Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 15:13-37

 And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel have gone after Absalom.” [14] Then David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise, and let us flee, or else there will be no escape for us from Absalom. Go quickly, lest he overtake us quickly and bring down ruin on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” [15] And the king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king decides.” [16] So the king went out, and all his household after him. And the king left ten concubines to keep the house. [17] And the king went out, and all the people after him. And they halted at the last house. [18] And all his servants passed by him, and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the six hundred Gittites who had followed him from Gath, passed on before the king. [19] Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why do you also go with us? Go back and stay with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile from your home. [20] You came only yesterday, and shall I today make you wander about with us, since I go I know not where? Go back and take your brothers with you, and may the LORD show steadfast love and faithfulness to you.” [21] But Ittai answered the king, “As the LORD lives, and as my lord the king lives, wherever my lord the king shall be, whether for death or for life, there also will your servant be.” [22] And David said to Ittai, “Go then, pass on.” So Ittai the Gittite passed on with all his men and all the little ones who were with him. [23] And all the land wept aloud as all the people passed by, and the king crossed the brook Kidron, and all the people passed on toward the wilderness. [24] And Abiathar came up, and behold, Zadok came also with all the Levites, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God until the people had all passed out of the city. [25] Then the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I find favor in the eyes of the LORD, he will bring me back and let me see both it and his dwelling place. [26] But if he says, ‘I have no pleasure in you,’ behold, here I am, let him do to me what seems good to him.” [27] The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Go back to the city in peace, with your two sons, Ahimaaz your son, and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. [28] See, I will wait at the fords of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” [29] So Zadok and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem, and they remained there. [30] But David went up the ascent of the Mount of Olives, weeping as he went, barefoot and with his head covered. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. [31] And it was told David, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” [32] While David was coming to the summit, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dirt on his head. [33] David said to him, “If you go on with me, you will be a burden to me. [34] But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant in time past, so now I will be your servant,’ then you will defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel. [35] Are not Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? So whatever you hear from the king’s house, tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. [36] Behold, their two sons are with them there, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, and by them you shall send to me everything you hear.” [37] So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.

One of my favorite movies of all time is Rudy, an account of the life of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, who harbored dreams of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite significant obstacles.  Though he achieved some success in high school as a football player, he not only lacked the grades and money necessary to attend Notre Dame, but the talent and physical stature as well to play for a major intercollegiate program.  He was met with many obstacles in achieving his goal of playing football for Notre Dame: people telling him he was not good enough, his grade not being up to par, not having the physical stature, and his own parents not believing in him.  But despite the many hurdles, he had unwavering faith that one day his dream of playing Notre Dame football would come true.

In our Christian journey, our faith is often tested as well; and when it is, it often reveals our trust in the character and sovereignty of God.  In today’s reading, David is running away from his son Absalom who has won the heart of Israel, though there are a handful of people still loyal to David.  We first see David’s trust in the Lord when the Ark of the Covenant is brought to him by two priests, Abiathar and Zadok (v. 24).  David orders the priests to take the ark back to Jerusalem because he does not want to “use” God to his advantage.  It reveals David’s trust in God’s judgment and sovereignty, submitting himself to God.

David also prays and trusts God when he is in trouble.  In verse 30, we see one of his trusted counselors, Ahithophel, who was in on the Absalom conspiracy. One commentator writes, “Athithophel was sharp; he had no peer; savvy and success oozed from this advice (16:23).  Hence David met the dreaded report with instant prayer.” (2 Samuel – Dale Ralph Davis)

What do you do when your faith is tested?  Do you trust in God’s sovereignty and turn to Him in prayer?  We see that even when David is betrayed, his kingship is up in the air, and his life is threatened, he turns to the Lord in trust and confidence.   Maybe you are in a season where you are facing difficulties—turn to the One who has a purpose and plan for you.  Turn to the One who is faithful in every season of life.                                                                                                                                                                

Prayer

Lord, I turn to You today asking for unwavering faith in all the seasons of my life.  In hardship and in blessing, I want to trust that You know what’s best for me.  Whatever may be happening in my life, help me to depend on You in prayer.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 17-18

