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, is about to complete her M.Div. at Gordon Conwell Seminary. She is currently serving as a staff at Journey Community Church in Raleigh.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 8:9-11

Not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant,
and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

A minister determined a visual demonstration would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon. For this demonstration, he watered his lawn in the evening, then when night time approached, he visited his back yard with flashlight in hand.  He carefully selected four worms, night-crawlers to be exact.

The four worms were placed into four separate jars: the FIRST WORM was put into a container of alcohol; the SECOND WORM was put into a container of cigarette smoke; the THIRD WORM was put into a container of chocolate; the FOURTH WORM was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the Minister reported the following results: the FIRST WORM in the jar with alcohol – was DEAD; the SECOND WORM in the jar with cigarette smoke – was DEAD; the THIRD WORM in the jar with chocolate – was DEAD; the FOURTH WORM in the jar of good clean soil – was ALIVE!

So the Minister asked the congregation: What can you learn from this demonstration?

From the back of the church came the response: “As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won’t have worms!” That pretty much ended the service…

Aside from some questions I found myself asking about this story (e.g. how did he fill a jar with cigarette smoke… what did those worms ever do to deserve such a fate… why is chocolate even in this conversation… I had a few more, but I digress…), it was a funny reminder that two people can look at the exact same information and yet walk away with radically different conclusions.

The Hebrew’s writer has spent the last two chapters explaining, amongst other things, how God’s people totally missed the point of the Old Covenant and why it failed. It failed because they were unable in and of themselves to keep God’s commands; its point, therefore, was to show them that they needed a Savior, God Himself, to help them. Although as Christians we have entered into a New Covenant based not on our works but on the finished work of Jesus on our behalf, we can still find ourselves slipping into Old Covenant mentality. We can read the commands listed all throughout the New Testament and, like many who went before us, try to live them out in our own strength and abilities.

May we remember today that we ourselves are not able to be and do as we should. We must daily remain dependent on the grace and mercy of the Gospel that saved us and the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I prepare for another day, help me to remember Your grace and mercy towards me. Remind me anew of my own deficiencies and dependency upon You. Thank You for my salvation through Jesus and for Your daily provision of the Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 2-3