Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from Aug. 9-15 are provided by Cami King, a staff at Journey Community Church (Raleigh).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 7:3-8

 

Now there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate; and they said to one another, “Why do we sit here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city and we will die there; and if we sit here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they spare us, we will live; and if they kill us, we will but die.” 5 They arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Arameans; when they came to the outskirts of the camp of the Arameans, behold, there was no one there. 6 For the Lord had caused the army of the Arameans to hear a sound of chariots and a sound of horses, even the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians, to come upon us.” 7 Therefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents and their horses and their donkeys, even the camp just as it was, and fled for their life. 8 When these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they entered one tent and ate and drank, and carried from there silver and gold and clothes, and went and hidthem; and they returned and entered another tent and carried from there also, and went and hid them.

It takes a special kind of person to keep on fighting with his back against a wall. When I stop to reflect on the lives of the younger and the older folks in my life, one of the greatest differences I see between the generations coming after me and those that came before me is a level of stick-to-itiveness that kept the latter in the fight when all the signs pointed to defeat.

For the men in our story today, life had dealt a pretty awful hand. For starters, they were lepers – terminally ill and perpetually unclean. They were also living in what scholars consider to be one of the darkest times in Israel’s history. As we’ve been reading together through Kings, things just aren’t going so well for God’s people. And to top it all off, they were in the middle of a famine. Verse 4 lists the options of these lepers as: (1) stay and die, (2) enter the city and die, (3) go to the enemies camp and likely die, but maybe not (if they show mercy).  Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

But in response to a less than desirable situation they declare, “Why do we sit here until we die?” In other words – they keep at it, keep pushing, keep hoping. And not just in their hearts – they take practical steps of hope in their difficult situation, leaving room for God to move in ways that only He can.

One of the things I find myself fighting against most these days is the tendency to give up when the going gets tough. Too often we get to a place where things are not how we thought they’d be or how we feel they should be, we are miserable and unhappy, and we find ourselves in what we imagine any rational person would describe as a hopeless situation. It is in these moments that many of us (pardon my vernacular) simply punk out on God. We give up and check out. We pout and sulk and rage and complain. We do anything but hope.

Yet these are precisely the places where God does His best work. These are the times when His glory is most clearly displayed in our lives. If we continue to hope and take steps of faith, we create room for God to do the amazing things that far exceed our imagination, as He makes good on His promised faithfulness to us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to press on when the going gets tough. Give me the stamina of heart to continue to hope when all signs point to a hopeless situation. Help me to position myself to see Your glory displayed in my life in ways that far exceed what I could ask, think, or imagine.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 5

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 3:14-21

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, 15 from whom [every family in heaven and on earth derives its name, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, 19 and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.  20 Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, 21 to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is it important that God strengthens us “according to the riches of His glory”?
2. How might verse 20 be an encouragement to believers in seemingly hopeless situations?
3. How can we position ourselves to allow God’s glory to shine in us (the church) when it comes to difficult circumstances?

Notes:

1. The Christian life requires a lot of strength, but it’s not the kind of strength that we can muster up on our own. It is the kind of supernatural strength that flows directly from the storehouses of heaven, from the very being of God Himself.
2. There is no such thing as a hopeless situation because God can do more than what we might ask or even think. The only place of hopelessness is apart from Him and His work in the world. Furthermore, God’s power is at work within our very being– so we ourselves are stronger and more resilient than we often think. This should bring us great encouragement.
3. We can position ourselves to display God’s glory in tough times by standing firm with God – keeping hope alive and pressing on in faithful obedience. In so doing, we make ourselves available vessels to the power of the Holy Spirit and become witnesses to his glory displayed in our lives.

 Evening Reflection

What if the lepers from our passage for this morning had not gone to the enemy’s camp? What if they’d believed their situation was truly hopeless and thrown in the towel and resigned themselves to just sit there until death came? They would have missed the salvation of the Lord – not only for themselves but also for their entire nation. What are the seemingly hopeless situations in your life? How are you handling them – with hope or with defeat? Who stands to be blessed and experience God’s glory in your life by your willingness to press on when the going gets tough? Spend some time reflecting on these things. Pray and ask the Lord to give you a heart that truly (and practically) hopes in Him – regardless of the circumstance.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from Aug. 9-15 are provided by Cami King, a staff at Journey Community Church (Raleigh).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 6:18-23

¹⁸ When they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Strike this people with blindness, I pray.” So He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.¹⁹ Then Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city; follow me and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” And he brought them to Samaria.