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 15:1-12

After this Absalom got himself a chariot and horses, and fifty men to run before him. [2] And Absalom used to rise early and stand beside the way of the gate. And when any man had a dispute to come before the king for judgment, Absalom would call to him and say, “From what city are you?” And when he said, “Your servant is of such and such a tribe in Israel,” [3] Absalom would say to him, “See, your claims are good and right, but there is no man designated by the king to hear you.” [4] Then Absalom would say, “Oh that I were judge in the land! Then every man with a dispute or cause might come to me, and I would give him justice.” [5] And whenever a man came near to pay homage to him, he would put out his hand and take hold of him and kiss him. [6] Thus Absalom did to all of Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel.[7] And at the end of four years Absalom said to the king, “Please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to the LORD, in Hebron. [8] For your servant vowed a vow while I lived at Geshur in Aram, saying, ‘If the LORD will indeed bring me back to Jerusalem, then I will offer worship to the LORD.’” [9] The king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. [10] But Absalom sent secret messengers throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then say, ‘Absalom is king at Hebron!’” [11] With Absalom went two hundred men from Jerusalem who were invited guests, and they went in their innocence and knew nothing. [12] And while Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, from his city Giloh. And the conspiracy grew strong, and the people with Absalom kept increasing.

During 1942, the Red Cross sent packages for prisoners held in German concentration camps.  At one point, the International Red Cross asked for an accounting, and it turned out that at Buchenwald alone, some seven carloads of supplies (about 21,000 packages) were unaccounted for.  Some of the prisoners who survived to see the collapse of the Third Reich were highly amused watching the SS (German) officers feverishly clearing empty Red Cross cartons from their offices in April 1945.  The packages had been taken by another group of solders that were not originally intended for them—they took what did not belong to them.

In today’s passage, we see Absalom is seizing what does not belong to him – the kingdom.  Instead of using force, Absalom uses his charisma and charm to win the people. He provides himself with chariots and horses, and fifty men to run before him (v.1). Now Absalom would rise early and stand beside the way to the gate.  Anyone who had a dispute and came to the king for a decision, Absalom would inquire about the person’s hometown and would say to him, “Look, your case is good and right; but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.” He was showing empathy to win the people’s hearts and it was working!  Whenever anyone came near to bow down to him, he would put out his hand and take him and kiss him. In this manner Absalom acted like the king toward all of Israel.   He would continue his rebellious plot by sending out secret messengers who would hail him as king as soon as the trumpet sounded (v.10).  Absalom’s following would increase as his evil plot of rebellion would continue to unfold (v.12).

What can we learn from today’s devotion?  We need to live a life of integrity that honors the Lord.  The definition of the word integrity is “honesty, transparency, and being the same in one situation as another.”  It means that you are not deceitful in any area of your life, which was not the case for Absalom.  Integrity is the foundation for any Christian whether they are a leader, parent, student, employee, etc.  We grow in our integrity by growing in character through His Word, prayer, and being part of community.  Ask the Lord to search your heart this morning and reveal any areas that need to be surrendered to Him.                                                                                                                                 

Prayer 

Lord, I want to continue to grow in my character and integrity.  Help me to continually be a person who is the same in any situation.  Reveal any areas of deceitfulness in my heart, which would lead me to repentance and change.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 16

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:22-25

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. [23] For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. [24] For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. [25] But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Questions to Consider

1. What does James emphasize when it comes to the Word?
2. What is the result of being a doer of the Word?
3. James uses a brilliant illustration of a mirror showing what it is like when we are not doers of the Word. What areas in our life are we just being listeners and not doers?

Notes

1. James points out that it is not enough simply to know Scripture or godly teaching; knowledge alone is useless. What’s worse is when a person thinks that knowing the Bible makes one godly—he is self-deceived.
2. The contrast here between the hearer and the doer is that the doer remembers the “law of liberty” and obeys the Word, which results in freedom and blessing.
3. Personal Response

 Evening Reflection

Living a life of holiness is a process of surrender and repentance.  As we focus more on the Lord, it should reveal how depraved our hearts are; but it also becomes more evident how magnificent His grace is towards us.  As we close the day, pray for greater integrity and holiness in our lives as the apostle Peter reminds us, “but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15).

