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 5:7-10

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Earlier last month, I found myself with a terrible flu. During those two weeks of suffering, I made my way into the drug store several times. At one time, I noticed a guy in line who also was buying some flu medicine, and for some reason, I found that to be strangely comforting. I guess misery loves company, but perhaps the greater reason is that we all have a need to be identified with.

Today, the author of Hebrews asks, “How is it possible that Jesus sympathizes with us when He is perfect and we are sinful?” He wants us to clearly know that Jesus did not become a priest after He was resurrected and ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God. Rather, Jesus was already a priest during His life on earth, for He offered up prayers and petitions as evident by what took place at the Garden of Gethsemane.

The night before the cross, Jesus was in great agony as He contemplated whether He would go through with the cross or not. In the middle of His bewilderment, confusion and anguish of soul, He does an unfamiliar thing: For the first time He appeals to His own disciples for comfort. He asks them to stand with Him in prayer as He goes further into the darkness of the night. And on His own, He prays, begging, “Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.” He was seeking for another way.

This then explains the extraordinary words of verse 8: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.” Though He was the perfect Son of God, He learned what it meant to obey God when every cell in His body wanted to defy God. Yet, knowing this to be the will of God, He obeyed, trusting God to see Him through. He endured and overcame, even as everything in Him said to disobey.

How was this possible? Jesus, in the end, trusted God the Father. He cast Himself upon the Father’s loving, tender care to sustain Him. No matter how difficult it was, He surrendered His agenda for His Father’s. In what area do you have to say, “Nevertheless, not my will but Your will be done”?

Prayer: God, thank You that Your temptation was not a mere act, but in Your temptation and suffering, You found the strength to obey the Father’s command. Thank You for sympathizing with our weaknesses and for giving us the ability to overcome every temptation we face. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 9:35-36: Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Questions to Consider

1. In verse 36, we are told that Jesus had compassion on the crowd when He saw them? What led Christ to have this compassion?
2. Jesus states that there is a tremendous need out there in verse 37, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” How does Jesus want us to respond to the needs of the harvest?
3. What is the harvest God is calling you to today?

Notes 

1. He saw in the crowd as a people who were harassed and helpless, a sheep without a shepherd.
2. In verse 38, we are told to pray earnestly to the Lord of the Harvest so that we might be sent out to the harvest.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

As you reflect on your busy day today, did you sense the Lord of the Harvest with you? If so, did you find yourself praying for the people who make up that harvest?

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 5:1-6

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you” (verse 5).

The expression “to have your cake and eat it too” has always been one of my favorites. The idea is that you get two good things at the same time, especially two things that are not usually possible; when it happens, there is a sense of being a fortuitous recipient. In many ways that is what Jesus is to us. He is both the sacrifice, and He is the One who makes the sacrifice, like that of the High Priest—two things come together in the person of Jesus Christ.

The author of Hebrews begins chapter 5 with details of the office of the high priest. This is done so that his readers will make their own contrast between the high priest of the Old Covenant, and Christ, the great High Priest of the New Covenant. The two may have the same function, but the most significant difference is that Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.

This is all possible because the Sonship and Priesthood come together in Jesus. For salvation in God’s economy, the Son has to be the High Priest, and vice versa. God is under no obligation to save us, but once He chose to save us, it had to be through His Son, who would become both sacrifice and the great High Priest.

Jesus willingly submitted to His Father in order to secure our salvation. Though our sacrifice will never compare, we are also at times called to submit to our spiritual leaders, to our parents, to the authority in our workplaces, and even towards our government leaders, to advance the kingdom. Ask God to help you obey where submission is commanded by Scripture.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, You are the Son of God and our High Priest. In You, I have access to the Father. I thank You for making a way. I thank for Your great sacrifice. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 27:45-54: From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. ⁴⁶ About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). ⁴⁷ When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” ⁴⁸ Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. ⁴⁹ The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him. ⁵⁰ And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. ⁵¹ At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split ⁵² and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. ⁵³ They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and^[c] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. ⁵⁴ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Questions to Consider

1. When Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He said some of the most profoundly mysterious words in the entire Bible. Why did He cry out to His Father this way?
2. The curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was an elaborately woven fabric, where no one was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place behind the curtain—except the high priest, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. What does tearing of the curtain signify?
3. We have access to God through Jesus Christ. How are you going before God’s throne these days?