²⁰ When they had come into Samaria, Elisha said, “O Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” So the Lord opened their eyes and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. ²¹ Then the king of Israel when he saw them, said to Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” ²² He answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” ²³ So he prepared a great feast for them; and when they had eaten and drunk he sent them away, and they went to their master. And the marauding bands of Arameans did not come again into the land of Israel.

I can only remember two times in my life having what I would describe as an enemy. The most memorable was a boy in my 5^th grade class who just wouldn’t leave me alone. Finally, at the end of the school year, I’d had enough – when he took his teasing too far, I chased him all the way to the playground, socked him a good one, and shoved his head in the sand underneath the tire swings. Needless to say, he stopped bothering me after that. And now we can look back on the whole thing and laugh.

In our story for today, Elisha and the people of Israel have an opportunity to get even with their enemies. Through God’s power at work in Elisha, Israel’s enemies, the Arameans, are struck blind and led right into the middle of Israel’s camp. At this point (blind and in their enemy’s camp), the Arameans could easily have been captured and killed. But Elisha chooses a different way. Not only does Israel not put the Aramean army to death – they show them great hospitality and bless them before sending them on their way.

It’s not often that the average person has enemies in the conventional sense – but we all have people who are far from “friends” in our lives. Whether it’s an annoying person at work or the relative who always has something negative to say or even institutions that make life more difficult – for all of us a name or two likely comes to mind.

In dealing with these people, we stand to learn much from the prophet Elisha. Not only did he not get even when he had the chance, but he went so far as to be a blessing to those who opposed him. Why? Because through his kind and righteous behavior, his enemies were able to see the power of God at work, the result of which is much more valuable than vengeance. His enemies ceased to pursue him anymore and, even more importantly, quit opposing the sovereign work of God which was at work through His people Israel.

I remember reading a prayer by Scotty Smith that said, “Lord, I am certain that I want to honor you more than I want to feel vindicated.” That’s not an easy prayer to pray, but it is one that can both free us from those who oppose us and open their eyes to see God at work in one fell swoop.

Prayer: Lord, I want to honor you more than I want to feel vindicated. In every relationship or area of opposition in my life, make this prayer genuine in my heart. Help me to truly believe that loving my enemies is always the best way.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 4

Lunch Break Study

Romans 12:14-21

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵ Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. ¹⁷ Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. ¹⁸ If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. ¹⁹ Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. ²⁰ “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Questions to Consider:

1. What does it mean to bless and not curse our enemies? How might that practically play out in your life?
2. How might our actions in taking revenge fail to leave room for God’s vengeance?
3. Why are God’s instructions to us in verse 20 so important? What is He ultimately asking us to do? 

Notes: 

1. Our tendency when someone opposes us is to speak negatively against them and wish ill towards them (and understandably so). But instead of doing this, we are called to bless them – not only with our words but also with our actions. This could take many forms, none of which will likely be easy to do.
2. When we seek revenge, we always are in sin. This is the first problem Paul instructions seek to help us avoid. But even further, God can enter into situations where we’ve been wronged and make things right in ways we often can’t imagine. Even more, He is able to change the heart of our oppressors. This is the greater victory.
3. Where our natural response to opposition is to destroy the source, God calls us to not only resist that impulse but to respond with actions that bring life. Feeding the hungry and giving a drink to the thirsty are all life preserving actions. As people of God, we are called to bring life, even to the one who seeks our destruction. In so doing, we both preserve our life and theirs as well.

