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

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 2:5-9

For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? 7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, 8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.” Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.

After the author of Hebrews gives us a warning about drifting away from the gospel, he returns to the greatness of Christ Himself. This shift is made so that the work and role of Christ can be prominently emphasized throughout the rest of the book of Hebrews.  In these verses, it tells us how this rule is presently manifested in the world. We are told that nothing has been left outside of Christ’s control (2:8), and all of creation is now subject to the rule of Christ.

The author also quotes from Psalm 8, which celebrates God’s creation, including man.  In Psalm 8:3, the psalmist contemplates the mighty works of God by saying, “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place…”  And as he thinks about the stars, planets and galaxies, and the vastness of the universe, no wonder he exclaims, “What is man that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him?” What the writer of Hebrews (and the psalmist) is saying is that man has a position of honor (v.7), meaning that we are the pinnacle of creation and also a position of authority (v. 8) as man was given rule over the earth.

What does this mean for us? A few thoughts:

1. We have a King who knows us. We are reminded that God not only intentionally created the universe,    but we are also His beloved creation.  God knows our thoughts, wants and needs – the King of the Universe knows us and calls us by name! Rejoice, because we have a heavenly Father who intimately knows us in this way!

2. We have a King we can trust. Jesus is a King who never fails us because of His great love for us. The Cross is proof that His love is unconditional; therefore, we can trust him with our lives.

I know that most of us know these truths in our heads, but do we live that way in everyday lives?  Do you really trust Christ in every area of your life?  Does the perfect love of God give you the ultimate security in your life rather than things like money, family, appearances and reputation?   Spend time praying that these promises would be lived out in our lives today.

Prayer:  Jesus, thank You for being our King.  Thank You that You are the God of creation and the One who knows us fully and intimately. Help us to trust You with all of our hearts today. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 2-3

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 2:1-4

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

On a family vacation a few months ago, one of the activities I did with my daughters was paddle boating.  The paddleboat was powered and steered depending on the amount of pressure put on the right and left paddles.  We would paddle hard to go fast, but when we would grow weary and took a break and stopped paddling, we would slowly drift away. Then we would have to quickly get back on course by paddling again.

In today’s passage, the writer of Hebrews warns us about drifting (v. 1).  Though these verses have often stirred up controversy because some think that it means that you can lose your faith, I do not think that is what is meant.  Remember that Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians who were thinking of returning to the old covenant.  The warning is not to drift from the gospel message in light of the great salvation it brings (v. 3).

So how can we drift?  I want to give two ways we can drift in our own walk with Christ:

1. Familiarity with the Truth – Once we start becoming too familiar with the message of the gospel, we can often drift and not find Christ and His kingdom glorious and worthy as when we first encountered Him.

2. Busyness – In the modern world we live in, we can get overwhelmed with busyness in our lives. When are constantly busy, we often lose sight of what is important, which is the exellencies of Christ and His kingdom.

So what are we called to do?  One practical application is to hold on to God’s Word—to treasure and hold on to the Word so that we would not drift away from Him.  In closing, here is what Pastor John Piper says:

“Hebrews says that if we do not vigilantly pay closer attention to the Word of God, we will float by — we will drift away from God’s Word.  That is the point here: there is no standing still. The life of this world is not a lake. It is a river. And it is flowing downward to destruction. If you do not listen earnestly to Jesus and consider him daily and fix your eyes on him hourly, then you will not stand still; you will go backward. You will float by.”

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for the warning You give us in Your Word about drifting.  May our hearts cling on to You and Your Word.  May we find Jesus more glorious and beautiful every passing day.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

Questions to Consider 

1. What is the key to “blessedness” in this Psalm?
2. How is the blessed man described?
3. Does this picture resemble our lives today? Why or why not?

Notes 

1. One who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked and as one who delights in the Word of God.
2. The psalmist describes the blessed man as someone who is rooted in the Word; and in any season of life, they will prosper.
3. Think about where your life is today. Are you rooted in Him?  Are you delighting in the Word consistently?   Think of some ways you can apply this passage in your life.

 

Evening Reflection

Spend some extra time reading God’s Word.  Ask the Lord for a great love for it and that you would be one who meditates on it day and night.

 

Editor’s 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 1:10-14

10 And,  “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,

    and the heavens are the work of your hands;

11 they will perish, but you remain;

    they will all wear out like a garment,

12  like a robe you will roll them up,

    like a garment they will be changed.

But you are the same,

    and your years will have no end.”

13 And to which of the angels has he ever said,

   “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

“He is the Creator and the sustainer of all things. He is the unchanging, self-existent God, and that means that He depends on nobody. He is neither helped by our faith nor hindered by our unbelief.”
― Colin S. Smith (Pastor & Author)

In today’s passage, the author of Hebrews continues his description of Jesus Christ as the supreme Son of God. To emphasize his point, the author quotes from Psalm 102 in which the psalmist cries out to the Lord in anguish but also celebrates God’s transcending existence.  At the end of the Psalm, the writer calls upon the Lord as the One who laid the foundation for the heavens and earth, acknowledging Him as the unchangeable Lord of all creation; and it is this description that the author of Hebrews directs to Jesus Christ.