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 14:1-2, 12-17, 21, 33

Now Joab the son of Zeruiah knew that the king’s heart went out to Absalom. [2] And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought from there a wise woman and said to her, “Pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning garments. Do not anoint yourself with oil, but behave like a woman who has been mourning many days for the dead. [3] Go to the king and speak thus to him.” So Joab put the words in her mouth. . . . [12] Then the woman said, “Please let your servant speak a word to my lord the king.” He said, “Speak.” [13] And the woman said, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For in giving this decision the king convicts himself, inasmuch as the king does not bring his banished one home again. [14] We must all die; we are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God will not take away life, and he devises means so that the banished one will not remain an outcast. [15] Now I have come to say this to my lord the king because the people have made me afraid, and your servant thought, ‘I will speak to the king; it may be that the king will perform the request of his servant. [16] For the king will hear and deliver his servant from the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together from the heritage of God.’ [17] And your servant thought, ‘The word of my lord the king will set me at rest,’ for my lord the king is like the angel of God to discern good and evil. The LORD your God be with you!”  . . . [21] Then the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I grant this; go, bring back the young man Absalom.” [33] Then Joab went to the king and told him, and he summoned Absalom. So he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king, and the king kissed Absalom.

If you have ever watched shows such as Dr. Phil, one of the reoccurring topics is—the dysfunctional family.  There would always be an episode about parents who were not doing their job or kids in rebellion, and it is tragic to hear some of their stories shared on national TV.  As we have been reading the account of David and his sons—Absalom and Amnon—in the past few days, one observation we can make is how dysfunctional this family was.  We have already seen rape, hatred, revenge, and murder— and it does not seem to be getting any better.

In today’s passage, Joab intercedes in patching up the relationship between David and Absalom.   The reason is that David has little enthusiasm for Absalom’s return from exile and does nothing to reconcile with him.  Joab sees the conflicted nature of David’s attitude toward Absalom (v. 1), so he brings a wise woman from Tekoa and tells her to present herself to the king as a woman in mourning with a story that Joab gives her.  And so she prostrates herself before the king and cries out for help, saying that she is a widow with two sons, but they got in a fight in the field and one killed the other. The whole clan wants to kill the remaining son (which would be just), but this would destroy her one remaining heir. David tells her he would take care of it (v. 8).   However, his ruling on this scenario hits home for David; he sees through the story after his ruling and realizes that Joab is behind the whole thing. So David allows Absalom back from his exile, but during the two years that he lives in David’s house, he has nothing to do with Absalom.  In the process of time, Absalom grows impatient with David’s cold shoulder and summons Joab to come intercede for him –twice; but Joab declines to come. Absalom subsequently burns his field up to get his attention.  Joab does subsequently speak to David, and David patches things up with Absalom

What are some lessons we can learn from today’s passage?  We need wisdom, love and power in our families.  Whether you are raising a family or still under your parent’s care, Christ has to be the center of the family unit.  We cannot let bitterness, unforgiveness, or lack of care invade the families God has called us to be part of.  Whether you are married or single, spend some time praying for the family you are part of.  Maybe you can identify with the dysfunction of David’s family.  Pray for healing, restoration, wisdom and Christ-centeredness.    Lastly, we need to experience the love of our heavenly Father.  David was not the perfect Father, but we know that those of us in Christ have a perfect heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.  Be reminded and comforted of this great truth today.

Prayer

Lord, I pray for my family that you would continue to rule and reign and be the constant center.  May you protect us from the lies of the Enemy and the influences of the world we live in.  We need your power and grace.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 15

Lunch Break Study

Psalm 23

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures.  He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff,

they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Questions to Consider

1. As believers, what do you think it means to not be “in want”?
2. How should this truth free us from anxiety and worry? Why is this important to understand?
3. How can these verses challenge and comfort you today?

