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.

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 7:11-22 

Now if perfection was through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the Law), what further need was there for another priest to arise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be designated according to the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, of necessity there takes place a change of law also. 13 For the one concerning whom these things are spoken belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests. 15 And this is clearer still, if another priest arises according to the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become such not on the basis of a law of physical requirement, but according to the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is attested of Him, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as it was not without an oath 21 (for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn And will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”); 22 so much the more also Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

Today is Election Day! And when it’s done (unless something weird goes on… weirder than what has already been happening this election season) we’ll know the next president of the United States of America.

There’s no denying that this election season has been a tumultuous one. Not just because the candidates from the two major parties have the lowest approval ratings anyone alive has ever seen. But also, and more significantly I think, because the thoughts and opinions of many Americans regarding how we should live together and how we view one another have been laid bare through their support of certain candidates and platforms. And it has been a little scary hearing what we actually think of one another, what we value, and how we envision our best life together (if together at all). And no party or candidate is exempt… there has been cause for concern from them all.

Throughout the last few months, I’ve learned a lot about what people think will save us. That might sound dramatic, but as “concerned citizens” share their immovable support and vitriolic denouncement of various candidates and policies, I’m convinced that the intensity of it all points to an underlying belief that some sort of political figure or change that comes through government will be the thing that finally saves us (from any number of things/people) and affords a life that satisfies and fulfills.

Much like the Hebrew writer’s audience, we too are deceived about what can save us. While the Levitical priesthood and the sacrificial system should have revealed its own inadequacies and the need for something greater (Jesus!), our broken society should do the same for us. More than politics, Jesus is the hope of the world. And that means that no matter who is in power, it is the LORD, His work of salvation and redemption and His coming Kingdom, that will ultimately save and give abundant life.

So, as many of us vote today, may we make wise decisions that reflect the heart of God, and remember when the results come in, that the LORD is at work and we trust in Him.

Prayer: Lord, for generations humanity has somehow missed just how broken we are. As I look at the society around me today, may I not be mistaken about what it is that we truly need – You. Give me grace to participate in my communities in a way that honors You. Give me perspective to see things the way You see them. Grant me hope as I await Your coming Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Malachi 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy dwelling places of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered; He raised His voice, the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has wrought desolations in the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Cease striving and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. Selah.

Questions to Consider

1. What is a refuge? Why would someone need one? According to the passage, what does having God as a refuge do for His people?
2. How do God’s promises in vv. 4-7 encourage us?
3. What is God’s command in v. 10? Why are we able to obey this command?

Notes 

1. A refuge is a place of shelter and protection for those fleeing some sort of impending danger or lack. And a refuge isn’t just a place that allows those fleeing to come in (i.e. protection – keeping the bad things away), but it is also a place that provides a new home (i.e. shelter) and all that entails, recognizing that those fleeing have little or nothing and need help. This is what God does for us. We come to Him in need of protection and shelter and He affords it to us. Knowing that the God of the universe is our protector and provider gives us confidence. No matter what we face, we have no cause for fear.
2. We know that God is with us and that His victory is assured. This should be an encouragement to each of us. Spend some time reflecting on how it encourages you personally.
3. God commands us to “quit striving” (or be still) and know (acknowledge and trust) that He is God. We can do this because He accompanies the command with a promise – He will be exalted among the nations and in the earth. We can take that to the banks. We can also do this because we know His track record and his promises of what is to come (vv. 8-9).

Evening Reflection

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, ² for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 

Spend some time praying for the nation you call home and nations around the world. Pray especially for the leadership and the governing powers. Pray also for the people, keeping in mind any situations you know the nation is facing.

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 7:1-10

 

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. 3 Without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, he remains a priest perpetually. 4 Now observe how great this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils. 5 And those indeed of the sons of Levi who receive the priest’s office have commandment in the Law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, from their brethren, although these are descended from Abraham.6 But the one whose genealogy is not traced from them collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed the one who had the promises. 7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater. 8 In this case mortal men receive tithes, but in that case one receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives on. 9 And, so to speak, through Abraham even Levi, who received tithes, paid tithes, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him.

The Bible is an amazing text! We understand Scripture to be a revelation of God to the world – something precious that He made and preserved so that we may know Him. He revealed Himself (who He is and what He’s like) in the lives of His people, so that those within the community of faith would come to know Him as they did life together with Him and one another. Then He preserved that revelation in the Scriptures (which tell the many stories of God and His people) for those who would come later on (that’s us!), so that we too might glean from what was revealed to and through them—all to the end of a greater knowledge of who God is.

