Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time devotionals from September 24-25 are provided by Tina Hsu who is interning at Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 23:3, 24-26 (NASB): The king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to carry out the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. ²⁴Moreover, Josiah removed the mediums and the spiritists and the teraphim and the idols and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the LORD. ²⁵Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses; nor did any like him arise after him.

Some of us who follow a reading plan to read the Bible in one year, have had times when we had absolutely no idea what we had just read; nonetheless, we were content to mark off another 5 chapters from the reading chart. But King Josiah wasn’t like that. Upon discovering the Book of God’s Law that had been lost for a long time, he devoted himself to purify the land of Judah of its idolatry so that Judah’s ways would conform to what was written in God’s book. He read God’s Word to the people of Judah and led them to renew their commitment to walk in the way of the Lord. The majority of this chapter (vv. 4-20) records how Josiah removed idolatrous priests from the house of the LORD, removed altars that previous kings of Judah had built, burned vessels that were for Baal and Asherah worship, and more. Josiah truly turned to the Lord with all his heart, all his soul, and certainly, with all his might.

Though Josiah knew that God was going to “remove Judah and cast off Jerusalem” (23:27) because the generations of his forefathers had forsaken God, the Book of the Law (God’s Word) led Josiah to lead the nation back to God in his lifetime. He let God’s Word, which Judah had neglected for many years, define his course of action and his leadership. Though the outcome for Judah was sealed, Josiah was instrumental in preserving covenant faithfulness for Judah in his lifetime. In this way, Josiah was successful and Scripture records, “there was no king like him…nor did any like him arise after him” (23:25). Though he had no control over Judah’s future, he glorified God by faithfully keeping a covenant relationship with God.

The Word of God provides power for endurance and faithfulness. Nothing can nourish our souls and strengthen us to do the work of the Lord than the very words of God. If reading or listening to the Word of God is lacking in your daily spiritual life, ask the Lord today to renew your thirst and devotion for His Word.

Prayer

Dear Jesus, I desire for your commands and your Words to be near and dear to me. As your Word is able to equip me to do every good work, help me to spend time in your Word daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 2

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 4:1-4 (NASB): Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. ² And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. ³ And the tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” ⁴ But He answered and said, “It is written, man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

Questions to consider

1. What is happening during this time in Jesus’ life and ministry?
2. What is the nature of Satan’s temptation?
3. How does Jesus’ answer minister and encourage you today?

Notes

1. This takes place at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist baptized Jesus at the Jordan River, where Jesus revealed that He came to “fulfill all righteousness” (Mt. 3:15). He came to fulfill and complete what man, tainted by sin, could not do. The world fell under the power of sin because man was overcome by temptation, but Jesus has now come to face temptation and to overcome it by the Word of God.
2. Satan’s temptations begin with “If you are the Son of God” (v. 3). Satan desires to drive a wedge between Jesus’ love relationship with the Father. He wants to deceive Jesus into using His own power and role for His own personal gain. He wants to hinder Jesus from trusting and obeying the Father’s will.
3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Psalm 119:103-104: How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Time devotionals from September 24-25 are provided by Tina Hsu who is interning at Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 23:21-23 (NASB): Then the king commanded all the people saying, “Celebrate the Passover to the Lord your God as it is written in this book of the covenant.” ²² Surely such a Passover had not been celebrated from the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel and of the kings of Judah. ²³ But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, this Passover was observed to the Lord in Jerusalem.

How amazing is it that we effortlessly fill our brain with trivial stuff (e.g., batting average of your favorite player) while neglecting the important matters, which, in the end, will cost us dearly.  2 Kings 23 shows us that when God’s people disregard God’s Word (in Israel’s case, she didn’t even know where the “Bible” was), not only their hearts turn away from God, but they end up doing the unthinkable.

When the Passover was observed during the reign of King Josiah, it was the first time observed since the days of the Judges (v. 22).  It is absolutely mind-boggling that in a span of nearly 500 years, the Israelites neglected the Passover because they were busy turning away from the Lord and serving other gods.