 Evening Reflection

In what ways can you “over come evil with good” in your life right now? Who are the people around you whom God is calling you to bless even as they oppose you? Spend some time seeking the Lord about these things. Ask Him to show you practical ways to be a blessing. Ask Him to forgive you for ways you’ve breathed curses and for His love to fill your heart for your enemies. Spend some time reflecting on the cross and Jesus’ willingness to come for us when we were God’s enemies.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from Aug. 9-15 are provided by Cami King, a staff at Journey Community Church (Raleigh).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 6:15-17

 When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

When I was a little girl I remember reading the story of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. It follows a little boy, Alexander, through what he concludes is the worst day imaginable. From having a drawer fall on his foot, to getting gum lodged in his hair, to being forced to eat lima beans, all before being scalded by his bathwater – this kid is having a pretty rough time. Things are so bad that he resolves to move to Australia. It’s a cute little story that teaches kiddos that sometimes life doesn’t go our way, but tomorrow is always a new day.

Yet as we get older, our terrible, horrible days are a lot less cute than Alexander’s. And they last a lot longer – spanning months or years or even whole seasons of life when things just don’t go our way. If you’re like me, it doesn’t take long to recall a time when you felt absolutely and unequivocally outnumbered by life’s circumstances—a time when you just knew you were beat, when one thing after another after another fell apart. And even for the resilient among us, there comes a point when we are at our wits end and may even find ourselves in despair.

In our passage for today, Elisha and his servant find themselves surrounded by enemy forces. From what the servant could see – they were finished and the battle was over before it began because they were so greatly outnumbered. But Elisha’s vision was a little clearer and He could see the true state of things. I can rarely read this text without welling up with tears because no matter how difficult life gets, we can always rest assured that the Lord is our protection, surrounding us with powerful spiritual forces that work for our good and for His glory. And when we are overwhelmed and overcome we need only to remind ourselves who our God is and rest in His promise to fight on our behalf. Those who fight with us are always greater than anything and anyone against us. When we find ourselves in despair, we can recall the words that Moses spoke to the Israelites in Exodus 14:14 – The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Prayer: Almighty God, open my eyes to see Your strong arm of protection around me. In the midst of my most difficult times, help me to remember that You encamp Your forces about me and work all things for my good and for Your glory. Help me to stand firm and trust in You. Give me the vision to see my circumstances the way that You do.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 3

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 6:10-18

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, 

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is it important that we be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God? How does this perspective change the way you view any difficulties you’re currently facing?
2. After putting on the full armor, what are we called to do? Why is this important?
3. Which piece of the armor strikes you most as an area that you may need to give more attention? What are some practical ways you can take up the armor of God in this area?

Notes:

1. We are called to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God because our war is not against flesh and blood (but against rulers and powers in the spirit realm). If we limit our view of the things going on around us to what we can see, we will rely on limited resources as opposed to God’s infinite power.
2. We are called to stand firm. That’s it – just stand. This is important because we do not ultimately have to overcome difficulties on our own. We don’t even have to figure out how to use God’s power within us to overcome. We only have to stand firm in the Lord, continuing to walk in faithful obedience to Him, and He will do the rest.
3. For some of us it is the truth that we are lacking or a grasp of the Gospel, in which case spending more time in the Bible will help us to arm ourselves. For others we may need to spend more time in prayer and take a firmer hold of the Holy Spirit’s power at work in us. Whatever it is for you, spend some time asking God to strengthen you in those areas.

 Evening Reflection

Saint Patrick is credited for the following:

“I rise today with the power of God to pilot me, God’s strength to sustain me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look ahead for me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to protect me, God’s way before me, God’s shield to defend me, God’s host to deliver me from snares of devils, from evil temptations, from nature’s failings, from all who wish to harm me, far or near, alone and in a crowd.”

Spend some time reflecting on the quotation above. Allow the Holy Spirit to bring His peace as you choose to put your trust in God’s willingness to protect you and see you through even the fiercest of storms.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from Aug. 9-15 are provided by Cami King, a staff at Journey Community Church (Raleigh).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 6:8-10 

Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.

Life flies at us in a lot of different ways and adversity comes in many forms. But the absolute worst form (in my humble opinion) is the ambush – those unexpected things that catch us off guard and disrupt our lives when least expected. The King of Israel was facing the prospect of a literal (military) ambush. An opposing nation lay in wait for him and his troops in order to take them down when they were not expecting a fight. But here we learn a valuable lesson: for the people of God, the Lord himself is the ultimate defense because he can see what we cannot see and knows what we do not yet know. And when we need Him the most, He enters in – even when we are not yet aware of the situations that will necessitate our need for Him.