And this was not done haphazardly. Our passage today, drawing from the life of a man who lived during Old Testament, reminds us that God is carefully, intentionally, and creatively writing a Grand Narrative through the lives of His people. It reminds us that He has great plans for the world and has been (and continues to be) at work through the generations to bring them about. It reminds us that God loves us so much that He reveals to us Himself and His plans so that we may know who He is and partner with Him in what He’s doing.

Through Melchizedek, a prototype for Jesus, we are clued in to what Jesus is like. Melchizedek means “righteous king.” And that is what he was – not only a king, virtuous and good in his rule, but also a priest, blessing the people, most notably Abraham, with peace. His lineage was not recorded, neither was the day of the end of his reign (v. 3). Why? Because the one of whom he was a mere shadow, Jesus, would be the eternal God Himself and have a Kingdom that would never end. Today, may we thank God for the Scriptures and the revelation of Himself found in them. And may we thank God our Priest and King Jesus – whose eternal reign is one of righteousness and whose priesthood affords us the blessing of wholeness and peace.

Prayer: Sovereign Lord, I do not take it for granted that I get to know You. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Your word and through the lives of those who’ve gone before me. May that revelation affect the way I do life today. Thank You for Jesus and His coming Kingdom. In His name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Malachi 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 110: The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.” 2 The Lord will stretch forth Your strong scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” 3 Your people will volunteer freely in the day of Your power; In holy array, from the womb of the dawn, your youth are to You as the dew. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at Your right hand; He will shatter kings in the day of His wrath.6 He will judge among the nations,
He will fill them with corpses, He will shatter the chief men over a broad country.
7 He will drink from the brook by the wayside; therefore He will lift up His head. 

Questions to Consider 

1. In this Psalm, David is overhearing a conversation within the Godhead, between the Father and Jesus. What do we learn from God’s words in vv. 1-3?
2. What does God promise in verse 4? How is that an encouragement to us today?
3. The LORDS words in vv. 5-7 show us that victory promised will be a great victory. Jesus has defeated sin and death, and we will one day live forever with Him in His Kingdom, in a perfect world, in wholeness and peace. In what areas of your life does this truth offer hope?

Notes

1. Jesus is told to sit at the right hand of the Father, until He brings forth a full victory over His enemies. And many (faithful believers) will willingly join in the fight (Eph. 6:12) – those who believe in the Lord and long for His reign.
2. God promises that Jesus will be our priest forever in the order (or manner) of Melchizedek. This is an encouragement to us because just as Melchizedek was a righteous King who blessed his people, Jesus will be the Righteous King and bless all creation. And His victory will have complete victory and His reign will last forever.
3. Spend some time in personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to read the passage below meditatively (aloud and slowly). Reflect on God’s great love for you, His finished work to save you, and the complete victory you have in Him. Spend some time responding in worship.

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? ³³ Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; ³⁴ who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. ³⁵ Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶ Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 31-November 6 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 6:13-20

For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise. 16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

This Tuesday, we will head to the polls and elect a new president to the White House. With any presidential election, there is great hope for the nation to grow and prosper. But there’s also a great deal of skepticism because of the way politicians have failed to come through on the promises made on the campaign trail. We can sometimes become jaded and begin to think they will say just about anything to get our votes.

It’s not just our politicians, but it’s also the media, the advertising companies, and even our own friends and family who break promises. It’s so pervasive that we are tempted to think this is just the reality of life. And this mindset begins to affect our relationship with God and the way we think about the promises He has made. But there is a distinction between the promises of man and the promises of God: While man’s promises have many varied reasons for not coming to pass, God’s promises are as certain as the morning sun, as He has decreed it to be fulfilled tomorrow. He will carry His Word to fulfillment by the strength of His character and power of His love.

The author of Hebrews ends chapter 6 by calling us to hold fast to the promises of God because they are true. He reminds us of God’s promise to Abraham, that he would become the father of many nations.  Though at times this appeared to be impossible, Abraham held on to God’s promise, and soon he was rewarded with a sound of an infant crying in his own home. This child would be part of the way God kept His promise to make Abraham a father of many nations.

Just as Abraham held fast to the promises of God, we too must hold fast. As we do, we will discover that the promises of God begin to change us and give us new motivation for living. We will no longer have such strong ties to the things of this world, for God’s promises are better than anything the world has to offer. We become strangers and aliens, as Peter says (1 Peter 2:11), and our lives will be filled all the more with contentment.  Meanwhile, we become attractive to the watching world. Let us hold fast to the promises of God, which culminates in His Son Jesus Christ. Let us trust in the work of the Lord on the cross to save us and sustain us, until our faith become sight!

