Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for June 8-14 are provided by Philip Chen, who oversees the college ministry of Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Kings 3:7-12 (ESV): And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.

As I was watching the movie Selma, I was struck by what a difficult position Martin Luther King Jr. must have been in as he pioneered the Civil Rights Movement. In the movie, many important decisions needed to be made, including the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. In one scene during a peaceful march, he kneels down and prays, then makes a decision to turn back, despite pressure to move forward. What a difficult decision to make!

Solomon recognized the difficulty of governing a multitude of people and leading them to follow the ways of the Lord. He rightly asks God for supernatural wisdom in leading the people of God, understanding the complexity behind leadership. He understands his limitations and appeals to God for greater wisdom and discernment. He does this because he sees how precious these people are and understands that they are entrusted into his stewardship, which causes him to take his reign over Israel seriously rather than nonchalantly.

There are two things that we can glean from this passage. First, we must understand the gravity of decisions that our leaders must make, therefore, we should constantly pray for God to give them wisdom in discerning what is right and wrong. We must trust that the leaders that God appoints over us desire our good and must answer to God for what was entrusted to them in a position of leadership. In that, we need to continually pray for God to give them an understanding mind to lead His people.

Secondly, we must also see whom God has entrusted into our hands and ask God for wisdom and understanding for ourselves in leading them to Him. We need to see the people whom God has placed in our lives as precious in His sight and desire to see them enter a maturing relationship with Jesus. Understand that in your lifetime, there will be those you answer to and those that answer to you. We are constantly in a cycle of being led and leading others, so let us submit to those leading us and faithfully care for those we are leading.

Prayer

Father, we pray for our leaders who need so much wisdom in leading us. Help us to trust in them as they lead and watch over us, and give them the wisdom to do what is pleasing to You. We also pray that You would reveal to us those that You have placed in our lives for us to influence. May we see each and every person You place in our lives as a precious one that You desire to love and may we be faithful in leading them in Your ways as well. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 47

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 13:17-18 (ESV): Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.

Question to Consider

1. Why does the author encourage us to obey and submit to our leaders?
2. How can we bless our leaders?
3. How can we pray for our leaders?

Notes

1. Those who are leading us are accountable for us. When they stand before Jesus, they will have to answer for the way they cared for us and led us, and so we should not grieve them by trying to question their every move (assuming they are faithfully following God).
2. When we submit to them and trust that they really care about our well-being, we can see their joy in leading rather than groaning because of the opposition of those that they are leading. A leader cannot lead well if those they are leading constantly oppose them.
3. We not only pray for wisdom for our leaders, but that they have a clear conscience in their leadership. Leaders are not superhuman and are prone to sin as well, so we should pray all the more that they hear God clearly and have the character to obey God and lead His people.

 Evening Reflection

Do you pray for your leaders? Do you take the people you are leading seriously? Begin to get in the habit of praying for God to release a spirit of wisdom over your leaders as well as asking God for wisdom so that you might be faithful in leading others in the ways of the Lord.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for June 8-14 are provided by Philip Chen, who oversees the college ministry of Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Kings 3:5-10 (ESV): At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

There is an Aesop’s fable of a foolish donkey that had an idol strapped on his back as he was led through the town to deliver the idol. All of the people who saw the idol would bow down in respect and worship. After a while, the donkey believed that it was he that the people were bowing down to in worship. One morning, when the idol was not strapped on his back, he wandered into the towns, expecting to be worshipped by the people. But no one even gave him a second glance. In anger, he demanded worship by those around him, but soon found out that he was, in the end, just a donkey who was undeserving of worship.

Although the focus of this passage is on Solomon’s request for wisdom and understanding in ruling God’s people, he says something very important in this dream that we should not overlook. He declares that it is the Lord God who has given David a seat on the throne over Israel and that it is the Lord God who has made Solomon king over all of Israel.  He hasn’t done anything to earn it. He recounts God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Surely Solomon would have heard from his father of what happened to Saul and how God could take away his position as king over Israel as quickly as He established him as king. Solomon does not overlook this fact and shows what it means to have wisdom and understanding: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. The understanding of who we are in comparison to God and the brevity of our time on this earth is what helps us approach God with humility. The understanding that everything is but a gift that is given to us by the Lord is an important reminder that we must come back to again and again

We can often get caught up with our own accomplishments and think of ourselves higher than we ought to. Let us strive to live a humble life by ascribing glory unto our God rather than deceiving ourselves into believing that glory belongs to us. Solomon, in his early reign, is marked as a man with great wisdom and understanding because of his humility. May it be that we are also described as people with great wisdom and understanding.