Notes  

1. In some real way Jesus had to be cut off from the fellowship with the Father that had been His eternally. Bearing the sins of humanity brought forth God’s wrath.
2. The tearing of the curtain signifies the removal of the barrier between a holy God and sinful people. This is how Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest for us.
3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

As you spent the day with work and play, were you able to take time to access the presence of God in a genuine way?

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 4:16

16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

The hit TV show “Shark Tank” has tested the confidence and abilities of many entrepreneurs. The premise of the show is that individuals would pitch their ideas and business models to a group of successful investors. Many of these individuals have prepared their entire lives for this moment, hoping that their innovation would impress the investors.  They are then questioned, tested, and scrutinized—but afterwards, many are left with their dreams shattered (probably the reason for the show’s name). It is a brutal process, but this is work. For us students, it’s a lot like taking a test. The amount you prepare and study will determine your confidence going into the test; but even then, you may not get the results you want. Regardless of how much effort you put into it, the output or the product is how we are measured.

Thankfully, this is not the case when it comes to approaching God. The writer in this passage speaks to a confidence that the believer holds when approaching God’s throne. Contrary to the world, our confidence does not lie in our work or even our abilities. Rather, our confidence stems from the finished work of Christ; and upon Christ’s finished work we are judged. This attitude is not one of pride but of humble reverence for God, for we are able to enter His presence with freedom and without the fear of condemnation. For many of us, approaching God is difficult because we feel unworthy or even unprepared to come to Him. At the core of these excuses are two misunderstandings: First, that we can approach Him based on our works; or second, that Christ’ work is not sufficient for us. The throne that God chooses to sit on is not of just power and glory but of grace. It is in this grace that we are accepted into His chambers, where God provides for even our smallest needs. May we not be deceived by the enemy by turning to our own abilities and effort, or think that we are not worthy enough to come to Him. Instead, through the dwelling of Christ in our hearts, may we receive the measure of all the fullness of God! (Eph 3:19).

Spend some time reflecting on your attitude when you enter into His presence. Do you go straight into a laundry list of items to pray about? Do you feel disconnected from Him at times? If so, may this passage remind us that we come to the Father through Christ alone, and we can come to Him in complete freedom without fear.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your grace. We confess that we are unworthy, and many times we come to You with wrong motivations. Yet we look to Jesus Christ who made a way for us. Help us to never depend on our abilities but to fully trust in You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 7-8

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 4:14-15

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

One of the worst conversations I’ve had involved my friend, a resident at a local shelter, and me. To give you some context, my friend and I grew up in a middle class suburb, attending our local youth group every Sunday. The conversation started out well, until we began sharing our lives with one another. As the man shared his story, we stood speechless at how he was abandoned at a young age, felt that he had no choice but to turn to drugs, and now ostracized by society. In that moment of silence, my friend regrettably blurted out, “I know how you feel.” But before he could explain himself, the man responded by asking how a privileged kid, dressed in Abercrombie, could ever understand what it’s like to lose everything and now become a victim of society. He was right—we would never even come close to understanding him.

When suffering comes our way, we tell ourselves that no one would ever understand and often times take on a victim mentality. But we see that Jesus has every right to say that He not only understands, but that He Himself has also gone through it. Where we have all failed, Jesus was able to overcome the temptations of the world, proving Himself blameless before the Father. Christ chose to be like us, to take on the form of our weak flesh, and face the pressures of sin so that we may trust in Him. In this way, we know that we can put our full trust in Christ, because He went through far greater than we can endure.

I wish we could go back to that conversation with that man and share with him about the sufferings of Christ for our sake—how Christ came down to earth, bearing our griefs and carried our sorrows; smitten by God, and afflicted; pierced and crushed for our iniquities so that by his wounds we may be healed and enter into His peace (Isaiah 53). Rather than dismissing our pain, as many have, Christ invites us to give that pain to Him; and in return, He gives us His strength and righteousness. I praise God that in my trials and temptations, I do not stand alone, for He is with me. I praise God that He has conquered sin and that nothing can separate me from the love of the Father—not even death itself. For in Christ, we are not victims of this world, but victors.

Spend some time simply meditating on the good news of Christ. May this truth empower us and encourage us to persevere in our journey with Him. Many of us have struggles and sins that we have yet to overcome. Yet Christ does not stand simply at the finish line but takes every step with us, so that we may find our victory in Him.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank You that you do not leave us as victims to our sufferings, but You make us conquerors. We confess that we are weak, and there areas in our lives we have yet to surrender. However, we hold on to the promise that in our weakness, You are strong and that Your grace is sufficient for us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 6

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 4:11-12

11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” Sadly, this was a childhood phrase that I found to be a lie, when a fifth grade boy called me fat at a pool party. It hurt—and I still remember it today. The truth is, words have power—the power to bless or the power to curse. It’s amazing how a simple “thank you” can go so far as to make a person’s day, or a few negative words on a performance review can make us question our self worth. There are also words we have created such as “yolo” and “fomo” that inspire the way we live our lives.

