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?

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

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Sam 22:31-37

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.

37 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.

For all intents and purposes, I consider myself a Philadelphian.  One of the unique traits of Philly folks is that not only do we not mind being booed, we actually thrive on it.  Now when you combine this trait with my Asian cultural upbringing of deferring compliments, you get a pretty quirky personality trait.  Not only am I uncomfortable with compliments, I enjoy being criticized; and if no one is there to criticize me, I’ll put myself down.  For example, the other day I fixed something in our house.  My wife said to me something to the effect, “You did a really nice job fixing that. Thank you for doing it.”  I responded with, “Well, it took me three tries, three hours, and $50, all of which I could have saved if I wasn’t so dumb to break it to begin with.”

I used to think that self-deprecation was a noble trait as it seems like a variant of humility, but I have come to realize that humility entails understanding what God is doing in you, and acknowledging Him for that—simply put, giving credit where credit is due, namely to God.  Think about David’s life: We are introduced to the youngest son of Jesse as a shepherd who also serves as the family’s delivery boy.  We watch this teenager kill a giant; then as a young man, he leads armies, and ascends to the throne.  If anyone had a reason to become proud, it was he.  However, instead of trivializing his accomplishments, David acknowledges that it was the Lord who “arms [him] with strength, causes [him] to stand on the heights, and trains [his] hands for battle.”

My guess is that there are many of you reading today’s devotional who have accomplished well for yourselves and your families.  In light of all this, I hope that you have a proper perspective of your life, not trivializing the ways that God has blessed you and worked through you.  But I also hope that you do not fall into the trap of believing that it was all your hard work and talents that got you to where you are.  Let’s acknowledge as David did: “You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.  You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”

Prayer

Lord, help me to see and acknowledge what you are doing in my life, and how you are using me.  Help me to be sober-minded and humble, and also to be bold to know that there will be times when You want to use me.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 36

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions to Consider

1. What do you think Peter means when he says “love covers over a multitude of sins”?
2. How are stewarded gifts a demonstration of God’s grace (v. 10)?
3. What gifts are specified in this passage? And are any of these gifts you should develop for your personal ministry?

Notes

1. In this context, it would seem that the attribute of love that covers over a multitude of sins is forgiveness. In other words, by forgiving we can “cover” wrongs done to us and vice versa.
2. When gifts such as hospitality and service are administered, we see and feel God’s love and grace demonstrated through his church. Anyone who has ever been in need of help can attest to this.
3. Hospitality, speaking (probably teaching or prophesy), and serving are specifically mentioned here, but all of your God given gifts should be used to build up the church.

 Evening Reflection

Did you serve anyone today in the grace of the Lord, through his power?  Did you acknowledge or feel the Lord’s power on you?  Even in your job, did you thank the Lord because it is He who enables you to work and gain wealth (Deut. 8:17-18).  Take time to thank Him for your life.

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from May 29-31 are provided by Jabez Yeo of TRPC, New York.  Once again, we are taking a detour from the study of 2 Sam.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Matthew 7:21-23: Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

The Crusades were one of the most tragic events committed in the name of Christ, mainly because many of its participants didn’t really know Christ.

In response to the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre by Caliph Al-Hakim (985-1021) and increasing interference of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, the crusaders came to  reclaim it, oblivious to the fact that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Cor. 10:4).  As a result, many were slaughtered, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians among the Arabs, as well as those belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church.   Although centuries have passed since the last Crusade, its after-effects, such as fractured relations between Muslims and Christians, are still present to this day.

While little violence in the name of Christ occurs today, there are still many who use the name of Christ for evil purposes. They may cry “Lord, Lord” (v. 21), but in reality they are not doing the will of our heavenly Father (v. 21) nor are known by Christ because they do not have His authority (v. 23). One good example is prosperity theology. I remember as a freshman in college going to an event held by a very famous prosperity preacher, trying my best to have an open mind. I was a new Christian, but even I felt something was off when the preacher implored everyone to sow a $1000 seed, promising that God would later bless them with greater wealth and health.