The Hebrew writer continues by contrasting Christ and that which will pass away: The heavens and earth “will perish”; the Lord will “roll them up” like a robe, and they will be changed. Christ, on the other hand, “will remain”; for He is “the same,” and His years will “have no end.”  Theologian John Owen writes, “One thing is meant by these expressions — Christ’s eternal and absolute immutable existence…To emphasize God’s eternal nature in contrast with the world’s frailty and all of its creation, it is said that his years will never end. The world comes to an end but there is no end to Christ’s existence.

These verses remind us that Jesus is the “same yesterday and today and forever” (13:8).  For us it means that we can be assured and be confident that His love, grace and faithfulness will always be constant and never waver, despite changes in circumstances, politics, nations and even our personal lives.  As a result, we can live confidently knowing that the One constant in our lives will never change.  Let’s thank Him and put our confidence in that promise.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you that you are an unchanging God.  You are indeed the same yesterday, today and forever, and because of that promise, help us to put our hope in You.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 12

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Questions to Consider:

1. According to Peter, what is the reason for our hope?
2. How should we look at our trials and what is the purpose for them?
3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes:

1. Peter reminds the believers to look at Christ’s great mercy and the inheritance that is imperishable, which will never be taken away from us. That is the reason why we have hope.
2. We go through trials because it shows us the genuineness of our faith (v. 7). We can rejoice with joy because we have been saved by His great love (v. 8-9).
3. We can be assured of a living hope that will never be taken away from us as believers.

Evening Reflection  

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today.  What challenged you? Ask the Lord to search your heart and to show where you need to make specific applications.

Editor’s 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 1:7-9

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”

As we have been reading through Hebrews, the author of the book is giving us a picture of the greatness of God.   He is greater than all things and all of creation points to Him.  Today, we are going to see that God is sovereign over all things because He is a mighty Ruler.  In verses 7-9, the writer demonstrates the superiority of Christ to angels by contrasting their status: the angels are servants, but the Son is sovereign.  His throne and scepter show us that His rule is ultimate and will never end.

The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God’s rule and control, and that nothing happens without His direction or permission.  God works not just some things but all things according to the counsel of His own will (Eph. 1:11).  The Christian author A.W. Pink in his book The Sovereignty of God puts it like this:

“What do we mean by [the sovereignty of God]? We mean the supremacy of God, the kingship of God, the god-hood of God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that God is God. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Most High, doing according to His will in the army of Heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, so that none can stay His hand or say unto Him what doest Thou? To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will (Psa. 115:3). To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations” (Psa. 22:28), setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords” (1 Tim. 6:15). Such is the God of the Bible.”

What does this mean for us?  Simply, it means that we can trust God in all things because He is in control.  When we worry and fear about circumstances and situations in our lives, it often means that we forget the sovereignty of God – which is that He is in absolute control of all things in this world and in our lives.  Are their areas in your life where you are neglecting His sovereignty?  Take some time in prayer this morning and ask for a greater trust in Him as you are reminded that He is the Sovereign Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You rule and reign over all creation and in our personal lives.  Help me to trust You in all things as I am reminded of that truth.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 11

Lunch Break Study 

Read Matthew 6:25-34: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 28And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, 29yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Questions to Consider:

1. When it comes to the area of worry, what is the main issue Jesus is pointing to?
2. What is the solution to anxiety over our future?
3. How can we be comforted by this passage?

Notes:

1. The reason why we get anxious about our life and future is because we lack faith. We lack faith that God’s ways are best, and that He will provide for us in His time.
2. The way that we overcome worry is by making His kingdom the highest priority (v. 33). We seek His kingdom, and we trust that He will add things that we need.
3. We can be assured that God knows and cares for our every need. He desires us to trust in and to seek the things of His kingdom.

Evening Reflection  

In what areas do you need greater trust in God?  Be specific and lift those areas up to the Lord in prayer.

Editor’s 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 1:4-7

Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father,

and he shall be to me a son”? 6 And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

C.S. Lewis, in preface to his book Screwtape Letters, complains about the progressively distorted picture of angels that has come down to us through religious art. He says: “Fra Angelico’s angels carry in their face and gesture the peace and authority of Heaven. Later come the chubby infantile nudes of Raphael; finally, the soft, slim, girlish, and consolatory angles of nineteenth century art, shapes so feminine that they avoid being voluptuous only by their total insipidity…. they are a pernicious symbol. In Scripture the visitation of an angel is always alarming; it has to begin by saying, ‘Fear not.’ The Victorian angel looks as if were going to say, ‘There, there.’” Perhaps, Lewis was a bit exaggerating, but his portrayal was certainly in line with some of the encounters recorded in Scripture. For instance, when the prophet Isaiah saw the angel hovering around him, he was traumatized and in awe at the sight (Isaiah 6:1-6).