Prayer: Lord, regardless of who wins the election, help me to live out my faith boldly today. May I never be ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation.  And may You guide the next president to lead our country, according to your righteousness and compassion. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 1606

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 31-November 6 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 6:9-12

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. [10] For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. [11] And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, [12] so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

05As a parent of three young children, it feels like not a day goes by without me having to correct them on something. Whether they are arguing, complaining, whining, or just demonstrating a poor attitude, they seem to always give me reasons to correct them. I suppose that’s what makes parenting so challenging and, at times, enjoyable.

Our passage reminds me of a parent chiding a child. In Heb.6:4-8, the author has warned his readers about the risk of renouncing their faith in Christ and returning to Judaism. It is a strong word of warning and what they needed to hear. Yet he knows that most of his listeners are doing well, and so not to dishearten them, he offers them a word of affirmation here. He calls them “beloved” (first and the only time in Hebrews), and he tells them, “We are convinced of better things concerning you, that is, things that accompany salvation, though we are speaking in this way” (v. 9).

He doesn’t want the sincere believers to have any misgivings about their salvation, but rather, to realize “the full assurance of hope until the end” (v. 11). So he tells them that he—and even more pointedly, God—sees the proof of salvation in them; that is, by how they live their lives, it’s clear that they are saved. Therefore, he tells them to press on; be diligent in serving Christ, so that they will persist, even while they are being persecuted.

Ultimately, the author is reminding his readers that if you truly love the Lord your God, your faith will be accompanied by diligent, faithful service to God’s people (v. 10). And it is a good reminder for us this day. Consider whether you are truly committed to the Lord by asking, How well am I serving the body of Christ? Am I diligent in my service to the church? Trials and hardships may have caused you to look inward, and perhaps you have been neglecting in gathering together with the saints. If so, ask God to give you the strength to join your community on the next meeting—whether it be a prayer meeting or a fellowship event. As you go about meeting God’s people, ask the Lord to help you focus on others as a demonstration of your love for God. In doing so, your strength will be renewed this day!

Prayer: Lord, please hold me by Your hand and constantly remind me of Your might and power, lest I foolishly assume that I am self-sufficient and autonomous.  I know that apart from You, I can do nothing. Help me to be a faithful and diligent servant. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 14-15

 

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 31-November 6 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 6:4-8

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance (vv. 4–6a).

Sometimes we can delude ourselves into thinking that we really want something, only to discover in time that we really didn’t. A recent example from my life is how I thought I really wanted to leave my iPhone for a Samsung phone; it was cheaper, it looked like it can do more tricks, and I thought I would be so happier with it. But quickly, I realized that I did not like my new device at all; and as soon as I was done with my contract, I returned to my iPhone.

Some of the people the author of Hebrews was addressing also struggled with “buyer’s remorse.” They perhaps entered Christianity thinking it would provide things and help them to be happier. When it didn’t go as they planned, they started to return to their old way of life.

The author is addressing some people who were returning back to Judaism, due to the persecution they were facing as Christians. But here, he tells them that this is not possible if they have truly accepted the gospel—they could not return to their old way of life if they have truly experienced the power of the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit. To do so would mean that they never understood the cross or had the Holy Spirit come to live in them. The writer is suggesting apostasy is only possible because they never truly believed; that is, they never had faith in the first place. If they did, the Holy Spirit in them would enable them to see that there is nothing greater and more powerful than the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In the end, when you completely abandon the faith, it means that you never truly understood Christianity. Walking away simply proves that you were expecting Christianity to do something for you that it never promised. What we do know with absolute certainty is what the same author says about God— that He is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), and God will carry it to completion what He has begun in us. The work of salvation is entirely the work of God. If we are truly in Him, we can have the confidence that no matter what we face in this life, God will sustain us and deliver us.

Prayer: God, I am reminded this day that You are faithful to me. You will never abandon nor forsake me. In spite of my sins and struggles, You choose to remain with me to the end. Your love is truly an everlasting love. Thank You for my salvation! In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Lamentations 3:22-23:  The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Questions to Consider         

1. What never comes to end when it comes to God?
2. Why do you think His love and mercy go hand in hand?
3. Can you trust in His promise that His mercies cover you this morning? How should that make a difference for you today?

Notes 

1. His steadfast love and His mercies.
2. To love sinful people, God has demonstrated His mercy again and again, which Jesus Christ has made possible on the cross.
3. Personal application.

Evening Reflection

From sunrise to sunset, we are to be reminded of God’s faithfulness all around us. What is one tangible way in which you felt the Lord’s mercy or faithfulness today?