Notes

1. As a Shepherd, He is the One who is our Provider, and He satisfies our needs—that is the place where God wants to bring us. He wants us to be independently dependent upon Him—to need Him alone.
2. It also means that He provides for our practical needs such as food, job, possessions, etc. We should never worry or be in want but rather continually trust in Him.  Even in the darkest moments of our lives, God’s goodness and mercy follow us (v.6), which ought to give us confidence in our Great Shepherd.
3. Take some time and meditate on what this means for you in every area of your life.

 Evening Reflection

The appropriate response in any season of life is worship.  You may be in the “green pastures” or you may be in the “valley of the shadow of death,” but no matter where you are, spend time worshiping and thanking the Lord.  Thank Him for His care for you and the salvation you have through His Son Jesus.  Thank him for His faithfulness that never ceases.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 13:23-39

After two full years Absalom had sheepshearers at Baal-hazor, which is near Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. [24] And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold, your servant has sheepshearers. Please let the king and his servants go with your servant.” [25] But the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you.” He pressed him, but he would not go but gave him his blessing. [26] Then Absalom said, “If not, please let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” [27] But Absalom pressed him until he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. [28] Then Absalom commanded his servants, “Mark when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear; have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” [29] So the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and each mounted his mule and fled. [30] While they were on the way, news came to David, “Absalom has struck down all the king’s sons, and not one of them is left.” [31] Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the earth. And all his servants who were standing by tore their garments. [32] But Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, said, “Let not my lord suppose that they have killed all the young men, the king’s sons, for Amnon alone is dead. For by the command of Absalom this has been determined from the day he violated his sister Tamar. [33] Now therefore let not my lord the king so take it to heart as to suppose that all the king’s sons are dead, for Amnon alone is dead.” [34] But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept the watch lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, many people were coming from the road behind him by the side of the mountain. [35] And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons have come; as your servant said, so it has come about.” [36] And as soon as he had finished speaking, behold, the king’s sons came and lifted up their voice and wept. And the king also and all his servants wept very bitterly.

[37] But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son day after day. [38] So Absalom fled and went to Geshur, and was there three years. [39] And the spirit of the king longed to go out to Absalom, because he was comforted about Amnon, since he was dead.

If you have ever watched the movie Kill Bill starring Uma Thurman, it is a story of revenge. Thurman, a former assassin, known simply as The Bride, awakens from a coma four years after her jealous ex-lover Bill attempts to murder her on her wedding day. Fueled by an insatiable desire for revenge, she vows to get even with every person who contributed to the loss of her unborn child, her entire wedding party, and four years of her life. She goes through great lengths to make sure her enemies pay for what they had done to her.

Today’s verses also capture a story of revenge.  Absalom hated Amnon because Amnon had abused Absalom’s sister.  He could not fathom Amnon getting away with the unimaginable act of sin and so he decides to plot his murder.  David’s failure to execute justice might have fueled Absalom to take matters into his own hands.  After two years of waiting, the moment of revenge had arrived.  Absalom decides to have a sheep-shearing party (v.23) with all of his brothers and half-brothers, which involves a good time eating, drinking and enjoying each others’ company.   When Amnon was sufficiently drunk, Absalom signals to his servants to kill him which results in a great panic causing his brothers to flee.  In the end Amnon is killed and Absalom gets the revenge he sought, which was all that mattered to him.   The cost of Absalom’s action results in him fleeing and he ends up in exile.

What can we learn from today’s passage?  First, we must remember that we are not to take vengeance on people who have hurt us.  Trusting in God’s sovereignty and justice is what we are called to do as believers.  Similarly, we must learn how to forgive others.  Forgiveness is not an emotion but rather a choice, and we need to continually depend on the Lord for strength to forgive those who have wronged us in our lives.  Is there someone you need to forgive in your life today?  Are you having negative emotions of hatred and anger towards others?  Take some time to pray specifically that the Lord would strengthen you, let go of past hurts, and give you a heart of forgiveness.     