Prayer

Father, forgive us for the times we robbed You of Your glory. Too often we tend to wrongly take credit for what You are doing in and through our lives. May we become more and more aware of the times we do this and correct ourselves so that we are correctly ascribing glory to you. You are the One who is truly deserving of all praise and worship! Help us have the wisdom to understand that. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 46

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chronicles 29:12-16 (ESV): David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,  “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all. Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you.

Question to Consider

1. Where did David give this declaration and why is it important?
2. What does David mean that they were foreigners and strangers in God’s sight?
3. David says that everything comes from God’s hands, and all of it belongs to him. What are things in our lives that we need to attribute to Him?

Notes

1. David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly. Corporate worship and praise is so important because it is one of the most effective avenues to remember the faithfulness and goodness of our God.
2. David sees the grace of God in that they were once not a people, but now are considered God’s people. They were once aliens and outcasts, but God has drawn them in.
3. Opportunities, health, friendships, even the strength to do certain things all are from Him. Everything indeed is from the Lord.

 Evening Reflection

As the day ends, spend some time reflecting on your current place in life and the position you are in. Ask God to reveal to you how He has brought you this far and how he continues to sustain you each and every day. As you recount His faithfulness and goodness in your life, give Him the praise and glory He deserves!

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for June 8-14 are provided by Philip Chen, who oversees the college ministry of Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Kings 2:36-46 (ESV): Then the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out from there to any place whatever. For on the day you go out and cross the brook Kidron, know for certain that you shall die. Your blood shall be on your own head.” And Shimei said to the king, “What you say is good; as my lord the king has said, so will your servant do.” So Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.   But it happened at the end of three years that two of Shimei’s servants ran away to Achish, son of Maacah, king of Gath. And when it was told Shimei, “Behold, your servants are in Gath,” Shimei arose and saddled a donkey and went to Gath to Achish to seek his servants. Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 

And when Solomon was told that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and returned, the king sent and summoned Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord and solemnly warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and go to any place whatever, you shall die’? And you said to me, ‘What you say is good; I will obey.’ Why then have you not kept your oath to the Lord and the commandment with which I commanded you?” The king also said to Shimei, “You know in your own heart all the harm that you did to David my father. So the Lord will bring back your harm on your own head. But King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever.” Then the king commanded Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he went out and struck him down, and he died. So the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon.

To understand this text, we must understand the context behind the character of Shimei a little better. Shimei was from the family of Saul and it was customary at the time for the descendants of the previous king to be put to death to ensure the reign of the current king. Technically, Shimei should have been executed, but David showed him mercy. When David and his men were fleeing Jerusalem because of Absalom’s attempt to replace him as king, we see Shimei following them, mocking and cursing him. Some of David’s mighty men wanted to kill him for the violence and curses towards them, but again David showed mercy. As David returned to Jerusalem triumphant over Absalom, Shimei asks for mercy, which David grants. When Solomon succeeds David, he is confronted with what to do with Shimei, and again Shimei is shown mercy. In this passage, Solomon designates Jerusalem as a city of refuge for Shimei, but if he were to leave the city, he would be subject to death. Shimei ends up leaving Jerusalem for petty reasons and flippantly disregards what Solomon has told him which results in his death.

As we look at the storyline of Shimei, many of us would look at this man and think of how foolish he is to constantly take advantage of the mercy of the king. But are we really that different? One of the worst behaviors within the church is the abuse of the mercy and grace of God. In fact, one of the biggest lies floating around the church is that we can do whatever we want with no consequence, since Jesus has paid for all of our past, present, and future sins. But that is simply not true. Though we are shown grace and the eternal consequence of sin has been paid in full, it does not mean there are no temporal consequences for sin nor does it mean that our God does not discipline us.

Shimei had blatant disregard for the mercy that was shown to him and was under the impression that there would be no consequences for his sin against the king. Perhaps we need to also be reminded of the severity of sin and repent so that we might not fall into this false thinking. May we be wiser than Shimei and approach God with humility and reverence, confident that we are forgiven by His grace, but having a healthy fear of the temporal and eternal consequences of sin.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your mercy towards us again and again. Thank You that Your work on the cross was sufficient for all of our sins. Though we fail again and again, we pray that we would hold that healthy tension of confidence in Your grace, but a fear of the severity of sin. May we never take Your grace for granted, for we are a people that are bought with a price. May we grow in humility, reverence, and awe of who You are. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 45

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John 1:5-10 (ESV): This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Question to Consider

1. What is John warning against?
2. What is the difference between walking in darkness and walking in light?
3. If Jesus has cleansed us from all sin, how come we can’t say we have no sin?