Then there are God’s words— described in this passage as living, active, powerful, penetrating, and discerning. Many of us would agree that the Word of God is powerful in nature and provides many guiding principles. But to think that the Word of God being living and active as a dynamic force that gives life; or even have the ability to penetrate straight to the core of who we are and exposing our true selves; or perhaps, the ability to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart –sound great on paper, but a little unrealistic. For many of us, the Bible lives in a book or another phone app that we open occasionally.

Tim Keller says that we have dangerously become people who believe in the truth in principle but do not know its power, sometimes even denying its power. Instead, we allow the words of the world to define and dictate our lives, robbing us of the promises given to those who believe in the gospel. Take some time to reflect on the times when the Word spoke to you directly, when even the simplest passages brought so much conviction. May God restore the power of His Word in our lives so that it functions as more than mere words written on a page; may it give us words to be written on our hearts. May the word of God be more than a truth we know about, but the only truth that transforms us.

Prayer: Lord, we confess that our hearts have in many ways become dull to Your Word. We confess that Your Word has lost its power in our lives. We ask that You would soften our hearts again and that Your Word will be made alive in our lives. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 4:2-4:  Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Questions to Consider:

1. How does Paul warn Timothy regarding men falling away from sound doctrine?
2. What is the temptation that we may fall into?
3. How much of what you know about God is based on Scripture vs. a secondary source?

Notes:

1. Paul states that there will be a time when men fall away from the truth. Paul provides three arguments in which men fall away from sound doctrine. The first is that they stop listening to wholesome teaching because it is no longer palatable to them. Second, they turn to others who speak about things that suit their desires; they only listen to things that make them feel good. Finally, the motivation to listen simply stems from curiosity, rather than seeking truth.
2. Paul is writing to believers who have been exposed to the Word. However, as mentioned above, when they fall away from sound doctrine, they succumb to believing other spiritual myths. This implies that there still exists a spiritual hunger in people, except now they fill their appetite with myths that sound initially appealing. In 1Timothy we see that many of these myths are based on false idols.
3. Many of us have great knowledge about God whether it came from Sunday school or even through various Christian books. However, all of these are supplementary to the actual reading of God’s Word.

 

Evening Reflection

D.L. Moody once said, “If you will show me a Bible Christian living on the Word of God, I will show you a joyful man. He is mounting up all the time. He has got new truths that lift him up over every obstacle, and he mounts over difficulties higher and higher.” Spend some time reflecting on how the Word of God has changed you lately.

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 4:7 

God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts.”

Growing up with a sister, I was always jealous of her being the older one. So I remember how I couldn’t wait to become a teenager like her, so I could hang out later and drive around with my friends. Then when I became a teenager, I couldn’t wait for college and be out of the house. In college, I couldn’t wait to start working and making my own money. Even in the small tasks in life, whether it was racing to the shortest line at the store or the fastest lane in traffic, I lacked the ability to be in the present. Sadly, this mentality began to manifest itself in my spiritual journey as well. For many of us, we can become so focused on tomorrow, that we struggle to be in the present. More importantly, we miss out on how God is speaking to us— today.

But the writer in this passage speaks about “Today.” In fact, the writer uses the word “Today” five times as he emphasizes the future promises that are in store for those who believe. C.S. Lewis reconciles how we are to properly understand being in the present while looking toward the future: “God would therefore have them continually concerned either with eternity or with the Present–either meditating on their eternal union with, or separation from, Himself, or else obeying the present voice of conscience, bearing the present cross, receiving the present grace, giving thanks for the present pleasure.”

As C.S. Lewis states, the only future that we focus on is what awaits us in eternity. Until then, we are to seek to experience His presence in our lives—today. The future tempts us with its worries and even dreams, but may we be anchored in God’s faithfulness today. As He taught the Israelites through the gathering of manna, to experience God’s provision daily, may we be thankful for what God has in store for us today. For the present blessings are only the guarantees and glimpses of what’s to come in eternity.