Prayer

Lord, remind me that vengeance is ultimately Yours.  Through the power of Your Holy Spirit, give me the strength to forgive others and even love those who have hurt me.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 14

Lunch Break Study

Romans 12:19-21: Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:43-48: “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ [44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? [47] And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Questions to Consider

1. From the Romans passage, why is it important that we never avenge ourselves?
2. In what ways can we specifically pray for and love our enemies?
3. How do these verses challenge you today?

Notes

1. Despite people wronging us, we must trust God’s justice. Paul’s exhortation also helps us trust the Lord when we find ourselves suffering unjust treatment at the hands of those who always seem to come out on top. No matter how successful they appear in this life, we know that God will deal with them in the end; and on that day, those who suffer for Christ will be exalted and will receive a great reward in heaven ( 5:11-12).
2. Pray that they might come to know Christ. Pray that God would bless their lives and help them and that your heart would be softened toward them. Ask that God would remind you of the grace he has poured out on your life.
3. Personal response.

 Evening Reflection

Forgiving others is often difficult and sometimes impossible without the power of Christ.  Spend time in prayer interceding on behalf of your enemies and those who have wronged you.  Ask that God would give you a heart to love and pray for them.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 13:21-22

When King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. [22] But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.     

Have you ever had a moment of indecisiveness that resulted in unwanted consequences? I remember about a year ago, I was trying to buy an airplane ticket online, but when I saw how high the price was, I figured I would wait. I kept checking the price in the days after but the ticket price was not going down. I became indecisive of whether to purchase the ticket and after a few more days of waiting, I ended up paying more than when I first started to look. I was met with unwanted consequences because of my indecisiveness.

When King David learned about the rape of Tamar, he was furious, but his anger did not amount to anything. David could have sought out justice and set things right but nothing became of David’s anger—he was indecisive and failed to pursue justice despite the power to do so. The text also fails to mention that David grieved over the situation or even went to comfort Tamar.  At the very least David should have confronted Amnon, rebuking and punishing him.  Here is how one commentator describes David’s actions: “We have known David as a man of decisive action, but in this and subsequent episodes narrating the drama of his own family, David is curiously passive and indecisive.  Perhaps David is himself so morally compromised by his own flagrant crimes that he cannot confront the excesses of his sons.  David may be angry, but he joins the conspiracy of silence around the rape of Tamar, and in doing so he unwittingly allows Absalom’s murderous revenge to run its course” (Bruce C. Birch, “The First and Second Books of Samuel,” The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. II).

What can we learn from this passage? First, we must learn how to decisively and quickly deal with sin in our own lives. We cannot let sin linger hoping that things will get better; rather, we should identify and repent of sin immediately. We also must learn how to confront others about sin in their lives with love and wisdom. As a body of Christ, we are called to help one another, but by ignoring sin in people’s lives, it hurts the person as well as others.   Silence provides room for sin to fester and grow.  Absalom was probably hoping that his father, King David, would respond to Tamar’s rape. The fact that David remained silent probably caused Absalom to despise David, so Absalom, being infuriated with Tamar’s disgrace, planned for Amnon’s death later on in the chapter.

Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to my own sin that I’m often blinded by. Help me to always repent and not let sin linger in my life. Also, give me the courage to confront others who are living in sin so that I would do it wisely and out of love for them. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 6:5-14 

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. [6] We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [7] For one who has died has been set free from sin. [8] Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. [9] We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. [10] For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. [11] So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. [12] Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. [13] Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. [14] For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

Questions to Consider

1. What do we learn about sin in this passage?
2. What does it mean that Christ has set us free from sin? What does it mean to you?
3. How do these verses help you in your fight against sin?

Notes

1. We are no longer slaves of sin, but we are slaves of righteousness. Practically, this means that sin is not our master and we have victory because of what Jesus has done. We have the power to overcome sin in our daily lives.
2. We need to depend on Jesus through the power of the Spirit. Since Christ has given us the power, we cannot overcome sin by our own flesh and will power.
3. We can have hope over sin in our lives. It should give us immense motivation today to continue to fight against sin knowing that the fight will end in victory—sin, shame, failures, and guilt no longer have rule over us because of Christ. Glory to God!