Notes

1. He is warning against Docetism (a precursor to Gnosticism)—the idea that as long as you have the “secret knowledge” you are saved. There is still modern day theology that follows the same train of thought that we must be weary of (say a prayer once and do whatever you want for the rest of your life).
2. John warns against living a lifestyle of sin versus sinning (because of our sin nature). Deliberately choosing to live a lifestyle of sin (and rebellion against God) is immensely different from sinning because of our fallen nature. When we walk in darkness, we do not see ourselves clearly; but when we walk in light, though we see our uncleanliness, we can be sure that Jesus has cleansed us from all of our sin.
3. Although Jesus has cleansed us from all of our sin, on this side of eternity, we still sin. We are simultaneously sinners and saints: Saints because of the grace of God through His son Jesus Christ, and sinners because of the sin nature that we are being rid of in this lifetime through the sanctification process.

 Evening Reflection

When was the last time you thought of your sins and more importantly, your sin nature? Many of us have become experts of grace, but need to re-think our nature as sinners. Repent of your sin, ask for forgiveness and trust that Jesus’ work on the cross is enough so that you will not end up justifying your sin with His grace.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for June 8-14 are provided by Philip Chen, who oversees the college ministry of Church of Southland.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Kings 2:1-4 (ESV): When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’”

When I was a child, I loved inventing new games with new rules. What was most enjoyable was that I would always win because I would set the rules to benefit me. Many of us did this and think we have moved on from this, but believe it or not, we still do this as adults. We tend to blame the postmodern culture for the moral decline, as what is “right” becomes increasingly subjective in our society. But wanting to set our own rules for our lives is not new; it is something that is inherent in us. However, when we are the ones in charge of making the rules for our own lives, we are set on a course of self-destruction.

King David knows this well. In fact, Solomon is a living testimony of David’s sin with Bathsheba that resulted from his flagrant disregard of the ways of the Lord. So he actually takes the last few moments of his life to relay this important truth: Keep the charge of the Lord, walk in his ways and keep his statutes so that you might prosper in all that you do. In his lifetime, he has seen the hand of the Lord upon him and the hand of the Lord against him. He has also experienced firsthand the blessing of God that comes through obedience.

When we dig deeper, the reason we want to make our own rules rather than follow the precepts of our God is because of our pride. We think we understand ourselves better than our Creator does. What we need to ultimately understand is that God is our Creator who understands the inner workings of our being. He has designed us and given us statutes, commandments, and rules for our benefit, because the Designer knows His design the best.

David’s reminder to Solomon serves as an important reminder for us as well—to diligently seek to follow the laws and ways of the Lord. In order to follow the ways of the Lord, we need to actually know the ways of the Lord by vigorously studying the Word of God. As we devote our lives to this, we will increasingly see the beauty of the law of the Lord – that it is meant to protect and prosper us rather than simply restrict us.

Prayer

Father God, truly Your ways are higher than my ways and Your thoughts are higher than my thoughts. Help me to grow in my hunger for Your word and live my life in obedience to Your every word. May I know the power in walking in Your ways and keeping Your statutes.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 44

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1:1-3 (ESV): Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Question to Consider

1. What is the psalmist encouraging us to do?
2. Why is the one who delights in the law of the Lord compared to a fruitful tree?
3. Can we always expect to prosper if we follow God?

Notes

1. The psalmist encourages us to meditate on the law of God day and night because it is for our benefit.
2. Jesus refers a lot to fruitfulness as something that God is looking for. A tree that is planted by streams of water must be constantly receiving water for its roots and is pictured to constantly have the nutrients needed for bearing fruit. In the same way, those that delight in the law of the Lord have the necessary nutrients for living a godly life.
3. It depends on what prosperity means to you, but it does not always mean “earthly” prosperity. We can be sure that those that follow the Lord and delight in His word (and obeys) will receive an abundance of treasures in heaven. But not only that, general and practical wisdom tell us that following the Word of God does indeed have temporal benefits as well.