The purpose of the Passover was to remember and honor God, who brought them out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery (Ex. 12:42), and made them His treasured possession (Ex. 19:5). By observing the Passover regularly, they would remember, among many attributes of God, His mercy. Could their spiritual decline be related to their neglect of the Passover, to their neglect of remembering God’s mercy? By forgetting to remember God’s mercy, their hearts became less and less devoted to God.

So what is the outcome of reflecting on God’s mercy? The outcome is that we are moved to obey and worship God. God’s mercy is the reason and the power behind a steadfast devotion to God and to His commandments. Out of the riches of His mercy, God delivered us out of darkness and from our bondage to sin. His mercy enables us to obey His commands. Works righteousness or legalism doesn’t lead us to delight in obedience, but God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love move us to obedience. So what happens if we regularly reflect on God’s mercy? His mercy compels us to obey and worship Him. Take some time this morning to sit and to receive God’s abundant mercy. May He empower you to love and obey Him today.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, I praise you because Your mercies are new every morning!  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Timothy 1

Lunch Break Study

Romans 12:1-2 (NASB): Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. ²And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Questions to Consider

1. What does Paul mean by “the mercies of God”?
2. What are we called to because of the mercies of God?
3. In what ways do you see or sense transformation in your life lately?

Notes

1. In Romans, “the mercies of God” sum up all that God has done in and through Jesus Christ to save us from the eternal consequence of sin and to give us eternal life on the basis of His death and resurrection.
2. We are called to offer our entire person, or life, to serve and worship God. We are called to be holy, which means to be set apart as God’s people. By the power of God’s mercy, we are called to be changed from the inside out.
3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

Take five minutes to reflect on God’s mercy today. How did God show you His mercy today? How did God’s mercy impact you?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from September 21-23 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 22:3-4, 8-12: 

In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the secretary, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the temple of the LORD.  He said: 4 “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him get ready the money that has been brought into the temple of the LORD . . . .” 8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, “I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.” He gave it to Shaphan, who read it . . . 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.  11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.  He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant . . ..

Fall is football season, and there are few sports in which the beauty of teamwork is more evident.  Marathons are by nature individual, basketball can be played one-on-one, but with football, you need a team.  Even before the quarterback throws the ball, he is only able to because he has teammates protecting him from getting tackled, giving him the time he needs to assess the overall situation on the field and make the best decision.  The quarterback could then run with the ball himself, but most of the time it’s more effective for him to pass it to another in a better position to run with it.  Teamwork is therefore essential and a great part of what makes the game enjoyable.

In today’s passage we see an example of a healthy team dynamic between a leader and his staff, all the more highlighted by the stark contrast of how his father died several verses prior (“Amon’s officials conspired against him and assassinated the king in his palace.” 2 Ki 21:23).  In Amon’s case, he is betrayed by those who should have been his chief sources of support and wise counsel.  In Josiah’s case, he has people who are on board with his spiritual leadership, working together with him for the common good.

King Josiah steps up to his role of setting the spiritual direction of the nation by giving orders regarding restoring the temple; and his faithful chief aides carry out his orders and communicate back to the king important developments found in the field—namely, discovering the Book of the Law.  Most impressively, we see the king listen to his staff and respond.  And finally, we see him make decisions and give orders to his staff based on the information they have provided to him.  In this way, the king led the way but at the same time relied on and worked together with his trusted council.

Whether we are leaders or people who carry out orders and turn intentions into reality, how can we work better with our teammates today?  Do we need to listen better?  Or obey better?

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the team.  Help me to realize more and more what my specific position is and to fulfill it well.  Help me do my best to work with others today.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 6

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 5:1-7: To the elders among you . . . : 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock . . . 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Questions to Consider

1. Who is Paul addressing when he says “one another” in verse 5? What is the main point of this verse?
2. While it is relatively easy to understand how the younger are to submit to the elders, how are elders to “submit” and show humility towards those in their care (vv. 2-3)?
3. When we humble ourselves before others, who are we really submitting to (v. 6)? What can keep us from submitting to others (v. 7)? Is there anything I am anxious about today that keeps me from submitting to those around me?