The older I get the more I realize I have no idea what’s going on – in my life… in the world… in general. There are a lot of unknown factors. If I make this move, if I choose this option, if I do that thing… then what? And more often than not, the “then what” that I come up with isn’t quite what happens. And to make matters worse, just when I think I have a handle on things, the waters change course and I’m left scrambling trying to get my bearings. But this passage reminds us that we can rest assured that God is not surprised. And even the unknown factors that we are unable to control or account for or foresee are known by our God and He has already considered them as He leads us step by step through life.

We don’t have to fear the ambushes that come our way, because our heavenly Father already knows and will aid in the ways we need – He’ll warn us or re-route us and do what only He can do. We don’t have to worry about the unknowns because God has already accounted for them – He often prepares us without us even knowing what we’re being prepared for. And when it’s all said and done, we will not be overtaken if we simply continue to walk in faithful obedience to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for defending me against the ambushes in my life. I choose to rest in Your hands, knowing that You will not allow me to be overtaken. I surrender my worries about the unknowns to You. I surrender my frustrations about the unexpected to You. You have demonstrated time and time again that You will fight for me. Help me to be still.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 2

Lunch Break Study

Psalm 139:1-6

1 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
3 You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
4 Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
5 You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it. 

Questions to Consider:

Spend some time meditating on the passage above. Read and re-read the verses a few times (the slower the better), thinking about where they land with you and what their implications are for your life and your personal relationship with God. Below are some questions that may help your time of meditation:

1. What does it mean that the Lord “searches” and “knows” you? How have you experienced this kind of intimacy with God?
2. What does it mean that the Lord “searches out your paths” and is “acquainted with all your ways”? How has this practically played out in your life?
3. How does this vast knowledge of God encourage you? How does it challenge you?

 Evening Reflection

Some see David’s words in Psalm 139:5 as an expression of discomfort with the vast knowledge of God (the kind of discomfort one might feel when completely exposed to another, unable to hide the things we don’t want them to see). While we may be tempted to merely tremble, we can also take great comfort in God’s omniscience (knowing everything) because while we are known completely by Him we are at the same time loved unconditionally by Him. And when it comes to life’s unknowns and unexpected moments, there is even greater comfort in knowing God is not surprised by anything. Are there specific situations or areas in your life right now where the omniscience of God can be a source of comfort? Spend some time offering those areas to the Lord.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from Aug. 9-15 are provided by Cami King, a staff at Journey Community Church (Raleigh).

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 6:1-7

Now the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “See, the place where we dwell under your charge is too small for us. 2 Let us go to the Jordan and each of us get there a log, and let us make a place for us to dwell there.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 Then one of them said, “Be pleased to go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was felling a log, his axe head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Alas, my master! It was borrowed.” 6 Then the man of God said, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, he cut off a stick and threw it in there and made the iron float. 7 And he said, “Take it up.” So he reached out his hand and took it.

Last week we read a story about Gehazi, a servant of the prophet Elisha. For whatever reason – be it greed or leaning too heavily upon his own understanding – Gehazi went behind Elisha’s back and took payment from Naaman (whom Elisha had healed) after Elisha had refused it. Gehazi then lied to Elisha about what he’d done when Elisha (already aware of what had happened) questioned him about it. As a result he was struck with leprosy. In direct contrast to that narrative we have our passage for today. Here, unnamed disciples of Elisha display meticulous piety, devotion, and sacrifice in their service to Elisha in constrast to Naaman’s unfaithfulness.

It is often said that Gehazi greedily sought riches (and became a leper as a result) while these men faithfully sought the things of God and were content with material poverty as long as God (through the prophet) was made available to them. I think this is a fair way of seeing things and much can be learned from this understanding. However, last week we looked at Gehazi’s story from a different perspective, instead imaging him as not merely a greedy man, but one who in a tough spot (the life of a prophet – and his servants – was no cakewalk), compromised and yielded to temptation. Leaning too heavily upon his own understanding of things (thinking, “We earned this payment!”), he found himself in sin and condemnation.