 Evening Reflection

The shocking thing of the church these days is biblical literacy. We simply do not cherish the Word of God enough. Something that challenged me in an article that I read was a statement that an atheist made to his Christian friend: If you Christians really believe the Bible is the actual words of God, how come you don’t spend time to really study it? How come it’s so difficult to spend time reading it?  What a sobering truth!  This should challenge the believers to get to know the Word of God better so that we are able to follow the ways of the Lord with faithfulness.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Read 1 Kings 1:5-10

 

5 Now Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, put himself forward and said, “I will be king.” So he got chariots and horses ready, with fifty men to run ahead of him. 6 (His father had never rebuked him by asking, “Why do you behave as you do?” He was also very handsome and was born next after Absalom.) 7 Adonijah conferred with Joab son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest, and they gave him their support. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei and Rei and David’s special guard did not join Adonijah. 9 Adonijah then sacrificed sheep, cattle and fattened calves at the Stone of Zoheleth near En Rogel. He invited all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the royal officials of Judah,10 but he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the special guard or his brother Solomon.

My friend Young (not Pastor Young) has the best “most embarrassing” story.  It was near the end of his senior year in high school, and his school was having their senior awards ceremony.  The award for most accomplished student was being presented, and Young was absolutely sure he was going to get it.  The principal started describing the accomplishments of the actual winner by saying, “We are so proud of the work and dedication of this young woman…”  However, my friend who again was so sure he was the winner of this award only heard “young” (his name) and proceeded to walk onto the stage.  Could you imagine how silly he felt upon walking up to the stage to receive his award only to realize that it was for another student?  I love this story, but I get embarrassed for him when he tells it.

Adonijah, like my friend Young, made the mistake of presuming too much in life.  But in all fairness, who wouldn’t make the same mistake?  He was probably the oldest remaining son of David (Amnon was dead; Absalom was dead, and we know nothing about this mystery son Daniel, only mentioned in 1 Chron. 3), and who would expect the son of Bathsheba (remember how they got together) to be the heir to the throne?  Plus, Adonijah had the backing of the commander of David’s army, Joab, and the highly revered priest, Abiathar.  I would have assumed that the throne was mine, too.

I have met many people who have been passed over for a promotion or a position that they presumed (rightly or wrongly) was theirs.  I have dealt with the heartbreak of couples who presumed that having children would be an easy process.  And I tried to comfort many who have presumed their dreams in life were also God’s plans for them.  The problem with presumption is that it doesn’t take into account the sovereignty of God; in other words, we presume to know the Lord’s will, when we are often blinded by our own desires or biases.

In Luke 14, Jesus gives us another reason why we should not presume.  He tells us to take the lowest seat at the banquet, and maybe the master of the banquet will elevate you.  You don’t want to make the mistake of my friend who essentially took the best seat at the awards ceremony, only to be shown a lesser place.  Avoid that embarrassment.

Prayer

Lord grant me the humility to accept that your plans for me may not align with what I presume or want them to be.  If that is the case, grant me faith to remember that you are a good Father who knows best for me.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 43

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Kings 1:1-4

When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. 2 So his attendants said to him, “Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.” 3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her.

In the English language the common idiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” points to an idea that once a person has reached a certain age, he or she cannot change by giving up the old ways to learn new habits, ways of thinking, skills, etc. In other words, as you get older and more set in your ways, you become less teachable, and more stubborn.  Although I have never been particularly fond of the idea conveyed by this expression, I do have to admit that I have found it to be incredibly true.  In fact, most people I’ve encountered to whom this idiom holds true aren’t even that old.  I can’t tell you how many people in their 20’s and 30’s I’ve talked to who do not heed good advice or who have surrendered into a resolve of, “Hey, this is who I am, and I will never change.”

Here is the spiritual truth: If the Holy Spirit is truly living inside of you, not only are you capable of change (no matter your age), but you are expected to change more and more into the image of Christ.  Unfortunately, I’ve noticed two primary thought patterns that have inhibited growth in many believers.  First, is the aforementioned defeated position where some settle into saying and thinking things like, “I’m just an angry guy with a short fuse, and I’ll never be gentle.  I can’t change.”  The other pattern is that we actually like our old selves too much and do not want to embrace the characteristics of Christ, thinking, “I like being the snarky, sarcastic, say what I feel, guy.  I don’t really need to season my conversations with salt” (Col. 4:6); neither way of thinking is becoming of the disciple of Christ.