Notes

1. One another = older and younger. Verses 5-6 can be seen as an echo of Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.”
2. By being eager to serve them (v. 2) and not lording their “elder” positions over them (v. 3) (i.e., being “bossy” or giving orders just for the sake of enjoying telling people what to do).
3. God. When we get anxious, it is because we are having a hard time trusting, which leads to a hard time submitting.  When we cast our anxieties on God, we can relax and not feel like we have to have things our way (under our control) all the time; we can submit and yield to others.

Evening Reflection

How did I do today in terms of submitting to others around me, whether “above” (my leaders) or “below” (those I take care of or who serve me)?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from September 21-23 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 21:11-15: 

Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols. 12 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle . . . 14 I will forsake the remnant of my inheritance and give them into the hands of enemies. They will be looted and plundered by all their enemies; 15 they have done evil in my eyes and have aroused my anger from the day their ancestors came out of Egypt until this day.”

Leaders will be held accountable by God for the influence they exert, for good or for evil, and the direction in which they lead people; but people are also responsible for their choices.  In 1 & 2 Kings, we have seen a succession of good kings and bad kings, their reigns and legacies defined by this one standard: whether or not they did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  If they did what was right, the nation flourished; if not, the nation suffered.  When the nation’s history is recorded in a structure that highlights the lives of the leaders, it can be easy to start thinking that it was all the kings’ responsibility.  Even in today’s passage, if we just read verses 11-14, it could seem that Manasseh was a wicked king that led a hapless people into sin, and that because of what he had done, God was going to punish the whole nation; how sad, unfortunate, and almost unfair to the people.

But in verse 15 (and even v. 9, which says, “But the people did not listen . . . ”), the author shows how God holds the people accountable.  The leader did lead the people astray, but the people themselves also ignored God’s word and did what was evil, even before Manasseh was born.

Overall, I think many of us have been blessed with wonderful spiritual leaders who are earnest and sincere in seeking to do what is right in God’s eyes.  Sometimes, though, we find ourselves in a position where we see something a leader does, and we have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right with this situation.  Though God asks us to submit and obey the authorities He has placed over our lives, we are also expected to exercise discernment and hold on to our principles (God’s word); He will hold us accountable for whether or not we follow a leader into sin, or humbly and respectfully decline.  In verses 12-14, God’s judgment falls on not just the king but all the people for the evil they have done.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you for good leaders and I welcome their godly, spiritual influence.  At the same time, if I have sometimes chosen to follow them even though my conscience had been uneasy, help me to recognize this and repent.  Help our leaders to stay right with you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Ezekiel 18:19-20

19 Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. 20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

Questions to Consider

1. Why would people say, “Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity” (v. 19)?
2. What is the emphasis of “The person who sins will die” (v. 20)?
3. What do these verses say about the justice of God? When God brings judgment, are there ever any “innocent victims”?

Notes

1. When someone sins, people want to hold someone accountable. If the father was not available, perhaps they would look for the son to take vengeance upon or try to exact justice.
2. That God will hold the person who sins accountable for that sin (and not any other person).
3. God’s justice is perfect; He does not bring judgment against the innocent. If He is provoked to anger, it is for a good reason.  We need to understand OT judgments and the judgment of God in general in this light.

Evening Reflection

How did I do today in terms of taking responsibility for my own actions?  Was there any tendency to blame others for circumstances I found myself in when they were actually the consequences of my own missteps?  Take responsibility by repenting and then receive His peace, knowing there is grace when we come to Him.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT Devotionals from September 21-23 are provided by Kate Moon who serves as a missionary in E. Asia.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 21:6 

He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.” In both courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts. He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger. 