As Christians today, we may not be involved in deceptive practices, but how can we be sure that we have Christ’s authority as we do things in His name? Matthew 28:18-20 is a good start. In verse 18, Jesus establishes that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Therefore, followers of Christ are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.

Thus, are we involved with God’s movement of discipleship? Are we engaged in evangelism? Shepherding believers? Teaching to our small groups? All of these and more are part of God’s will for us to make Him known and to be a blessing to others (Gen. 12:1-3). And as we engage in this Kingdom work, we know through Jesus’ promise that His authority will be with us.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing me from darkness into light. I pray that during my life, You would enable me to do our Father’s will through Your authority and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for not only giving me the privilege of being saved, but also the privilege of being used by You in Your saving work to others. Help me to know You more and more each day. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 35

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from May 29-31 are provided by Jabez Yeo of TRPC, New York.  Once again, we are taking a detour from the study of 2 Sam.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26 But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away.”

During my college years, God blessed me through my parents who promised to financially support me. Knowing how hard my parents worked to provide for my education, I was careful of how I spent the money they gave me.  At times this meant making some tough decisions, but realizing that the money was ultimately not mine but theirs made the decisions easier as time progressed.

Oftentimes, we unconsciously act as if the blessings in our lives are our possessions and for us only. In contrast, King David describes reality when he declares, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Thus, we are not actually the true owners of what we possess. Rather, we are stewards and caretakers of the blessings and resources that God, the giver of all good gifts (James 1:17), has graciously provided.

Like any good owner, God wants to see His resources being put to good use. He wants to see a return; a multiplication of His Kingdom as a result of His gifts. But like the servant, we can be afraid to step out in faith and use our talents for His glory. For some of us, this could manifest in not tithing and choosing to use “our” money solely for ourselves. For others, it could be not serving in certain ministries despite brothers and sisters affirming the fit based on God-given abilities. Whatever the situation may be, it can be easy for us to be like the servant and hide our talent in the ground, ignoring the day that God will hold us accountable for what He gave us.

While others may have more talent or more resources, all of us have the privilege of furthering God’s kingdom through what He has given us. Let’s pray that God would give us the strength to step out in faith and use His blessings to bless others (Gen. 12:1-3). And let’s live in light of the fact that God is holding us accountable.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, it’s easy for me to be selfish with what You have given me. At times, I may feel afraid of stepping out in faith and using Your blessings for Your glory. Please help me to be a good steward and to further Your Kingdom through Your gifts. May You increase and I decrease as a result. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 33-34

Editor’s Note:  The AMI QT devotionals from May 29-31 are provided by Jabez Yeo of TRPC, New York.  Once again, we are taking a detour from the study of 2 Sam.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Deut. 30:19-20:  This day I (Moses) call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20 and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

In J.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the protagonist, Frodo Baggins, is given the unenviable task of destroying the One Ring.  At first, Frodo is intrigued by the Ring, as it gives him much power. But as his journey progresses, Frodo feels the burden of the Ring grow heavier and longs to get rid of it. In the climactic scene, Frodo is faced with the obvious choice: throwing the Ring into Mount Doom. But instead, he chooses to keep the Ring and the Ring is only destroyed because of intervention from his friend, Samwise Gamgee.

Like Frodo, we, too, can refuse to make even the most obvious of choices. In this passage, the Israelites had just experienced God’s awesome power through the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea. With their own eyes, they had personally seen Him overcome humanly impossible barriers. So why does Moses implore them to choose life over death (v.19)? Doesn’t choosing the Lord make sense in light of the promises He gives (v.20)? Sadly, the Israelites later rebelled many times, choosing death and facing several calamities as a result.