Though weird, I find today’s passage to be quite encouraging.  Think about David’s biggest sin—sleeping with Bathsheba and killing her husband to cover up the conspiracy.  It was a sin sparked by lust.  As we read about David many years later, we see how far he has come to overcome lust.  The beautiful young Abishag was brought in to keep the king warm at night—you know the royal advisors had R-rated intentions,  yet the Bible is clear that King David never slept with her.  In essence, Abishag became a professional teddy bear (odd job to put on your resume), and this odd relationship took on a sweet PG tone.

For those of you who are struggling with a persistent issue, David is proof that every sin can be overcome by the follower of Christ.  In other words, we are not “too old to be taught new tricks.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to see some of the thought and life patterns that have been beating me.  Give me courage and the resolve to overcome.  Fill me with the Spirit.  Also bring to light any areas that I need to change but am hesitant to submit to You because I actually like these things.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 41-42

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

21 Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?”  “To buy your threshing floor,” David answered, “so I can build an altar to the Lord, that the plague on the people may be stopped.”  22 Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take whatever he wishes and offer it up. Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and here are threshing sledges and ox yokes for the wood. 23 Your Majesty, Araunah[d] gives all this to the king.” Araunah also said to him, “May the Lord your God accept you.”  24 But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

I purchased my wife’s engagement ring online.  As I opened the Fed-Ex envelope it came in, I was pretty nervous.  Sure I did my research on the four “C’s” of diamonds (clarity, cut, color, carat), but practically speaking, I didn’t really know what any of that stuff meant.  For example, an “F” color rating is supposed to represent a “colorless” diamond; however, I was still a little scared that my wife’s diamond would bear a slight resemblance to yellow snow.  Mercifully, upon arrival, everything was perfect (or at least as perfect as could be expected at my price point).  The ring glimmered, the proportions looked right, even the box it came in had an elegant look and smell to it.

As I sat there grateful for my purchase, the realization hit me that this tiny thing I held in my hand, that was less than an inch in diameter and weighed mere ounces, represented the second most expensive thing that I had ever purchased in my life (car being number 1).  It took me months of saving so that I could give this ring to my then girlfriend as an expression of my love and desire to spend the rest of my life with her.  The day I proposed, I carried that ring around in my pocket for several hours.  I was so nervous it was going to fall out, that I think I checked my pocket every 10 minutes that day.

For all the wrong that David did in his life, you catch these glimpses of why the Bible describes him as “a man after God’s own heart” (1 Sam 13:14).  I am ashamed to admit that I’m so cheap, that if Araunah offered me his field and oxen, I probably would have taken them and thought, “The Lord has provided!”  But David understood an important truth to offering and sacrifice—it must be costly to be meaningful.

When you make offerings to the Lord, are they costly?  Or do you give him what is left after you’ve paid your mortgage, car payments, retirement, savings, entertainment, etc.  Has giving to the Lord ever interfered with your plans or purchases?  Is your service truly a sacrifice of your time, or do you only serve in weeks when you have time to spare?  Has your service to the Lord interfered with a deadline or family function (sometimes it happens)?  Maybe you felt the call to go on missions instead of vacation?  I don’t know what it means for you to give costly offerings to the Lord, but I hope when the time comes, you are able to do so because you love Him.

Prayer

Lord, help me to be a living sacrifice (Rom.12:2).  Let my time, possessions, money, and even myself be fully Yours.  May I give greatly because I love greatly.  Thank you that you showed the way by sacrificing your own Son.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 40

Lunch Break Study

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Questions to Consider

1. What is the attitude with which we should give?
2. What can we learn about giving and God from this passage?
3. How is God glorified when we give?

Notes

1. We should give generously (v. 6) and cheerfully (v. 7).
2. God gives to us, and He is able to supply all of our needs (v. 8-10). God blesses you so that you can be generous (v. 11); this is kind of the opposite of a televangelist’s message: “If you give us money, God will reward you 10 times over.”
3. Giving to others not only results in people praising God for you, but it represents a thank offering to God (v. 12).