In light of these things, what do we stand to learn from today’s passage? That God rewards those who faithfully serve Him. But not only this, He comes to their aid, even in seemingly trivial matters. One of Elisha’s disciples lost a borrowed ax head (expensive!) and instead of brushing it off (thinking, “It was an accident!” or “It’s not mine anyway!”), he cared deeply about what had happened. And God comes to His aid (through Elisha). I can’t help but recall Jesus’ words about the sparrow. If God’s eye is even upon the little birds, He certainly watches over his servants as well and will help them when they need Him (even in small matters) – especially for those who strive to live faithfully for Him.

So whether you’re being tempted by greed or any other sin into unfaithfulness or you’re feeling weak in the face of a difficult season to cut corners and compromise – take heart! Even in the little things, God sees and provides according to His glorious riches. Faithfulness is always rewarded.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that faithfulness is always rewarded. When I am tempted to sin and to do things my own way, help me to trust in You and give you room to come to my aid in ways that exceed what I could think or imagine. Thank you for loving me so much that you are attentive to my needs – even the small ones.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 1

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 10:26-33

26 “So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Questions to Consider:

1. Why is it important that we not fear man?
2. What point is Jesus making in verses 29-30? What does this tell us about God’s heart for us in light of the previous verse?
3. In what ways do you deny God before men? How have these verses encouraged or challenged you to acknowledge Him instead?

Notes:

1. It is easy for us to fear what we can see – especially other people. But we give them more power than they actually have. At the same time, we don’t fear God often times for the simple fact that we cannot see him and have no real concept of his power and majesty. But He has power over everything (even our eternal destiny) and therefore is the only one worthy of fear.
2. While it is important that we have a proper fear of the Lord, it is also crucial that we understand His great love for us. Yes, He has to power to take and give life (eternally!), but He has chosen to wield His power on our behalf (best demonstrated in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus). Therefore we should rejoice and all the more live faithfully for Him.
3. We deny God in many different ways. We may outright deny Him with our words before others, or we may deny him with our actions of unfaithfulness before an on-looking world. Either way, a healthy fear of the Lord and a deep persuasion of His love for us should spur us on to faithfully acknowledge Him in thought, word, and deed.

 Evening Reflection

Can you recall a time when God was mindful of you and provided for your needs (even in small ways) as you’ve tried to live faithfully for Him? Spend some time reflecting on those moments and thanking God for His faithfulness. It is important that we revisit these moments to remind ourselves of God’s love and faithfulness so that we might be encouraged to continue to live faithfully for Him. Are you being tempted in a specific area toward unfaithfulness? Are you weary from a tough season and considering a compromise in your walk with the Lord? Offer these things to God, keeping in mind all that we studied today. God always rewards faithfulness and is mindful of us even in small matters. Ask for His help in the specific areas you need today.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for August 8-9 are provided by Joanna Tzen of GCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jude 1:17

But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. 18 They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” 19 These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. 20 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. 22 Be merciful to those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.

Every fall at Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia), we have an event called Mini-Olympics. The event that everyone waits for is the tug of war. Participants are usually weary at this point, as it is about five hours in and is the last event. It is such an epic event because you can see large men digging their heels into the mud, grunting and straining not to go down. But sometimes even when they put in all their effort, it’s still not enough.

Jude knew about circumstances when human effort is not enough. This passage tells us it is certain that the church will face difficult times. There will be mockers and scoffers and those who seek to divide. However, Jude does not advise us to react with human wisdom or effort. Jude’s prescription is not active or passive or offensive; instead, I would call it defensive. Jude suggests we should build up our faith and rely on the Lord instead of ourselves. He exhorts readers to establish their faith in truth, pray in the Spirit, and keep themselves in the love of God. By no means does Jude suggest that we keep to ourselves in a holy huddle. After we are strengthened in Jesus, he commands that we look outward, showing mercy, compassion and humility as we share the salvation that comes through Jesus.