When I was younger, I liked reading books about magic. Before Harry Potter, there were classic fairy tales, the Oz books, the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander. I remember one of the very first series I really enjoyed as a young reader featured a little witch named Dorrie. I loved the whimsical illustrations and charming narration: “This is Dorrie. She is a witch. A little witch. Her hat is always on crooked and her stockings never match.” Because she wasn’t a grown-up witch, her spells did not always come out exactly right, and that was what made things fun.

What is it about magic that fascinates human beings? The longing for the other-worldly is a sign that we were meant for more than just this material world; it points us to seek out God who is spirit. Yet sorcery, divination and seeking mediums are about trying to access supernatural power or knowledge without accountability or relationship with Him. It is a way for human beings to try to exert control over circumstances, on their own terms; whereas, in contrast, God’s power and revelation is given so that we can submit ourselves and circumstances to God’s will and authority. It is given on His terms, for His purposes, to those who are in relationship with Him.

Are we dabbling in or pursuing any kind of spiritual activity (Buddhist meditation, fortune-telling, tarot card reading, etc.) that is not of God? It is a deception to think that we can be truly satisfied by any spiritual activity outside the context of a relationship with Him. Or though we may not be blatantly engaging in such activities, just as our idolatry is more sophisticated and subtle in modern days, so can our sorcery and divination. Have our prayers become more a kind of magic spell than a way to connect with a spiritual Father who loves us? Do we ever seek others’ prayer ministry or counsel because we just want a quick answer, too lazy to go to God ourselves and wanting to bypass the relationship-building of personally wrestling with and submitting to Him?

Prayer

Father, do I ever provoke you to anger by my disrespect? Do I ever, like King Manasseh, try to bypass building a relationship with you in favor of just getting quick results? Forgive me, Father. I do want to know You. Help me to seek You more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Deuteronomy 18:10-17: Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. . . .14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so. 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” . . . 17 The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him.  

Questions to Consider

1. How does God feel about sorcery, divination, etc. (vv. 10-12)?
2. Why doesn’t it make sense for Israel to pursue such practices (vv. 12, 14)?
3. What alternative to the above practices does God give to his people (vv. 15-17)? Currently, who are you listening to for spiritual guidance? What are their qualifications? 

Notes 

1. He hates it.
2. God is going to drive out other nations from their land because of these practices. It makes no sense for the Israelites to want to imitate a people that they would defeat.
3. He provides a prophet and commands His people to listen to Him rather than to mediums or spiritists. We need to exercise discernment in terms of who we are receiving spiritual guidance from. We need to listen to people who are in right relationship with God and speak His words.

Evening Reflection

When I sought guidance today, how did I seek it? Did I walk through the day in communication and consultation with God, or were there times I relied on other kinds of guidance? Ask for discernment to rely on the Holy Spirit and not on any other kind of spirit.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from September 16-20 are provided by Pastor Shan Gian, who oversees the young-adults ministry at Symphony Church (Boston).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 20:12-19

 At that time Merodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent envoys with letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah welcomed them, and he showed them all his treasure house, the silver, the gold, the spices, the precious oil, his armory, all that was found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his house or in all his realm that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah, and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, from Babylon.” 15 He said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house; there is nothing in my storehouses that I did not show them.”

16 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 17 Behold, the days are coming, when all that is in your house, and that which your fathers have stored up till this day, shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left, says the Lord. 18 And some of your own sons, who shall be born to you, shall be taken away, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.”19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” For he thought, “Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?”

It’s always easier to start a project than to finish it.  A simple proof of this is looking at the attendance of your local gym.  At the beginning of January, the gym is packed full of people starting off with goals to lose weight and get physically fit.  But usually by the end of the month, the gym looks the same as it did in December, with only a handful of people still on top of their New Year’s resolutions.

Of anyone in the Bible, you would think that Hezekiah would be one to finish strong.  He had trusted in God and brought reform to Israel by breaking down idols.  In the face of the menacing threats of Sennacherib, king of Assyria, against Judah, Hezekiah had desperately prayed and depended on God, and he had witnessed the miraculous provision of God, as God drove the Assyrian army away.   Finally, he not only experienced the healing power of God, but received confirmation of this healing by the moving of shadows (2 King 20:11).  With all this, you would think that he would be one to finish strong.