So, who are angels and what are their main functions? In short, God created angels as incorporeal beings (Heb. 1:14) endowed with free will whose main tasks are: first, continuously worshiping and praising God (Revelation 4:8); second, communicating God’s message to man (Acts 7:38, 53); third, ministering to believers (Psalm 34:7). For instance, in the book of Acts (5:19, 12:6-11), we see them delivering believers from difficult circumstances; fourth, being God’s agents in the final earthly judgments and Second coming (Matthew 24:31).

So then, what is the point of the writer of Hebrews in writing about angels? It goes back to the theme of the book, that Jesus is greater than even the angels who, as Lewis points out, often brought fear because of their holy and solemn presence. This is important because some earlier believers might have thought that Jesus was just an angel or the highest of angels, but the Hebrews is very clear on this point: Jesus is far superior than any angels.

What does mean for us? We ought to respond in worship as “all of God’s angels worship him” (v.6). Often, we do not worship or feel like our hearts are in a state of worship because we forgot how superior He is. Christ is greater than our circumstances, trials, material possessions, people in power, nations and all of creation! How big is God to you this morning? As you start this day, ask the Lord for a heart of reverence and worship.

Prayer: Lord, remind me again that you are greater than all things! There is no one like our God. I pray that my heart would worship properly in response to who you are. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 10

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 95: Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are the depths of the earth;

the heights of the mountains are his also. 5 The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! 7 For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. Today, if you hear his voice, 8 do not harden your hearts, as at Meribah,

as on the day at Massah in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers put me to the test and put me to the proof, though they had seen my work. 10 For forty years I loathed that generation and said, “They are a people who go astray in their heart,

and they have not known my ways.” 11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, “They shall not enter my rest.”

Questions to Consider

1. How does the Psalmist respond to God in this Psalm?
2. What kind of God do we see in v. 7?
3. What does this Psalm teach us about worship?

Notes:

1. This Psalm is one of worship. Notice the words that are used to describe worship: sing (v. 1), joyful noise (v. 1), bow down (v. 6.). He is responding to the greatness of God.
2. God is our great Shepherd who cares for us and leads us. He loves and cares for His people personally.
3. We see that worship flows out of heart of joy and thanksgiving. Worship starts with acknowledging His presence as the great King (v.3) and Maker (v. 6). Let’s us respond in the same way!

Evening Reflection  

Today, we focused on the topic of worship. One simple application is to worship Him in whatever form you feel comfortable. You might want to go out in nature and look at His creation. Another way may be to worship Him through song and the Word. Whatever you do it, let’s worship with all of our hearts!

Editor’s 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 1:1-3

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high 

As a sports fan, I appreciate the greatness of an athlete in any sport. This summer, I got to watch some of the Rio Olympics and one particular night, I watched Katie Ledecky swim in the 400m women’s freestyle.   Not only did she win the gold but also she smashed the world record as she dominated the race from start to finish. By the time she reached her final lap, it was evident that no was gong to catch her.   I watched swimming supremacy that night and it would be a race I will not forget.

The Book of Hebrews is about the Supremacy of Christ – how great and worthy he is! To speak of “supremacy” is to speak of that which is “above” or “over” others. It reaches the level of the “super.” In our language it refers to that which (or who) is greatest in power, authority, or rank. It is also used to describe that which is greatest in importance, significance, character, or achievement — the “ultimate.” The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus at that ‘ultimate’ throughout this book.

We should note how Jesus’s supremacy is described in these verses:

• Heir of all things (v.2) – Heir means “the one it’s all coming to.” 
As Creator he is heir to the universe.
• Creator (v. 2) – Jesus created all things and upholds it all by His power.
• Radiance (v. 3) – Like the sun, he is the source and radiator of divine glory
• Purifier (v. 3) – The One who once and for all paid for our sins in order to purify us
• Ruler (v. 3) – “Right hand of the Majesty on high”, which is a symbol of the place of highest honor. He is the supreme priest.

What a mighty God we worship and serve! As you start your week, spend time reflecting and mediating on the greatness and supremacy of Christ. As you do, may our hearts and desire be surrendered to him.

Prayer: Lord, there is none like you in all of the earth. You are holy, majestic and set apart and you will forever reign as Lord and King. I pray that I would respond in worship and praise. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 9

Lunch Break Study 

Matthew 14:22-33

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

²⁸And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Questions to Consider:

1. What is the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus?
2. How does fear often hinder us from living by great faith?
3. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

Notes:

1. They were terrified and responded in fear (v.26).
2. When we live in fear, it distorts the power and character of Jesus in our lives. We often make Him too small, which hinders us from living by faith and not by sight.
3. The disciples worshiped the Lord after they acknowledged his power and greatness (v.33). When we do the same, our natural response is worship.

Evening Reflection  

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today. What challenged you? Ask the Lord that the supremacy of Christ would be more evident in your life and heart.