Isn’t this a tall order? How is this possible? This is only possible from the work of the Holy Spirit. Only when we are filled with the Spirit, can we be like Christ and offer Christ to others.  So, as we start each day, let’s earnestly ask the Lord to fill us with the same Spirit that was exerted in Christ when God raised him from the dead (Eph. 1:20).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me when I try to rely on my own efforts and think it is enough. Help me to humbly keep myself in the truth, love and mercy of Jesus. I know it is only when I sit at Your feet that I can be used for the kingdom of God. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Titus 3

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for August 8-9 are provided by Joanna Tzen of GCC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Jude 1:12

These people are blemishes at your love feasts, eating with you without the slightest qualm—shepherds who feed only themselves. They are clouds without rain, blown along by the wind; autumn trees, without fruit and uprooted—twice dead. 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever. 14 Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about them: “See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones 15 to judge everyone, and to convict all of them of all the ungodly acts they have committed in their ungodliness, and of all the defiant words ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” 16 These people are grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires; they boast about themselves and flatter others for their own advantage.

Charles Spurgeon, a British preacher in the 1800’s, describes those who are never content, in a funny and even slightly irreverent way: “They are discontented even with the gospel. The bread of heaven must be cut into three pieces, and served on dainty napkins, or else they cannot eat it; and very soon their soul hates even this light bread. There is no way by which a Christian man can serve God so as to please them. They will pick holes in every preacher’s coat; and if the great High Priest himself were here, they would find fault with the color of the stones of his breastplate.”

We probably can all think of someone like this in our lives and they are not much fun to be around. (No doubt this would include you and me at one time or another.) Jude is saying that discontent is just one way we can tell that we have begun to drift away from intimacy with the Lord and are more caught up in the motions of religion. This passage is directed to those who are already in the Church, not outside of it. He warns the early Church of those among them who only have a “form of godliness” (2 Tim 3:5). These people may have had a great walk with the Lord at one point but have come to a place of self-centeredness and entitlement, thereby not bearing fruit and not trusting the Lord, as reflected in their actions and their beliefs. Jude calls them “clouds without rain,” “trees without fruit,” and “stars that do not guide.”  What was once very promising at the outset ended up producing little or nothing.  Jude goes on to stress that the Lord will hold those who embody this kind of heart and attitude accountable.

Humbly examine your heart and ask if you are just going through the motions or have a genuine relationship with your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Does the way you live reflect that you put your trust in Jesus? Or does it not look much different from the rest of the world that relies on the self? It’s never too late to come humbly before the Father and ask that He help you stop doing religion and start abiding in Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I only go through the motions of religion and am actually relying on myself. Help me to lay down my pride, fear, self-sufficiency and trust in you instead. I know you are a trustworthy Heavenly Father. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Titus 1-2

Editor’s Note:  The AMI Quiet Time devotionals from August 6-7 are provided by Doug Tritton of Symphony Church in Boston.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 5:25-27: He went in and stood before his master, and Elisha said to him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” But he said to him, “Did not my heart go when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Was it a time to accept money and garments, olive orchards and vineyards, sheep and oxen, male servants and female servants? Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your descendants forever.” So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.

Yesterday, we looked at this story of Gehazi, the servant of Elisha, who greedily took a gift from Naaman the Syrian, a gift that Elisha had first refused. He was unwilling to forego that gift; he felt they deserved it. Now, having taken the gift, Gehazi comes before Elisha. When asked where he had been, Gehazi lies to his master, but Elisha confronts Gehazi and calls him out for his greed. He saw through Gehazi’s lie and exposed the truth, that Gehazi had acted in self-centeredness.

So true are those words spoken by God long ago, “If you do not do well, sin is crouching out the door.” (Gen. 4:7) When we give room for sin, we just open the door for more and more sin. This is evident in the story woven by Gehazi, a story meant to deceive his master. When sin gets a hold of us, sometimes we do anything to keep it hidden, to keep up a good image.

What is the solution? Repentance! When sin gets into our hearts, it festers and breeds more sin. But when we allow the grace of God to enter, sin is plucked out like an unwanted weed. But the more we let the sin fester and grow, the deeper the root springs in our hearts and the more difficult it is to remove it. So today, let’s spend some time searching our hearts. Allow the Spirit of God to search through your heart, exposing any unconfessed sin and let’s bring all our sin to the only One who forgives.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your amazing grace, your mercy that covers over every sin. Let my heart today be cleansed again in You. Help me to trust in Your forgiveness rather than trying to lie and deceive to keep sin hidden. Lord, let Your light expose and remove the darkness in my heart. Come and minister to my heart today, Lord.

Bible Reading for Today: Micah 7

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:13-16: But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.