Prayer: Father, give us this day, our daily bread. Soften our hearts so that we may be able to hear You speaking to us today. Help us to be faithful with what is given to us today. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning for us.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Exodus 33:15-18: Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

Questions to Consider:

1. What is Moses’ contention with God in this passage?
2. What is the significance of God’s presence to Moses?
3. How can we apply this in our lives?

Notes:

1. The context of the passage is that Moses is wondering if the Israelites would face the judgment of their disobedience. God responds by saying that they would indeed enter the Promised Land. However, Moses in his conviction says he would rather not go unless God’s presence went with them, even after 40 years of wandering in the dessert. Moses found God’s presence more valuable.
2. In v.16, we see that God’s presence is the affirmation that God is pleased with us. God’s presence is also what separates the Israelites from all other nations. God’s presence becomes the prerequisite for God’s glory to be revealed to Moses.
3. Many times, we will focus our eyes and thoughts on what’s ahead of us. However, waiting for God’s presence is more important than any other next ‘thing’ in life.

 

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on where you are right now. Is there something that you are waiting for—a new season, a new promotion, or a new relationship? Whatever it may be, may we have the same heart as Moses had, to value and wait for His presence more than what is next. Spend some time seeking His presence right here in this moment.

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 4:4-11

For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

Imagine a day without your phone or hot water, and you cease from any type of activity, such as cooking. Many of us are probably thinking of some mission trip far away, but in the Jewish tradition, this is a weekly ordeal when observing the day of rest—the Sabbath. For a Christian’s Sabbath, it begins with a groggy morning, pressing the snooze button several times, a busy Sunday of serving and fellowship, an inevitable afternoon nap, and catching up on last minute chores. And before you know it, it’s time to sleep and you’re thinking of how quickly the weekend had passed, or how crazy the week ahead will be. If I were to consider a proper Sabbath, I would argue that the Jews have done a better job of grasping this. Lauren Winner writes: “But there is something in the Jewish Sabbath that is absent from most Christian Sundays: a true cessation from the rhythms of work and world, a time wholly set apart, and perhaps above all, a sense that the point of Shabbat, is toward God.”

In this passage, the writer teaches that our rest originates from God’s rest after creation was completed. Warren Wiersbe explains God’s rest as a “rest of satisfaction, not a rest after exhaustion” from the completion of His work. And as believers, we look to the finished work of Christ who made us complete in Him. In Christ, we are able to trust in His works and not our own to be holy and pleasing to God. This is why rest is so vital to our lives, for we live in a world where we are constantly asked to do more and to be defined by our work. It is more than a day of inactivity or even an extra day to catch-up; it is a day we remind ourselves that our identity and worth comes from Christ’s perfect work.

The Sabbath was created for man so that we may depend on the work of Christ and not our own. It is the total acceptance and complete surrender to Him, for apart from God, there can only be restlessness. As the writer says, rest is made available for us today to experience as mere glimpses of the eternal rest that waits in eternity. Let us be diligent to enter that rest both here and in eternity.

Prayer: Father, thank You for creating the Sabbath for us. We confess that many times we do not make it holy because of our lack of complete trust in You. Help us not to find our value and identity in the work that we do, but only in the completed work of Jesus Christ. Teach us to Sabbath well as your people.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 10:38-42: As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is Jesus trying to highlight here?
2. What is the danger of having the mentality of Martha?
3. How does Mary have the confidence to just sit at Jesus’ feet?

Notes

1. A common mistake is to think that Mary did something good and Martha did something bad. However, notice that Jesus says that Mary chose to do the better, which does not discount Martha’s act of service toward Jesus. Martha was more worried about what she could do for Jesus, while Mary focused on being with Him.  Christ is saying that there is a time and place to serve, but more importantly, we must set our time to spend with Him.
2. Ironically, it was her serving that prevented her from listening and spending time with the Lord. This gave Martha anxiety and even perhaps a sense of bitterness toward Mary. The temptation of being too service-orientated is to compare ourselves to others and judge their dedication in service, or in this case, the lack of service.
3. Mary breaks a lot of social rules here, because as a woman, she was expected to serve the guests to even be acknowledged. However, Jesus makes it clear that His relationship with Mary is something that cannot be taken away. Our value and identity comes not from our actions, but from Christ alone.

 

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on the idea of rest in your life. Is it a foreign word that you’re too busy for?  Are you burned out? In a world that demands our attention every minute, spend a few moments away from everything. May there be a constant rhythm of rest in our lives so that we may focus on being with Him more than doing things for Him. Let us look to the eternal promise of rest that awaits all of us.