 Evening Reflection

How is your giving?  Are you generous?  Not only to the church, but to people and organizations in need?  Do you give with a cheerful heart?  Do you give more than your money, but serve with your time as well?  Is there an area in your life that you feel compelled to give more?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 24:13-14

13 So Gad went to David and said to him, “Shall there come on you three[b]years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.” 14 David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”

My wife, being in pediatric healthcare, used to treat a pretty rare condition called hyperinsulinism, which is basically the opposite of diabetes—too much insulin is produced and the body is left without sugars.  In some cases, children with HI will have large portions of their pancreases removed (where insulin is produced).  An unfortunate byproduct of this operation is that patients inevitably become diabetics because the remainder of their pancreases cannot produce enough insulin.  The alternative to this surgery is to constantly monitor the patient (8-10 times a day) and have the child be hooked up to a sugar-water IV, which severely impacts the quality of life.

Talk about being caught between “a rock and a hard place.”  One has to feel for the parents who have to opt for or against this surgery, because it seems like a no-win situation: give my child diabetes or hook him up to an IV until he’s six.  I am told that in medicine these types of difficult decisions come up almost daily.

In today’s passage, David is presented with a difficult situation: three years of famine, three months of persecution, or three days of plague.  Granted, all of these represent punishment for something he did wrong, but it was up to David to choose.  In the end, he opts for the plague, for in David’s mind, because the plague will come directly from the hand of the Lord, it represents the best chance to receive mercy from the Lord.  What challenges me in this passage is David’s ability to hope in the mercy and goodness of the Lord in times where no “good” option presents itself.  This is a trait that we must develop within ourselves because many times, life does not present us with good vs. bad choices.

So, whatever situation you may be facing today, “have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7 RSV).

Prayer

Lord, please give me the faith to believe that You are still able to show Your mercy despite difficult circumstances.  Help me to remember that You are sovereign, and that You are working even in seemingly impossible situations.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 39

Lunch Break Study

Romans 8:18-30:

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[h] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Questions to Consider

1. How are the redemption of creation and our redemption related?
2. What do we learn about the work of the Spirit from this passage?
3. The doctrines of predestination and perseverance of the saints generate a lot of talk within the church, but how does Paul use these ideas as a source of comfort (vv. 28-30)?

Notes

1. In verse 23, we see that the Spirit within each believer groans for the redemption of our bodies; similarly, creation is also under the curse (v. 21) and longs for our redemption (v. 19). God’s children are truly esteemed in creation.
2. The Spirit intercedes on our behalf (groans for us, v. 26); but it is also the Spirit within us that will carry out the work of our salvation.
3. For whatever angst the ideas of predestination and the inability to lose one’s salvation may cause, Paul’s point in introducing these doctrines (vv. 28-30) is to bring comfort to the suffering church. Paul is essentially saying, “Look, I know you are suffering for your faith now, but remember that God finishes what He starts; and He started a work in you.”

 Evening Reflection

Does the sovereignty of God impact your life and give you peace and freedom?  Or do you fret about everything, as if life or death depend on you making the right choices?  Do you believe that God works for the good of those who love Him, even in difficult situations?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 23:13-17

13 During harvest time, three of the thirty chief warriors came down to David at the cave of Adullam, while a band of Philistines was encamped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 At that time David was in the stronghold, and the Philistine garrison was at Bethlehem. 15 David longed for water and said, “Oh, that someone would get me a drink of water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem!” 16 So the three mighty warriors broke through the Philistine lines, drew water from the well near the gate of Bethlehem and carried it back to David. But he refused to drink it; instead, he poured it out before the Lord. 17 “Far be it from me, Lord, to do this!” he said. “Is it not the blood of men who went at the risk of their lives?” And David would not drink it.

The state of California has this thing called “transitional kindergarten,” which is basically an extra year of kindergarten for kids who are months too young for regular kindergarten.  What is interesting is that in San Francisco, transitional kindergarten is not done at the elementary school where the kids will eventually matriculate—meaning, just because kids are in the same school for TK doesn’t mean they will be in the same elementary school.  As a result, my son will be separated from his “bff” (as they call each other) next year.  My wife and I are heartbroken over this, but I think we are taking this worse my son is.

One of the unique attributes of King David that we see in the Bible was his ability to draw people to himself—to make friends if you will.  Although we do not often think about David’s mighty men as his friends, these men were drawn to serve David out of a love that resembled friendship more than a sense of duty that soldiers have for their king—why else would these three men risk their necks to make this incredible water break? (As an aside, husbands, if your pregnant wife asks you to make a “craving run” and you don’t want to do it, think of this story.)  David also is to be admired, for he understood and respected their commitment and service and did the best thing he could do with such a humbling gift—he devoted it to the Lord.