Sadly, Hezekiah did not.  When the envoys of Babylon came to visit him, he showed them all that was in his storehouses—the gold and silver, armory, etc.  In an awful display of pride and arrogance, Hezekiah wanted to show these Babylonians all that he had achieved as well as the riches and glory he had acquired.  And making things even worse, after he was confronted by Isaiah about this and told how God would bring judgment on Hezekiah’s own sons, Hezekiah responds in verse 19: “’The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.’ For he thought, ‘Why not, if there will be peace and security in my days?’”  With a cold indifference and self-centeredness, he basically says, “Oh well, not my problem.”

Ravi Zacharias once said, “Success is more difficult to handle than failure.” I think this is true of Hezekiah.  Again and again, he had experienced successes and victories and healing, yet because all these great things happened during his reign, he started to attribute the successes to himself, as if he was the one who had achieved it instead of God.  We all need to be careful about the successes, accomplishments and possessions in our lives.  Just like Hezekiah, we can start to think that we have achieved it on our own and let boastful pride take hold of our hearts and minds.

So, daily we need to remind ourselves that all that we have comes from God: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17).  Any successes or accomplishments that we have experienced are from God, so there is no room for boasting.  Let us be humble before our God and thank Him for His good gifts!

Prayer

Father, I thank you for all that you have done for me.  Any victory or success I have experienced is because of Your grace in my life.  Help me this day to be humble and to give You glory and not glorify myself.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 3

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from September 16-20 are provided by Pastor Shan Gian, who oversees the young-adults ministry at Symphony Church (Boston).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 20:1-11

In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “Thus says the Lord, ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die; you shall not recover.’”2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying,3 “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 And before Isaiah had gone out of the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Turn back, and say to Hezekiah the leader of my people, Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord, 6 and I will add fifteen years to your life. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for my servant David’s sake.” 7 And Isaiah said, “Bring a cake of figs. And let them take and lay it on the boil, that he may recover.”

When I was in elementary school, I would sometimes pray to God and say things like, “God, if you give me a new Nintendo, I will read the Bible everyday this week.”  Unfortunately, I never got that Nintendo (and I probably didn’t read the Bible every day that week either).  I’m sure many of us have prayed similar prayers when we were children.  But if you’ve been a Christian for a while, you probably know better than to bargain with God like that; that is, you can’t curry a favorable answer or response to your prayers by promising to do something.

In verse 3, Hezekiah says, “Now, O Lord, please remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight.”  Hezekiah’s prayer for physical healing is not an appeal to God for mercy and grace; instead, he is saying, God heal me and spare me because of all of the good that I have done for you—he was, essentially, bargaining with God.  Because of his own obedience and faithfulness in serving the Lord for his many years, Hezekiah thought that he deserved for God to heal him—he had earned something from God.

Serving the Lord should be an incredibly important part of our lives.  Throughout the Scriptures, we are encouraged to serve the Lord with our lives, yet there is a very subtle danger we face when we strive to be faithful and serve Him.  Instead of making our service an expression of worship and thanksgiving to God, we can serve with a subtle belief that in doing so, we are earning God’s favor.  Personally, there have been seasons where I felt like I was doing so much for God—pouring out so much time and energy to serve God’s people—that I thought to myself, I think I’ve earned an easier life.  It is so easy for us to think that our hard work has earned God’s favor.

So how can we have the right attitude in our service to God?   Luke 17:10 says: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”  Jesus doesn’t say this to put us down or to make us feel unworthy, but He wants his disciples to understand how their good works affects their place with God.  And the answer: it doesn’t!  When we serve the Lord, we’re not doing anything that makes us more lovable in God’s eyes; we are only doing what we’ve been called to do.