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 3:7-14

So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, 9 where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did. 10 That is why I was angry with that generation; I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray, and they have not known my ways.’ 11 So I declared on oath in my anger, ‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”12 See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. 13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. 

“If God shows me a sign, then I will go.” How often have we uttered the same prayer, only to find ourselves frustrated and lost? I have wondered why God does not reveal Himself in the manner He did in the Old Testament. Surely if He split not even the sea, but even a small pond, people would come to believe. Yet we see that even though the Israelites saw the sea divide, walked over dry ground, and saw manna fall from heaven, their hearts were hardened after times of testing. Ironically, it seems that the more they saw God move, the less they believed in Him. More importantly, because of their unbelief, they could not enter the Promised Land.

John Piper provides an explanation for this: “It is possible to taste of these things, be deeply affected by them, and to be in unbelief because Jesus Christ himself is not your hearts’ delight and hope and confidence and reward.” In fact, the writer of Hebrews urges us to hold to our original convictions in Christ alone. Perhaps faith is less about seeing God move but more about believing in what you cannot see and being certain of the hope that is found in Him (Hebrews 11:1). Only by such faith can we endure through the trials of life and receive life’s greatest reward—which is Christ Himself. Faith based on signs and wonders proves to be shallow and wavering, but faith in Christ is deeply rooted and unshakeable.

Jesus says, “Because you see me, you believe; but blessed are those who have no seen and yet have believed”(John 20:29). Oh, how easy it is to forget our original convictions when our eyes only look for the signs of God! We can easily forget the many ways in which God has been faithful and has done the impossible in our lives. May we change our perspective from a “show us and then we’ll go,” to what the Lord originally promised, “Go, and I’ll show you.” May we hold onto our original convictions and put our complete faith in Him. Ask the Lord to increase your faith in Him.

Prayer: Lord, may the object of my faith be You and You alone. I confess that I lose sight of all the ways in which You have been faithful. And in times of testing, I put my trust in other things and myself. In the areas in which I lack faith in, I want to believe, but help my unbelief. Thank You for all the ways in which You have been faithful. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 2

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 1:6-9 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 

Questions to Consider

1. How can we rejoice when we go through trials and our faith is tested?
2. What is the difference between being happy vs. being joyful?
3. Why does Peter say we should persevere in our sufferings?

Notes

1. Peter states that the trials we face—both short and long—are momentary in comparison to eternity. Sometimes all we can see are the trials in our lives, but as Christians we look towards Christ, though He cannot be seen. But through Him, we have received the salvation of our souls. This salvation is our guarantee of our eternity and the source of joy in our lives.
2. Happiness is merely an emotion that focuses on the moment, whereas joy is a promise that focuses on eternity. To rejoice in suffering does not mean to convince yourself to be happy; rather, it is to focus your thoughts on the promise of eternity that awaits us.
3. The testing of our faith is the way for us to prove the authenticity of our faith. As fire refines gold to its purest form, trials refine our character. Those who persist await the reward of praise, glory and honor through Jesus Christ. Warren Wiersbe says, “A faith that cannot be tested cannot be trusted.” In many cases trials are the prerequisite for God’s will to be furthered in our lives, so that He can entrust us with the greater works of His Kingdom.

 

Evening Reflection

Charles Spurgeon once said, “The fiery furnace is very hot; but the Son of man is in it with you; and, by His grace, you shall come out of the furnace before long.” During trials, we are tempted to fix our eyes on getting out, but may we fix our eyes on Jesus who promises to be with us during these trials. May He remind you of the eternal salvation and glory that awaits you in the life to come. May our complaints be replaced with this greater hope and expectation!

Note:  The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 24-30 are written by Andy Kim.  Andy, a graduate of Northwestern University, is about to complete his M.Div. at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is currently serving as a staff at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco, CA.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 3:1-6

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,”[a] bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

I remember a popular lesson in Sunday school was to choose our favorite Bible hero. We all chose the major hitters like David fighting Goliath, or Esther saving the Israelites as queen, or Samson having supernatural strength. Many of us have probably even prayed to be like David or even to have the faith of Moses that split the Red Sea. Maybe it’s not these Bible characters, but how often have we looked towards very spiritual people and wished we could be like them. For the Jews, Moses was— if not the most influential figure—a hero they looked to, who received the laws in which they prided themselves in.