While at GCC, Pastor Young probably spoke on or mentioned the value of Christian friendships at least every month or so.  Sheepishly, I must admit that it has taken me almost 20 years to start to take to heart what he was talking about.  I’ve always had friends, but I think in my younger years, I relied on them less and trusted in myself more.  As I am getting older, and the stakes in my life get bigger and bigger (marriage, kids, ministry, etc.), I realize how important it is to have friends who can help me think through things, share prayer requests with—and yes, even laugh with.

What kind of friendships do you have?  Do you truly value these relationships?  What kind of friend are you?  Do you share and speak with your closest friends about things that truly matter?  Do you push each other on to love and serve Christ more?  If not, let’s make it a goal today to deepen some of the relationships we have.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the friendships I have.  Help me to be someone who sharpens my friends, and grant me the humility to allow them to speak into my life as well.  Ultimately, help me to love others.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 38

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 2:42-47

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[a] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Questions to Consider

1. What was the community devoted to?
2. How did the early church take care of one another?
3. What happened in this community?

Notes

1. The early church was devoted to the apostle’s teaching (consider it the Bible), fellowship (being together), breaking of bread (communion or remembering Christ), and prayer.
2. They shared their possessions, continually met together, ate together, and won the favor of people. It is also important to note there was power in this community.
3. God added to their number those who were being saved.

 Evening Reflection

How do your views of or commitment to community/church need to change?  Do you have friends who help you love Christ more?  Do you help your friends love Christ more?  Is there giving and sacrifice, as well as genuine love for one another in your church or cell group?

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals for today are provided by Pastor Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 23:3-4

3 The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: “When one rules over people in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, 4 he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings grass from the earth.”

Like many churches, our church collected a love offering for relief efforts in Nepal.  However, giving to Nepal presented more challenges than other relief efforts I have been associated with.  For places like Haiti, Indonesia, Japan, New York/New Jersey, we would give to organizations like the Salvation Army or Samaritan’s Purse and feel relatively good that the majority of the money would be used to help people who needed it, even if we did not totally back the ideologies of these organizations.  However, in Nepal there was a legitimate concern that any donated money would line the pockets of some unscrupulous government officials.  So we had to find smaller, more discreet places to give.

As I thought of government and the general mistrust of it (not only in Nepal, but in this country too), I couldn’t help but to marvel at how appropriate and accurate God’s word is on the subject.  I long for leadership and a system that acts with righteousness and a fear of God.  I do not want to get too political, but imagine how much better issues like poverty, education, healthcare, etc. would be if everyone did what was right, as opposed to what would get the most votes or satisfy special interest groups.  It could be as glorious as the sunrise on a clear day or as refreshing as a rainstorm after a long drought.

The application for today is to pray—pray for our country and our leaders.  Pray that they would make difficult decisions that are right and wise.  If you are cynical, ask the Lord to give you real hope.  Pray also how you might get involved in serving your community.  You may not change the world, but you can make a difference in someone’s life.

Prayer

Lord, we pray for the leaders of this country.  May they make policies and laws that are right and wise.  Give me the heart of Samuel who considered it a sin to fail to pray for Saul (1 Sam. 12:23).

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 37

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 20:1-6

And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Questions to Consider

This text concerns the millennium, a period of a thousand years where Christ will reign on the earth and Satan will be bound and unable to work on the earth.  For the purposes of this QT, let’s assume you believe in a literal millennium.

1. What do you suppose a world run by Christ would look like, even if fallen man inhabited it?
2. Why do you suppose that those who were beheaded and those who did not worship the beast are specifically mentioned as raised and reigning with Christ?
3. What purpose do you suppose there is for a millennium?

Notes

1. In my mind, I could see a utopian society, where everything functions as it should. Government programs would help rich and poor alike (if we have classes), and they would be effective.  Healthcare would work well; it would be reasonably priced, and all people would get correct treatment (maybe this is why there will be longer life spans).  We’d never question the integrity of our leaders because Christ is in charge.
2. Christ, in His goodness, will reward those who were faithful—especially, those who were faithful during the great tribulation will get the honor of ruling with Christ.
3. I would guess that a millennium would show, among many things, Christ’s goodness and how things were “supposed” to be on earth.

 Evening Reflection

Did you spend any time thinking about what Christ had in mind for his world?  Did you pray for our country (and world) and those running it?  Do you want to be less cynical and more hopeful?