Questions to Consider

1. What should we allow to be exposed by the light?
2. How do we let the darkness in our hearts be exposed by the light?
3. How can we walk as wise in this world?

Notes

1. Darkness is overcome when exposed by the light. There is darkness in our hearts, darkness that has sprouted from sin, but when we bring our sin to God, bring it to the light, we find forgiveness and the darkness is immediately cast away.
2. Through repentance! When we awake from the sleep of sin and open our hearts to God’s merciful light, Christ shines on us with His amazing grace. Repentance often may feel heavy, feel difficult, but once we repent, there is light and joy as Christ’s love more deeply enters our hearts.
3. Walking as wise means trusting in Christ and His forgiveness. Wisdom is shown most clearly in a humble heart that is willing to confess. This is true wisdom, humbly trusting in the grace of God. And the best use of our time is spending it with Jesus! So let’s come to Him, knowing that He is the provider of all we need.

 Evening Reflection

Tonight, bring to the light any darkness that has remained hidden in your heart. Spend some time allowing God to search your heart, even the darkest corners and depths, so that His light may penetrate more fully. As you repent, allow the joy of the Lord to come and lift your soul in worship.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI Quiet Time devotionals from August 6-7 are provided by Doug Tritton of Symphony Church in Boston.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 5:19-23: He said to him, “Go in peace.” But when Naaman had gone from him a short distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “See, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not accepting from his hand what he brought. As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw someone running after him, he got down from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me to say, ‘There have just now come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets. Please give them a talent of silver and two changes of clothing.’” And Naaman said, “Be pleased to accept two talents.” And he urged him and tied up two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of his servants. And they carried them before Gehazi.

In this passage, Elisha had just healed the Syrian man Naaman of leprosy. Upon being healed, Naaman requested to give a gift to Elisha, but Elisha refused. But Gehazi, Elisha’s servant, was not so willing to say no to a gift. More than likely Gehazi was thinking, Elisha spared this Syrian man, this oppressor of Israel, so of course we deserve a gift from him! Gehazi then proceeds to tell a story of the family of prophets in need of silver and clothes, and Naaman quickly agrees to provide. Gehazi, taking advantage of Naaman’s generosity, receives the gift for himself.

On the surface, we may look at this and think, Wow, what greed! But remember, Gehazi was traveling with Elisha, a man who did not live an easy life. They likely had very little possessions as well as their lives being quite tiring and difficult. For once, someone was willing to give to them, to provide some much needed resources—but Elisha refused. Gehazi, eyes wide with anticipation, found disappointment once again. Yet, this time, he would take matters into his own hands because, as Gehazi likely believed, they deserved this gift.

Have you ever had a long battle, whether a season of emotional struggle or a period of difficult circumstances? In those seasons, we often can justify giving into temptation, giving into self-centeredness. We may think, Just this one time, it is ok for me to feed my desires. I deserve this. Self-justification is much easier in a time of struggle. But remember, our whole lives are a battle. This world is a battle and when we give in, we give room for the enemy. We are called to stand firm in all seasons, to stand firm without ever giving in, regardless of circumstances.

Today, let’s search ourselves. Are we facing any struggles that we use to justify greed, to justify selfishness, to justify self-centeredness? Let’s release those to God and pray for the strength to, again, stand firm in Him.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the giver of all strength. I know You always fight for me. Help me to stand firm, knowing that You are my shield and my strength. Let me be girded in the full armor of God that I may stand strong until I see You face to face. May temptation and selfishness have no way in me, for my heart is Yours.

Bible Reading for Today: Micah 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 6:10-13: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

Questions to Consider

1. What does it mean to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might”?
2. What do we fight against? What does this mean?
3. What will enable us to stand firm?

Notes

1. Being strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might means that we do not find strength in ourselves. How easy it is to try to take matters into our own hands and fight for ourselves. That is what culture tells us to do: be strong, be independent, and protect yourself. But true strength only comes when we see ourselves as wholly dependent on God
2. We fight against the powers of darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil. This means we do not fight against other people. Yes, confrontation is necessary with others; yes, people can hurt us. But we are all sinners in need of grace. Let us not make other people our enemies, but rather remember we have one Enemy who has already been conquered by Christ on the cross.
3. We stand firm when we put on the full armor of God! This requires surrender, letting go of our own strength and trusting in God’s strength and protection. Only He can truly protect us in the battles we face in our lives.