But the writer of this passage states that even these spiritual heroes like Moses fall short in comparison to Jesus. The writer highlights two reasons for the superiority of Jesus. First, Jesus is both our Apostle and our High Priest. Holman describes that as an Apostle, Jesus serves as God’s representative to human beings, while as a High Priest, He is our representative before God. In essence, Jesus is the perfect Mediator. Secondly, the writer identifies Moses as a servant of the house, in contrast to Jesus being the very Son of the house; and Scriptures teach us that we are the house. Moses is described as in the house, while Jesus is over the house; Moses was called by God, while Jesus was sent by God; and Moses invited the Israelites to God through the law, while Jesus invites us to God through His love.

Yes, it is great that we try to follow in the footsteps of people of great faith. In fact, Paul calls us to imitate his faith and follow in his footsteps (1 Cor. 11:1); but even then, he clearly says as I follow Christ. All these great forefathers pointed to Christ. And so, may we always remember that we look towards not men, but Jesus. As the writer states, let us actively fix our thoughts on Jesus alone.  For in Jesus, we are not invited merely into a servanthood as Moses was, but we are invited into sonship, the very adoption into His glory and family.

Prayer: Father, we proclaim that You are greater than all. Forgive us that our eyes stray towards men, when You are the only one who can truly save us. Help us to fix our thoughts on You as You stand as the perfect mediator between us and the Almighty Father. Thank You for the sacrifice You paid so that we may experience Your glory.

Bible Reading for Today: Mark 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:12-17: So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Paul differentiate between living by the flesh vs. living by the Spirit?
2. How can we live by the Spirit?

Notes

1. Paul states that those who live by the flesh are slaves to fear from the condemnation that comes through the law of sin and death (v. 2). In doing so, they are constantly enslaved by what their flesh desires, which ultimately leads them to death. However, those who live by the Spirit are freed from the law through the fulfillment of Jesus Christ. They are not slaves; but rather sons and daughters who have been adopted into the family of Christ. Historically, adoption was a relatively new concept that meant a complete severing of all previous relationships. “Abba,” translated in Aramaic as “father” or in our current context “daddy,” is a word used only for those who had an intimate relationship.
2. Paul states that we are to put to death the misdeeds of the body. Because our flesh is still alive, there must be an active denial of our fleshly desires. Mounce argues even in this we fall short, for our old nature does not automatically fade away; rather the fight is something that is ongoing. Thus, we must constantly rely on the power of the Spirit. In this constant struggle against the flesh, we can share in the sufferings of Christ, so that ultimately we may also share in the glory that comes in Him.

 

Evening Reflection

What are the areas in your life today that you see your flesh more alive? Spend some time asking that His Spirit would help you to overcome these areas.

Prayer: Heavenly father, we confess that there are still many areas in our lives in which we struggle against our flesh. However, we remind ourselves that we do not live by the law, but by the grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May we set our thoughts upon the desires of Your Spirit.

Note: The AMI Quiet Time Devotionals from October 17-23 are provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Devotional Thought for Today

Hebrews 2:10-18

10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;

    in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

13 And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

In the first few chapters of Hebrews, the author paints a picture of the different characteristics of Jesus.  He describes Him as superior over angels, Lord of creation, and the great King who is sovereign over all things.  He continues this pattern in verse 17, as he tells us how Christ’s perfect communion of the Spirit with the believers makes Him a perfect High Priest.  In verse 18, he describes Jesus as helper—specifically in the area of temptation.

What is your greatest temptation?  Is it greed, lust, gossip or some other form of idolatry?  We have hope because we have a God who not only identifies with us, but also helps us in times of temptation.  In 2:18, the author of Hebrews explicitly tells us that Christ suffered when He was tempted. This confirms two things. First, we see that temptations did come to Christ; we worship a God who identifies with us.  Second, these temptations were real because He suffered while enduring them. This is what Christian author Russell Moore says about Christ and the temptations we face:

“You will be tempted exactly as Jesus was, because Jesus was being tempted exactly as we are. You will be tempted with consumption, security, and status. You will be tempted to provide for yourself, to protect yourself, and to exalt yourself. And at the core of these three is a common impulse—to cast off the fatherhood of God.” ― Russell D. Moore, Tempted and Tried: Temptation and the Triumph of Christ.

Christ was fully aware of the weight of temptation in ways that we are not, because He endured greater and greater temptations without ever giving in to them. By His grace, He is able to help us when we are tempted. When we rely on His Word, presence, and power, we too can overcome temptations.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the example you show us as the One who faced and overcame temptation.  As we rely on your Word and Spirit, help us to overcome the temptations we face daily in our lives.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 4