While this seems like a rebuke from Jesus, we should be thankful for this!  If our service was actually an indicator of our status with God, what hope would we have?  How much service would be enough service?  Praise God that His favor and His love are unconditional.  Like Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”  It is by grace we have been saved, and it is by grace that we should approach our service to the Lord.  We should not strive to be faithful and serve the Lord to earn anything from Him; instead, we should serve with joyful and thankful hearts because He has already given us His grace.

Prayer

Father, help me to remember that my service to you is not about earning your favor or love.  I pray that I will instead serve you with joy and thanksgiving because I know that your favor and love are already with me.  Use me Lord for your glory.  In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 1-2

 

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from September 16-20 are provided by Pastor Shan Gian, who oversees the young-adults ministry at Symphony Church (Boston).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 19:32-37

“Therefore thus says the Lord concerning the king of Assyria: He shall not come into this city or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield or cast up a siege mound against it. 33 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city, declares the Lord. 34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”

35 And that night the angel of the Lord went out and struck down 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians. And when people arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies. 36 Then Sennacherib king of Assyria departed and went home and lived at Nineveh. 37 And as he was worshiping in the house of Nisroch his god, Adrammelech and Sharezer, his sons, struck him down with the sword and escaped into the land of Ararat. And Esarhaddon his son reigned in his place.

Hezekiah and the people of Judah were facing a terrible enemy, Sennacherib king of Assyria and his mighty army.  They had come with frightening threats against Hezekiah that left him and his people in great fear.  Hezekiah was deeply distressed by all of this, and he does the best thing that any one of us can do when we’re faced with such hardship—he prayed.  Hezekiah goes to God and cries out to Him for help; and He responds.  The LORD assures Hezekiah that He will defend Jerusalem and save it from the encroaching enemy.

This, on its own, is an important truth: God answers our prayers.  Hopefully, we’ve all experienced this for ourselves at some point in our lives.  Personally, there have been many times when I cried out to God and He answered my prayers.  And that’s exactly what happens in 2 Kings 19, where Hezekiah cries out to God for victory for His people—and God answers just as Hezekiah had asked: God decimates the Assyrian army, and Sennacherib is forced to go home in defeat.  God answered Hezekiah’s prayer and He answers our prayers as well.

Why does God answer Hezekiah?  God says in verse 34, “For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake and for the sake of my servant David.”  God comes to the aid of His people for His own sake.  It might seem a bit strange to think that the reason God would save His people is for His own sake.  Shouldn’t the real reason be that God is a benevolent Father who wants to protect his children?  Or that God is a God of love and compassion?  These reasons are true too, but God doesn’t say that here—He says that it is for His own sake and His own glory.

God came to the aid of His people because His glory was at stake.  That is to say, Israel’s defeat at the hands of the Assyrians here would have meant the diminishing of God’s glory in light of the fact that God had covenanted with David that his house and kingdom would reign forever.  Remembering that covenant, God declares here that this battle, this conflict with Assyria, was not just Hezekiah’s battle—this battle belonged to God.

Sometimes, we can start to think that God’s will or God’s love is centered around us.  Maybe we think that God should answer our prayers because we are worthy or because God has to.  God, however, is not just for us, but He is for Himself in the sense that He cares about His “reputation.” Ultimately, this benefits us because we are impressed to place our hope and trust in such a worthy God.  In the New Testament, because God has covenanted with us through Jesus Christ, when we turn to God in prayer, He answers.  In this manner our battles belong to the Lord and He will contend on our behalf for the sake of His own glory and honor.

Prayer

Father, be glorified in my life today.  Help me, Lord, to live for Your glory and honor and praise, and not for my own.  I surrender all of my battles and burdens to you, not just because you care for me, but because I know that they all belong to You.  Thank you for this covenant with You through Jesus Christ.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 28

Lunch Break Study

Joshua 5:13-15

13 When Joshua was by Jericho, he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing before him with his drawn sword in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No; but I am the commander of the army of the Lord. Now I have come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the commander of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Take off your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so.