 Evening Reflection

Reflect and spend time thinking on Christ’s great love for you. In our constant fight against sin, we must always remind ourselves that we have a God who loves us unconditionally, despite all of our weaknesses and failures. Thank Him for His constant love that never ceases.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 11-17 are written by pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Samuel 13:1-20 

Now Absalom, David’s son, had a beautiful sister, whose name was Tamar. And after a time Amnon, David’s son, loved her. [2] And Amnon was so tormented that he made himself ill because of his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and it seemed impossible to Amnon to do anything to her. [3] But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. And Jonadab was a very crafty man. [4] And he said to him, “O son of the king, why are you so haggard morning after morning? Will you not tell me?” Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” [5] Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be ill. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘Let my sister Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’” [6] So Amnon lay down and pretended to be ill. And when the king came to see him, Amnon said to the king, “Please let my sister Tamar come and make a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.”

[7] Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Go to your brother Amnon’s house and prepare food for him.” [8] So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house, where he was lying down. And she took dough and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes. [9] And she took the pan and emptied it out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, “Send out everyone from me.” So everyone went out from him. [10] Then Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes she had made and brought them into the chamber to Amnon her brother. [11] But when she brought them near him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” [12] She answered him, “No, my brother, do not violate me, for such a thing is not done in Israel; do not do this outrageous thing. [13] As for me, where could I carry my shame? And as for you, you would be as one of the outrageous fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” [14] But he would not listen to her, and being stronger than she, he violated her and lay with her.

[15] Then Amnon hated her with very great hatred, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up! Go!” [16] But she said to him, “No, my brother, for this wrong in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. [17] He called the young man who served him and said, “Put this woman out of my presence and bolt the door after her.” [18] Now she was wearing a long robe with sleeves, for thus were the virgin daughters of the king dressed. So his servant put her out and bolted the door after her. [19] And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore the long robe that she wore. And she laid her hand on her head and went away, crying aloud as she went. [20] And her brother Absalom said to her, “Has Amnon your brother been with you? Now hold your peace, my sister. He is your brother; do not take this to heart.” So Tamar lived, a desolate woman, in her brother Absalom’s house.

If you turn on the news on any given night, you will often hear about a crime that seems unimaginable. I recently watched a story of a nurse who burned down a hospital, which resulted in 5 newborn infants dying all because she received a bad review at her job. Shock, anger, and confusion are just a few of the many emotions that come to mind when we read these stories.

This is one of the most heartbreaking and shocking stories in the OT. Just like an unthinkable crime, this passage brings various emotions because of the depravity in display. In 2 Samuel, we see uncontrollable lust, rape and murder, and at the heart of it all we see the destructiveness of sin.

Amnon, in love with his half-sister Tamar who refuses to sleep with him, deceives and rapes her; in addition to such a crime, it was an act of incest, which was explicitly forbidden in the covenant law (Lev. 18:9; Deut 27:22). Tamar pleads with Amnon and tells him to consider the consequences of his actions, but we see those pleas are ignored (v.12-14). After his physical passions are satisfied, Amnon feels “intense hatred” toward Tamar. Feelings of guilt and shame heighten Amnon’s emotions, so that he now “hated her more than he had loved her” (v. 15).

What can we learn from this passage? First, we need to ask the Lord for self-control in our fight over sin – We see a classic case study of what happens when sin is not controlled and takes over our lives. Amnon is overtaken by his lust for Tamar and the consequences are severe. We need to remember that as believers, God gives us the spirit of self-control to fight sin in our lives. In addition, we must find the right people to help us fight temptation. It is important that we find the right people to keep us accountable – a mature believer/friend; a small group; a leader, etc. Finally, there are always consequences to our actions, that is, the sins we commit. We hurt others and ourselves when we fall into sin. Therefore, pursue God’s holiness as if your life depends on it, because it does. Say no to sin when it is pliable, but don’t wait until it has fully grown and about to give “birth to death” (James 1:15).