 Evening Reflection

Reflect on your current circumstances. Have your present circumstances made you more self-centered? Take some time to repent of any self-centeredness and pray for your heart to be reoriented to God.  Pray that God would provide His strength that you may stand firm in every trial.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI Quiet Time devotionals from August 3-5 are provided by Tina Hsu who is interning at Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Kings 5:1:1-5, 7-8, 14-15(NASB)

Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Aram, was a great man with his master, and highly respected, because by him the LORD had given victory to Aram. The man was also a valiant warrior, but he was a leper. 2 Now the Arameans had gone out in bands and had taken captive a little girl from the land of Israel  and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “I wish that my master were with the prophet who is in Samaria! Then he would cure him of his leprosy.” 4 Naaman went in and told his master, saying, “Thus and thus spoke the girl who is from the land of Israel.” 5 Then the king of Aram said, “Go now, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel”… 7 “When the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man is sending word to me to cure a man of leprosy? But consider now, and see how he is seeking a quarrel against me.” 8 It happened when Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes that he sent word to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes? Now let him come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel”…14 So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God; and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child and he was clean. 15 When he returned to the man of God with all his company, and came and stood before him, he said, “Behold now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel…”

Israel and Aram had been at war against one another. Because of Israel’s covenant unfaithfulness, God gave them into the hands of Aram and caused Naaman, the captain of Aram’s army, to be successful. In the eyes of their enemies, Israel was weak and there was little evidence that God was among them. The king of Israel’s response to the king of Aram’s letter reflects Israel’s unbelief – “Do you think I am God? I am not able to heal leprosy!” He didn’t consider inquiring of Elisha, the prophet of Israel, but instead he worried that Aram was stirring up a fight against him. Though the king displayed a lack of faith in God, the author of 2 Kings highlights the faith of a young Israelite servant girl, who remembered Elisha and believed in God’s power in him. Furthermore, Naaman himself showed faith in the God. He asked his king to prepare a letter and a gift so he could go and meet Elisha. Though he was reluctant and prideful at first to wash seven times in the Jordan, he eventually listened to Elisha’s word, experienced complete healing, and declared, “I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel…”

Jesus spoke about the healing of Naaman to address Israel’s unbelief, “And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet; and none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian” (Luke 4:27). During the time of Elisha, Israel was blind to the healing and power available in the God of Israel. Similarly, Israel was blind and the people’s hearts were hardened towards the salvation available in Jesus.

From this passage, we learn that hardness of heart blinds us from encountering Jesus. Unbelief prevents us from seeking the joy, freedom, renewal, healing, and truth that is available in Jesus. This passage also teaches us not to be so easily satisfied with our limited knowledge of God, but to be hungry to ask the Lord for eyes to see Him, ears to hear Him, and a heart to know and love Him.

Prayer

Dear God, I acknowledge that my faith wavers and I need the power of your Holy Spirit to heal my spiritual blindness. Help my unbelief and give me eyes to see and believe in You moment by moment! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Micah 5

Lunch Break Study

Read John 8:12, 31-32 (NASB)

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life”…So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 

Questions to Consider

1. When Jesus says, “I am the Light of the world,” who is Jesus speaking to?
2. How does Jesus’ message impact the Pharisees and the Jews in general who are Abraham’s descendants?
3. A mark of a true disciple is one who continues in Jesus’ word to know the truth. How are you doing as a disciple of Jesus?

Notes

1. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees who are accusing Jesus of testifying about Himself and His relationship to the Father. The Pharisees claim that they know God the Father because they are Abraham’s descendants.
2. As the “light of the world,” Jesus makes God the Father known to the world and leads followers into the truth. Jesus teaches the Jews that if they believe in the Father, they should also believe in Him and follow Him because He is from the Father. However, their hearts are hard towards Jesus because they trust in their lineage with Abraham for their relationship to God.
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

In what area or situation in your life do you need God’s light and truth? Ask the Lord to lead you by His light and truth.  Psalm 36:9: “For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.”