Questions to Consider

1. This passage happens right before Joshua leads the Israelites into the battle for Jericho, and it is after he takes the place of Moses as leader of God’s people. How do you think Joshua felt at this point in Joshua 5?  What would have been occupying his mind?
2. What was this commander’s response to Joshua’s question of being “for us or for our adversaries”? What do you think this response means?
3. What struggles are you facing? How does it help you to know that the battle is the Lord’s?

Notes

1. Joshua probably felt a lot of pressure at this point in time. He had incredibly big shoes to fill in succeeding Moses as leader of Israel.  Maybe he felt that all of the eyes of the people were watching him to see if he would measure up.  And at the same time, he was facing the mighty walls of Jericho.  Some scholars believe that these walls that were surrounding Jericho were five feet thick and up to seventeen feet high, and that it was surrounded by a moat that was 27 feet wide and nine feet deep.  This city was impenetrable.  And we must remember that at this point, Joshua did not yet know about God’s plan to bring the walls down, so his mind was likely occupied with the fear of this battle to come.
2. This commander (very likely God himself) replies to Joshua’s question with the curious answer of “No.” He is saying that he not on the side of the Israelites or that of Jericho, but he comes as commander of the army of the LORD—meaning that he is on God’s side.  While God was definitely with the Israelites—His chosen people—and while God is definitely with us—His children—God is on His own side, for His own glory.  God will fight for us, watch over us, and protect us, all for our sake, but ultimately, it is for His glory.
3. We all face struggles like Joshua did, fear of not measuring up or fear of the battles ahead; but if we remember that the battle is the Lord’s and that God will fight for us for His glory, we can rest assured that He will take care of us because we are His children and His own glory is at stake.

Evening Reflection

Today we were reminded that the battles we have in our lives belong to God.  Were there any battles or struggles that you faced today?  How does it make you feel when you remember that you can surrender all of them to God?  We will all face trials of many kinds but as children of God, we can rest assured that our Heavenly Father is in control and He will fight for us.  Spend some moments reflecting on this truth and in thanksgiving to God for His care for you.

Editor’s Note: The AMI QT devotionals from September 16-20 are provided by Pastor Shan Gian, who oversees the young-adults ministry at Symphony Church (Boston).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 19:14-19

Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord.15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said: “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God. 17 Truly, O Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods, but the work of men’s hands, wood and stone. Therefore they were destroyed. 19 So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.”

For Hezekiah, these were the darkest of days.  The mighty army of Sennacherib was bearing down on Judah.  Defeat was knocking on his door.  The Assyrian messengers were already declaring victory over God’s people.  The end seemed to be near; there seemed to be no hope for Hezekiah and everything was out of his control.

There aren’t many things more disconcerting for us when life feels out of control.  We all face difficult times and trials in our lives like this.  I still vividly remember the day, over ten years ago, when I found out that my dad had a stroke.  It felt so dark and hopeless—and what made it worse was that there was nothing I could do.  When we get hit with things like conflicts, job loss, depression, sickness, family issues, in the moment, it feels hopeless and frustrating because there’s nothing we can do.  And in the bigger picture, when we look around at the spiritual landscape of our country and our world today, it seems so hopeless; and there doesn’t seem to be anything we can do.  It’s seems out of our control.

How did Hezekiah face the darkness of his time?  He remembered the One who was in control.  In verse 15 he prays, “O Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.”

It’s so easy to forget this simple truth when we go through the trials of life, but when we face darkness, and when life seems out of control, we need to remind ourselves of the sovereignty of God.  While we might feel like everything is crashing down all around us, God is not surprised by the trials in our lives and the darkness of our world.  He is the One who is in control as he is enthroned in heaven.  And just as He did with Hezekiah, when we pray and trust in His sovereignty, He will show himself to be faithful to us and respond.  This day, let us trust in the sovereignty of our God.  If things in our lives seem out of control, all the more, let us remember that He is in control.