Prayer:

Lord, may my heart grieve over the sins in my life because it breaks Your heart. Help me to depend on Your Spirit that empowers and enables me to have victory over sin in my life.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 12

Lunch Break Study

1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Luke 22:40: And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”

Questions to Consider

1. What do we learn about temptation and sin according to 1 Corinthians 10:13?
2. What do we learn about God and His character?
3. What are some practical applications we can live by in order to fight sin in our lives? 

Notes

1. Whatever temptation you face, regardless of how seemingly insignificant or how great it is, know that your struggles are common to all. You are not the first person to experience the temptation, and you most certainly won’t be the last.
2. God is always faithful, and He will not let you to be tempted to the point that you must give in.
3. There are others out there who can relate to whatever temptation you suffer at any given moment, which is why a strong community is vital in overcoming temptation.

 Evening Reflection

What are the temptations that you are facing today? Fighting sin is a battle and can often be discouraging. Spend some time praying for strength and victory in our pursuit of overcoming temptation and sin.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 1-10 are written by Dr. Ryun Chang, Teaching Pastor of AMI.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Sam. 12:22-4 (ESV): He said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who knows whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he will not return to me.” 24 Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him.

Upon banishing the first couple from the garden for their willful act God, “made garments of skin . . . and clothed them” (Gn. 3:21). Methuselah set an all time record for longevity, and once he finally passed away at the age of 969 (6:27), the rain began to pour and it wouldn’t stop for 40 days. The Lord, in response to the post-Noah generation’s attempt to construct a tower high enough to reach to the heavens, “confused their language so that they will not understand each other” (11:7).

While God’s fierce judgment is the first thing that leaps out from these stories, upon a closer examination we find something else.   In the first example, God lessens the misery of the first couple by providing garments that would better protect them from the elements as well as cover their shame— seeing God’s mercy while He metes out His judgment isn’t difficult to see.

As for the name Methuselah, its sub-roots imply “death and sent,” which means that whenever people called him, they were literally saying, “Hey, Mr. ‘Death and Sent.’”   I am sure many had wondered, Send what?—Noah, Methuselah’s grandson, would’ve answered, “Floodwater . . . to destroy all life under the heavens” (7:17). This means that Methuselah, in effect, lived out what apostle Peter would pen several thousand years later: “The Lord is . . . patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). The longer Methuselah lived, more people would’ve been reminded of God’s pending judgment; the Lord, of course, hoped that they would repent!

As for those who could no longer understand each other at Babel, it was a good thing that they, as a result, “scattered from there over all the earth” (11:8) instead of being able to continue with their defiant project. Had they kept it up, “something worse may [have] happen[ed]” (Jn. 5:14). That’s mercy from God.

So, what do these stories have in common with what God did for David while judging him for his atrocity? Ask yourself this question: Would you have thought that God’s promise to David—“I will raise you up your offspring to succeed you . . . and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Sam. 7:12)—was going to be realized through what began as an illicit relationship? But, that’s precisely what happened: “[Bathsheba] gave birth to a son, and they named him Solomon” (12:24). And “the LORD loved him” (25). God is into the redeeming business!

Look, God is holy; so when our sinful push comes to shove, He will judge—sometimes hard! But that’s when we get a clear glimpse of His mercy and grace. I don’t know what you have done and what you are reaping as a result, but don’t give into a lie that as a result of sin, God must not care about me anymore. These four examples all point to a merciful and gracious God who seeks to redeem your mess after a time of judgment.   Be contrite before God. Turn away from sin. Turn toward God.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for redeeming my life, for apart from You, I am nothing. Help me to immediately turn to You, even when I mess up, for I know that You are a merciful and gracious Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 11

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 1-10 are written by Dr. Ryun Chang, Teaching Pastor of AMI.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Sam. 12:9-14

“You have struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be your wife and have killed him with the sword of the Ammonites. 10 Now therefore the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.” 11 Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house. And I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.” 13 David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 Nevertheless, because by this deed you have utterly scorned the Lord, the child who is born to you shall die.”

