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

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 8:7-8

For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. ⁸ For finding fault with them, He says, “Behold, days are coming, says the Lord,
When I will effect a new covenant With the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”

This week, a friend asked me: “If God is at work, why can’t I see it? What is He doing in my life and in the lives of those around me, beyond the easily explainable and the seemingly mundane? If the Gospel is such good new and the Kingdom of God so glorious, why is it so hard to experience in unmistakable and undeniable ways?” As I reflected on my own struggles with similar concerns, I was reminded of a story I heard once. It went something like this:

A man and his son on a walk in the woods came to a bridge and crossed. The father went first. When he came to the other side he turned to his son and said sternly, “Drop down and shimmy on your belly.” The son did exactly what his father told him and crawled his way to the other side. When he made it across he asked his father why he’d told him to do such strange things. His father pointed at a huge snake that had dropped down from a tree branch extending above the bridge and explained that he’d spoken calmly so as to not unnecessarily alarm the child. The boy realized that if he had stopped to ask, “Why?” he would have been fatally bitten. But his trust in his father brought him safely to their destination.  

God starts His message in the verses above by saying, “Look!” (vs. 8) God often clues us in on what He’s doing and where we’re headed (into a new covenant – which we’ll talk more about this weekend). But many of us miss out on experiencing in our personal lives the excitement and the goodness of the His plans because we don’t trust our Father enough to obey. We stop for too long demanding explanations, wander off the bridge all together doing our own thing, or follow faithfully for a while but realize how strange it all is and give up midway.

Obedience to the commands of God – even if we can’t yet connect all the dots –is what will enable us to experience the goodness of His promises.

Prayer: God, I know where I am going because You’ve left enough hints in scripture for me to know what to expect. In the times when I can’t see how it’s all coming together, help me obey You simply because I trust You and not just because I understand. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 1

Lunch Break Study

Psalm 34:8-14: Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing. 11 Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Questions to Consider

1. According to the psalmist, how can we come to know the goodness of God and His plans?
2. What are some of the promises given to us in this passage?
3. What do vv. 12-14 teach us about how we should live?

Notes

1. As is the case with food, we have to actually try things to see that they are good. As we obey God, as we try doing life His way, we’ll come to experience the goodness of His ways and see Him more in our lives.
2. Those who take refuge in the Lord will be blessed. Those who fear the Lord have no lack (Ps. 23:1). Those who seek the Lord will not only be provided for, but they won’t be without any good thing. Those are pretty grand promises!
3. To experience full and abundant life (that those who follow Christ are promised throughout the New Testament), we need to be obedient to the commands of God – both in what we say and what we do.

Evening Reflection

What are some ways that obedience to God has led you to a fuller experience of Him and His Kingdom? What, if any, are some areas in your life where you have failed to be obedient? Are you willing to make a commitment to obedience today? Spend sometime discussing these things with the Lord.

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 7:23-28

Now the main point in what has been said is this: we have such a high priest, who has taken His seat at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer.4 Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.

In his book Disappointment with God, Philip Yancey summarizes C.S. Lewis’ theory of “transposition” in which he explores the human tendency to overemphasize natural realties (because they are the ones we can see and most readily understand) over and against spiritual ones, even to the point of reducing our human experience solely to natural realities with little or no consideration for their spiritual components.

Yancey explains, “Lewis suggested the analogy of a beam of light in a dark toolshed. When he first entered a shed, he saw a beam and looked at the luminous band of brightness filled with floating specs of dust. But when he moved over to the beam and looked along it, he gained a very different perspective. Suddenly he saw not the beam, but, framed in the window of the shed, green leaves moving on the branches of a tree outside and beyond that, 93 million miles away, the sun. Looking at the beam and looking along the beam are quite different.

We are experts when it comes to looking at the beam. We reduce our experiences and circumstances to the natural realm – what we can see with our eyes and process with our own reasoning and wisdom. And, in so doing, we find ourselves relying on those things for answers and understanding. Yet, there is another realm – the spiritual realm. And in it, we have a high priest who is enthroned at the right Hand of God Almighty in power and majesty. One who is ministering on our behalf. One who has made atonement for our sins and affords us access to God Himself (the source of all that is life). And (at the risk of sounding like a broken record this week) One who is bringing forth a perfect Kingdom and an awesome plan of redemption for the whole world.

May we challenge ourselves to resist our tendency toward reduction (based on what we can see as we merely look at the things going on around us) and instead depend on the Holy Spirit within to give us His understanding and a fuller perspective as we move through life today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your word commands me to trust in You with all my heart, relying not on my own understanding. Give me grace to obey. Grant me Your perspective as I look out on the world today. May I see as You see and respond in a life of worship to You.