Prayer

Father, help me to remember that You are in control.  I pray that I will trust in your sovereignty and love, especially as different trials and struggles may come.  Thank you for your sovereign hand in my life.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 27

Lunch Break Study

Romans 8:31-37

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Paul explain to us that “God is for us” in this passage?
2. What does it mean to be more than a conqueror?
3. How does this passage give you hope as you think about the trials of life?

Notes

1. Paul explains to us that God has given us His own son Jesus Christ, showing us that He will graciously give us all things. Also, he reminds us that we need not ever feel condemned because Jesus died, was raised from the dead, and intercedes for us in heaven.
2. Being more than conquerors mean that we can overcome any struggle or trial because of the love of Jesus in our lives. Paul’s main point in writing this passage was to encourage believers, because they were facing tribulation, distress, persecution, etc.; and as a result of these things, they felt condemnation and perhaps felt that God was not with them.  He encourages them that they are more than conquerors and that they can overcome all things because of the love of God shown to us through Jesus Christ.
3. Personal reflection question.

Evening Reflection

The sovereignty of God is such a simple and basic truth, but at the same time, it is so easy to forget.  Were you able to remember that God is in control today?  If so, how did that feel?  If not, take some time to pray and remind yourself of this simple, yet profound truth.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 19:1-7

As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” 5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’”

One of the common phrases that adults tell children to recite is: “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  What an incredible lie!  When we think back to the times where we’ve been hurt, it’s not the physical pain we remember; it’s the words that cut deep into our hearts.

That’s what Hezekiah experienced in 2 Kings 19.  Hezekiah tears his clothes and covers himself with sackcloth because of the demeaning and hurtful words of Rabshakeh, threatening the people of Judah of impending doom at the hands of Assyria, as seen in 2 Kings 18.  Rabshakeh proclaims in verses 32-33: “Do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?”  It wasn’t even the actual physical attacks of the Assyrians that brought Hezekiah to a place of mourning and sorrow, but it was these threatening words of Rabshakeh.

Words can have incredible power over us.  You could be having the best day of your life, everything going really well, but just a few harsh pointed words from a friend, relative or boss can just ruin everything.   There are many people who were hurt by someone else’s words spoken to them years ago but still carry that pain deep in their hearts.  At the same time, we know that our own words have power over others, and that we just as easily hurt as we can bless.

How can we face the power of hurtful words?  We must remember that God hears every word.  In this passage, Isaiah reassures Hezekiah that God heard every word that the Assyrians said, and that He would be the one to bring justice.  Similarly, when the words of others come against us, we need not respond and get our revenge; but instead, we remember that God heard all of it.  And when we think about our own words, we should also consider that God will hear them as well.  In the end, when it comes to words spoken or words received, we speak and receive with grace.  Others can bring us down, just as we can bring others down with our words.  But either way, as people of God, we should strive to give grace.

Prayer

Lord, today, help me to remember the truth of your Word, and that I am your beloved child.  Enable me this day to receive words with grace and to speak words of grace.  Give me strength to remember Your presence and to be a blessing to others with my speech.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 26

Lunch Break Study

James 3:2-12
2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.

How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Questions to Consider

1. How does James describe the power of the tongue?
2. In verse 2, James says that only a perfect man can tame the tongue. Why is it so difficult?  What, then, is our hope?
3. How can you use your words to bless our Lord and Father, as well as others today?

Notes

1. James describes the power of the tongue as something very small that has, in contrast, really great power. It’s like how a small rudder can guide a large boat, or like a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze.
2. The words that come from our mouths are a reflection of our hearts. Jesus says in Matthew 12:34-35: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” It is incredibly difficult to tame the tongue because our words are a reflection of the sin in our hearts.  Therefore, our only hope is the sanctification of our hearts through the blood of Jesus Christ.
3. Personal application.

Evening Reflection

The words we hear and the words we speak have incredible power.  Were there any words spoken to you that hurt you?  If so, take some time to forgive that person.  On the flip side, were your words spoken today a blessing to others and to God?  If not, turn to God for forgiveness and ask Him to redeem your words to be a blessing.