As Christians today, our own faithlessness and inner rebellion hinder us from also choosing life. As Paul clearly wrote, “Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?” (Romans 7:21-24)

Because of our brokenness, we need to cry out to God for strength to make the most obvious of choices: choosing Him. We know through experience that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life,” but we cannot turn to Him without His help. God can’t make the decision for us, but He will give us the strength if we ask. Let’s pray for that today.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, help me remember Your goodness and Your mercy that You have shown towards me. Even though You promised and have given me life to the full, I often find myself choosing death and destruction through sin. Please give me the strength to make the obvious choice of choosing You. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 32

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 16:11: You make known to me the path of life, in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Questions to Consider

1. How has God made known to You the path of life?
2. What does the path of life imply?
3. How have you experienced His presence and His joy? Be sure to write it down.

Notes

1. He has given us His Word, which declares how life can be found through His Son, Jesus Christ. He has also give us His Holy Spirit, who is our Counselor, and our respective communities to sharpen and encourage us
2. Our lives are a journey! We may stumble and fall several times but we can continually fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

How did you choose to follow God in the several decisions you made today? No matter how things may have gone wrong today, let’s thank God that His love and mercy never end (Lamentations 3:22-23). Let’s remember that so that we can make the obvious choices tomorrow.

Editor’s Note:  AMI QT devotionals from June 26-28 are written by Christine Li of TRPC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 20: 4-10

Then the king said to Amasa, “Call the men of Judah together to me within three days, and be here yourself.” 5 So Amasa went to summon Judah, but he delayed beyond the set time that had been appointed him. 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri will do us more harm than Absalom. Take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get himself to fortified cities and escape from us.” 7 And there went out after him Joab’s men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty men. They went out from Jerusalem to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Now Joab was wearing a soldier’s garment, and over it was a belt with a sword in its sheath fastened on his thigh, and as he went forward it fell out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Is it well with you, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa did not observe the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So Joab struck him with it in the stomach and spilled his entrails to the ground without striking a second blow, and he died. Then Joab and Abishai his brother pursued Sheba the son of Bichri.     

Matthew 25: 24-30

He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, “Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.” 26 But his master answered him, “You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Prior to this passage, King David has asked Amasa to become the commander of his army, replacing Joab. Shortly afterwards, King David asks his newly-minted general to stir up Judah within three days in response to a new rebellion. However, the allotted time passes, and Amasa has failed to bring the people as requested. From what we know of King David, he was not an unreasonable man, but while it is difficult to know why Amasa could not fulfill the king’s expectations, ex-commander Joab seems to find this failure reprehensible and takes matters into this own hands with Amasa. Here, he sends a clear message: disobedience is costly.

This reminds me of a well-known passage, the parable of the talents. The master, before going away, entrusts his wealth with a number of servants. While some of them put the investment to work, one servant hides the money in a field, doing absolutely nothing in response. When the master returns, he is angered by the squandered opportunity, takes away the investment he entrusted, and throws out the servant! The message is echoed here: disobedience is costly.

Few of us have responsibilities on seemingly grand scales, but our relationship with God is a serious matter. Living in accordance with God’s standards is extremely difficult; although we can pretend that some of our sins are less egregious, Jesus warned us that even sinning in our thoughts is as answerable as committing the crimes (Matthew 5:12, 28). Living in accordance with God’s standards seems near impossible.

However, what drives us to obedience should not be a fear of costly consequences. Because of the cross, our prior offenses are covered over by God’s grace, and the costly penalties of our disobedience have already been paid (which, of course, doesn’t mean that God won’t discipline His children [Heb. 12:5-11]). Now, our motivation has been transformed out of fear into a great love for God and a desire to be made like Him.

For this reason, let us be devoted to His Word, learning to understand what pleases God and urging one another to seriously live as new creations. Thankfully, we are not left alone in this journey; we have a community of believers to point us to Him, and the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit equips us with the power to live as God calls us to.

Prayer: Father, without Your help, I cannot remain obedient to You. However, although it can seem tempting to live apart from Your standards, I know that fullness of life comes from an obedient life. Help me to abide in You so that I may produce good fruit in keeping with this faith and so that I can spur others on to you.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 31

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-28

 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. 24 Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 27 For “God has put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when it says, “all things are put in subjection,” it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. 28 When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all.