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 31-November 6 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 6:1-3 (NASB)

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ² of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. ³ And this we will do, if God permits.

It’s amazing how my young children will trust me with just about anything. They are still young enough to think that their daddy knows everything and is stronger than just about anyone. I intend to milk it until they discover on some sad day in the future, that their father is a mere mortal. While the truth eventually catches up with every earthly father, our heavenly Father truly knows all and is able to accomplish His purposes by the strength of His word.

We learned yesterday the writer of Hebrews urging his listeners to press on to maturity in the faith. This was something that they sorely lacked—especially since they had been believers for a long time. It’s expected of the followers of Christ that there would be a natural process of growing and maturing, so that we are not laying again the foundation of our faith—that is, the basic and elementary doctrines that begins our new birth in Christ (6:1).

Among these elementary doctrines, the author includes in verse 2, “washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.” These references are a bit obscure, but it is generally understood that these are practices and beliefs that include baptism and the basic understanding of the end times. We are to go beyond such basics and press into greater knowledge and greater depth when it comes to the doctrines of our faith.

The author speaks a note of strong affirmation of God’s sovereignty in verse 3. He desires to move the audience forward into maturity, but he acknowledges that only “if God permits,” implying that he will only be able to do so if God is willing. This is a great reminder that all of life is lived under the comprehensive sovereignty of God. Whatever happens in life, let us trust that our heavenly Father is sovereign and knows what is best for His children. And unlike all earthly fathers, He is capable of bringing to pass His sovereign plans, because He is truly the Mighty One!

Prayer: God, thank You for Your sovereignty. I will trust You to lead me and guide me through every step of my life. May Your will be done in my life and in my world. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 10:9-10: . . . because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the most basic thing we must do to be saved according to Romans 10:9?
2. What does the heart do? What does the mouth do?
3. So to grow more mature, what must you start to believe in and confess your mouth with?

Notes  

1. We must confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our heart that God raised Him from the dead.
2. The hearts helps us believe, while the mouth helps us make our confession.
3. Personal application.

Evening Reflection

Were you able to think deeply about God today? Or can you identify something pertaining to your spiritual life where you can use more clarity and more certainty? Ask the Lord in prayer to guide you now.

Note: The AMI QT Devotionals from October 31-November 6 are provided by Pastor Charles Choe of Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Charles, a graduate of UC Riverside and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace, and they have three children: Chloe, Noah, and Camden.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 5:11-14

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. ¹² In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! ¹³ Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. ¹⁴ But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

My wife and I have three kids, whose ages are 10, 7, and 11 months old. Everything about them is wonderful, with their unique life stages—each stage bringing new discovery and learning. Sometimes my wife and I are so enamored with the simple pleasure of our children acting age appropriately, we find ourselves saying, “I wish you never grow up.” But what if that really did happen? Never growing up, whether physically or mentally, would be a terrible thing to witness.

The author of Hebrews, in our passage today, essentially says the same thing, when he states, “For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food” (verse 12). The author is addressing a serious problem among his audience. They are not growing; they have remained in a state of perpetual infancy. How does this happen? It begins with the lack of interest in God and His Word. Babies remain babies, the author explains, because they are “dull of hearing” (verse 11), which is a common Greek term for mental sluggishness.

This is a timely word for us today. Many of us prioritize social media before we take time to study God’s Word. The box score or the latest Hollywood gossip is of greater interest than studying theology or hermeneutics. For those reasons, our ears are dull, and many of us have not progressed beyond the most basic summary of the Christian message.

As followers of Christ, we must commit to a robust study of God’s Word; we must find in His Word not just our guidance, but our hunger being satiated. Let’s not just skim through the most important gift God has given us. Let’s ask God to challenge us with his Word, with even the difficult teachings; and by His Spirit, let us pray that we will grow to maturity.

Prayer: God, thank You for the Bread of Life, who is Jesus Christ. Help me to eat of Your Word and grow stronger in my faith. I want to be a mature believer. May Your Spirit help me to that end.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 4:17-19: Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.

Questions to Consider         

1. We are commended to not walk as the Gentiles do. How does Paul describe what their walk is like?
2. What leads to the ignorance, darkening of our minds, and being alienated from God?
3. How can you grow onto maturity in light of this passage?

Notes 

1. The Gentile walk is equal to futility of mind. This suggests the importance of our thought life as the people of God.
2. It’s to due to the hardness of heart. Our minds are darkened because our hearts are not open to God.
3. Personal application.

Evening Reflection

If you were to grow mature in one particular area of your life, what would it be?