Bible Reading for Today: Malachi 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 6:10-18: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.14 Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.18 With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,  

Questions to Consider

1. What does Paul remind us in verse 12? What are some areas in your life where you may have lost sight of this truth?
2. What does Paul command us to do in this passage? What are some ways you can do this today?
3. Paul’s final words deal with the importance of prayer. What is the connection between praying and remaining alert?

Notes

1. Paul reminds us that our war is not against flesh and blood. In other words, we are not merely battling against other people, but there is much more going on in the spiritual realm and ultimately there is a battle going on for souls and hearts. Spend time reflecting on areas of your life where this truth needs to sink in.
2. Paul gives quite a few commands in this passage. First, he tells us to find our strength and confidence in God and His strength (not our own). Then he tells us to put on the full armor of God, with all its many components. Are you standing strong in God’s strength and might or another kind of strength? What parts of your armor need attention today?
3. Prayer is what enables us to be alert because it grants us a pipeline to the One who sees all things and knows all things. Without prayer we are unable to have the perspective we need to live in wisdom.

Evening Reflection

“It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” (C.S. Lewis, This Weight of Glory)

Spending time thinking about spiritual things not only gives us a truer perspective on what’s happening around us but it also grants us hope for what is to come. What are some ways you’ve settled for less than what God has in store for you? Spend some time thinking of eternal life and building anticipation for the great gift God is offering to each of us.

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 7:23-28

The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; 27 who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. 28 For the Law appoints men as high priests who are weak, but the word of the oath, which came after the Law, appoints a Son, made perfect forever.

Can you guess the odds of winning the lottery? Although the exact numbers change based on various factors, the odds of winning are close to 1 in almost 14 million (if you’re picking six numbers to win the Jackpot). If you play to the Mega Millions lottery, your chances are 1 in almost 176 million. The National Weather service reports that you’re over 20,000 times more likely to be struck by lightening than to win the lottery. And with these odds, people still play the lottery to an alarming degree. Don’t believe me? How much money do you think Americans spent last year trying to win the jackpot? According to the records of the North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, Americans spent $70.15 billion on lottery tickets last year. SEVENTY-BILLION-DOLLARS!

Yet against all the odds, people do actually win the lottery. They take home millions and watch all their dreams come true as they live happily ever after, right? Well, not exactly. While some lottery winners do have positive experiences, more often than not, those who’ve won the lottery point to it as the beginning of great struggle in their lives. Groups that follow past lottery winners connect winning the lottery to subsequent divorce, familial estrangement, suicide, reckless and criminal behavior, drug use, gambling, and even murder. But more so than these dramatic stories, most lottery winners express profound disappointment – that winning the lottery did not do for them what they anticipated.  Actor and comedian Jim Carey once said, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

We bet on a lot of things. Maybe not the lottery, but we leverage our precious resources (the most precious, being our lives) in pursuit of success, comfort, recognition, acceptance, and sometimes, just plain old stuff… all of which will eventually perish. But we have a sure thing in Jesus, salvation that lasts forever and the promise of His Kingdom. May we bet our lives on that sure thing today and leverage our resources for riches that never fade.

Prayer: Lord, help me to leverage my life for You today. May I use the resources you have so graciously given me – my time, talents, and treasure – in pursuit of Your Kingdom. May the assurance of my salvation provide the foundation for all that I do. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Malachi 3

Lunch Break Study

Read John 10:7-10: So Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. ⁸ All who came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. ⁹ I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. ¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

Questions to Consider

1. What does Jesus call all the things (other than Himself) that offer us life? What are those things in your life?
2. What is Jesus’ promise to those who enter through Him (put their faith in Him)? Spend some time reflecting on this promise. How does His promise encourage you today?
3. In the New Testament, the terms “abundant life” and “eternal life” are closely connected. What is abundant life?

Notes

1. He calls them thieves and robbers because nothing and no one apart from Jesus gives life – they only take it away. God Himself is the source of all life.
2. In v. 9, Jesus promises that they will be saved and will find pasture (protection, security, and provision).
3. Eternal life and abundant life are connected, because when God promises us eternal life, He doesn’t just mean we’ll live forever. He means we will live forever abundantly – in other words, He is speaking to the quality of our lives. Jesus desires that we have the best quality of life possible. We aren’t truly living, until we’re living with Jesus!

Evening Reflection

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Mt. 6:33).

“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent (John 17:3).

Spend time tonight meditating on the verses above. What are the tings you’re seeking that you believe will give you abundant (the highest quality of) life? Jesus says that eternal and abundant life is to know God. How do Jesus’ words speak to you tonight? Spend time talking to God about these things.