Questions to Consider

1. Why would Paul’s preaching and faith be in vain if Christ has not been raised, and why should people be pitied if Christ has not been raised?
2. What’s another danger of being incorrect about Christ’s resurrection?
3. Because we know that Christ has risen, how should this truth affect our lives? Are you banking all you have on His resurrection?

Notes   

1. Believers ought to live in this world in a way that would be pitied if Christianity were not real. The end goal is not to have created “nicer people” for this world – the end goal is to have set all of our hopes and bets on an unseen world that we have not taken hold of yet.
2. If Paul and the other believers were wrong about Christ’s resurrection from the dead, then they are guilty of blasphemy when it comes to the nature of God and for teaching others about Him falsely.
3. Christ’s resurrection gives us joy – we are no longer in sin, and death is destroyed. Because we no longer have to be in bondage to sin, we can live freely and give up all things for Him.

 Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, did you face any decisions that were clearly between pleasing and obeying God or man?  How did you fare?  We are told to count the cost before walking with Christ?  What is that you need to give up in order to obey God more readily?  Ask the Lord for more wisdom and conviction?

Editor’s Note:  AMI QT devotionals from June 26-28 are written by Christine Li of TRPC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 19: 7-8: “Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.” So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

Prov. 12:1b, 27:5: He who hates reproof is stupid. . . . Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

Yesterday, we looked at this passage with the focus on King David’s willingness to accepting rebuke. Today, we will talk briefly about delivering rebuke (a touchy subject!). Though Joab spoke harshly, his bold statements against King David were not driven by a desire to elevate himself or a desire to tear down the King. He brings up the reasons for his harsh words: the feelings of the people who had been dedicated to David, and David’s safety.

In our modern church, we rarely engage in rebuke. While some hesitation is borne out of wise caution (because we have seen abuse), most of us demure out of an attempt to appear tolerant and understanding. We are content to live and let live because this method saves us the time, work, and heartache of being intimately involved with someone else’s life.

The Bible frequently mentions the task of believers to teach and admonish one another in the setting of the church (Rom. 15, Col. 3, 1 Thess. 5). However, I believe we rarely model this Biblical principle because of two reasons: (1) We do not care deeply enough about our brothers and sisters to speak into their lives, (2) We do not care enough about God’s standard of holiness for the church. Without aspiration to be pure, holy, and set apart from this world as He commands, we neglect true accountability and candidness in our relationships.

I am not suggesting that we suddenly go around and bring up every last thing we might dislike about the people around us. The purpose is to exhort the believers around us to turn away from anything that leads away from God towards fullness of life. Rebuke should be humbly, wisely, and lovingly administered; when well-delivered and well-accepted, it is life-giving and an immense blessing (Proverbs 15:31, Psalm 141:5).

If you are very uncomfortable with the idea of offering correction, do not worry. Ask God to give you wisdom and also love for members of your community so that you can also be used as His instrument. And if you have a reputation for being harsh, now is the time to ask God for greater compassion and humility in approaching others. A house divided against itself cannot stand, but if the community is devoted to loving God and become more like Christ, teaching and submitting to one another will bring us joy.

Prayer: Father, give me greater love for You and greater love for others. Let Your holiness be the bar I aspire to and also what I desire for others. Do not let any fear of man or lack of confidence keep me from speaking openly and honestly to those around me. May Your wisdom and a desire to bless others guide the words we speak to one another.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 30

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 13: 1 – 13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.   6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8 Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Questions to Consider

1. Why is love an important component to the tasks mentioned in v. 1-3?
2. Why does Paul deliberately place v.9-12 within this section on love?
3. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” How can we really live up to exhibiting these qualities of love in our lives as a testimony of our faith?

Notes

1. Speaking, fathoming, acting, and showing compassion do not require love to be done. Because love protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres, without it, we will quickly lose our purpose and motivations for these actions.
2. While we can learn many attributes of love from the first seven verses or even believe that we exemplify them, our understanding of love will not be truly complete until we experience the fullness of God in heaven.
3. Take some time to reflect on your life and how you can demonstrate the love of Christ more.

 Evening Reflection

Were there any moments today when you should have spoken up but felt unable to? What held you back?  One prerequisite before correcting anyone is whether we have been praying for the individual?  If you feel like you have something to say, please pray for a while before doing so.

Editor’s Note:  AMI QT devotionals from June 26-28 are written by Christine Li of TRPC.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 19: 7-8: “Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.” So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he was not immune to moments of weakness. After hearing that Absalom, his son who had betrayed him, was killed by the army, David began to mourn in a way that made all his people uncomfortable. Joab, David’s commander of the army, rebuked him sharply for an inappropriate display of grief. Though Joab’s tirade was extremely harsh, David’s meek response showed that he was humble enough to accept correction.

When I began a new job last summer, I had only 10% of the skills and knowledge to complete my tasks each day. In addition, I didn’t know anyone’s name, where to get lunch, or even where the restroom was – needless to say, I made quite a few mistakes in my first few weeks on the job. However, because I was open to learning and began to ask others for feedback, I grew in my ability to do my work and to take on more difficult tasks.

Unfortunately, even though I know that my relationship with God is a journey of continuous learning, I must admit that I do not similarly invite correction and teaching. In fact, I try to present myself as not needing anybody’s rebuke! But Scripture is full of the reminder that the wise man not only responds to rebuke but is thankful for it (Psalm 94:12-13, Psalm 141:5, Proverbs 9:8, for some examples). It seems that by avoiding correction, I only relegate myself to foolishness.

Do you invite correction into your life, and do you gladly accept the words that others offer? It can be very difficult to accept rebuke, and certainly very few people are keen on being criticized or told that we are wrong. Our pride will certainly blind us to our own faults and keep us from respecting the opinions and words of others.

It is not easy to cultivate a humble heart, but God is the one who can transform us. I urge us to pray for three things: (1) vulnerability to let others into our lives, (2) recognition of someone whose guidance and correction we can accept, and (3) the humility to accept correction when it is delivered. I am sure that as God changes our hearts, we will find ourselves open to correction and reacting with grace and wisdom just as David did.

Prayer: Father, You know that I can be too prideful to let others into my life. Give me eyes to see that You have placed me in a community so that I can be correctly taught. Give the people around me wisdom and love to speak into my life, and give me humility to learn their well-intentioned corrections.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 29

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7, 14-26

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; ⁵ and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; ⁶ and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. ⁷ To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. . . . ¹⁴ For the body does not consist of one member but of many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? ¹⁸ But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. ¹⁹ If all were a single member, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” ²² On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, ²³ and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, ²⁴ which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, ²⁵ that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. ²⁶ If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Questions to Consider

1. What does Paul say about the distribution of gifts?
2. What does Paul say about the body having many parts?
3. What is the significance of sandwiching the passage about “many parts” within this passage of spiritual gifts? How can this be practically applied in our lives?

Notes

1. One, gifts are distributed individually, meaning that each believer is important and has individual work to do for the Lord. Second, distribution comes from the Spirit- therefore, no one can boast of any gift or any work, because it has all been distributed out of the grace of God.
2. As a body, each part is significant and needed. Although others may be completely different in skill or gifting, they should not be rejected as a result of their differences. As God is triune but one, so the church should be of many parts but wholly united.
3. We are called to honor all others in the body; this respect and love will guide our ability to work in harmony and also accept one another’s gifts. We must ourselves also discern what our spiritual gifts are as our contribution to the body of Christ.

 Evening Reflection

Did you discover anything new about yourself that you weren’t aware of before?  How did you respond to someone who criticized you today?  How did you handle a situation in which you didn’t really know what you were doing?  How did you react when someone shared a nasty gossip about a mutual friend?  How can your faith in God be relevant in such situations?  Ask the Lord for wisdom and boldness to live the life of faith in where you work, study and live.