I once got a speeding ticket in Arizona for driving 60 MPH back in 1985 when the legal limit was 55 MPH—it’s probably 70 or 75 MPH now.   The speed limit is the rule of the road, much like how some countries have rules to drive on the right side of the road while others require the left side—they are completely arbitrary.   What isn’t arbitrary is the law of speed, which stipulates that the faster I go, the more time and distance it takes to stop.  Ignoring that law may result in a serious accident that can kill or injure people.  This is to say, while it is no longer a crime to drive above 55 MPH in Arizona, that doesn’t abrogate the law of speed, which, once broken, can produce death.

The same is true in the spiritual realm, for Paul states, “For before the law was given, sin was in the world.  But sin is not taken into account when there is no law.  Nevertheless, death reigned from time of Adam to the time of Moses, even those who did not sin by breaking a command” (Rom. 5:13-4).   Before the Mosaic Law was ever introduced, the law of sin (Rom. 7:23) was living and active, and reaping havoc on humanity who dared to ignore it.  King David challenged it head on and paid a dear price.

This is what we can learn from David’s saga about the consequences of unmitigated and prolonged sin, with blatant hypocrisy to boot (even after God’s forgiveness has been granted): “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked.  A man reaps what he sows.  The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction” (Gal. 6:8a).   No one should be surprised to find, then, that Absalom later shames his father by “lay[ing] with his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel” (2 Sam. 16:22).

Before I leave you all frightened, recall what apostle John stated: “There is a sin that leads to death. . . . All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death” (1 Jn. 5:16-7).  Whatever else John meant, he is saying this: while all sins are an affront to God, not all have the same consequences.  For instance, if you commit the kind of sin that David, as a top leader, committed—adultery and murder—you can expect steep discipline from God.  But, there are some sins that may not result in such devastating consequences meted out in such a swift fashion.

But here is the good news: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.  He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever.  He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:8-10).   Thank you, Lord, for being so gracious.

Prayer

Holy Lord, I praise for your infinite grace and mercy.  Help me not to take your love for granted, but that I would fear You and hate sin.  Give me the desire to be holy as You are holy

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 9-10

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 5:13-6 (ESV): You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Pet. 3:15: But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…. 

Heb. 12:14: Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Question to Consider

1. What are the two principal ways in which we can attest to the greatness of our God to the world?
2. Ultimately, what is the goal of trying to demonstrate God’s greatness in public?
3. What are some things that we do that result in bringing dishonor to God?  Are you satisfied with how you are representing God in public?

Notes

1. The principle ways are the following: good deeds that stand out to the surprise of the world and an articulate defense of our faith.
2. We don’t want the public to praise us just because of our excellent moral and ethical conduct; instead, we want them to know that Christ has transformed us to be useful for our society. We want Christ to be exalted.
3. We dishonor God when our moral and ethical conduct is below the standard of the world. This gets worsened when we don’t adequately answer those who ask us for a reason for the hope that we have.   Or, even if we are able to respond, our attitude is not borne of gentleness and respect.

 Evening Reflection

Based on how you interacted with others and made decisions today at school or workplace, would you say you represented Christ well or poorly? What often gets in the way that keeps you from being salt and light in public? Ask God so that you can discern those obstacles and then help you overcome them by relying on Him.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 1-10 are written by Dr. Ryun Chang, Teaching Pastor of AMI.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Sam. 12:13-4 (NASB)

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has taken away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born to you shall surely die.”

I cannot remember the last time I saw a bumper stick that says, “I love Jesus.” Maybe that’s a good thing since most Christians don’t drive all that differently than those who prefer other stickers, such as “My other car is a Porsche.” While some lousy Christian drivers have done some small harm, it pales in comparison to when famous Christian leaders fall from grace, and the whole world knows about it. And that is one reason David’s sin was so detrimental: “Because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt” (2 Samuel 2:14).

In fact, both Moses and Paul used the “What-would-the-unbelieving-world-think” rationale to make their respective cases. When informed of God’s plan to “destroy” the Israelites (Ex. 32:10) for worshiping the golden calf, Moses said to God, “Why should the Egyptians say, ‘It was with evil intent that he (God) brought them out, to kill them’” (12). Paul, in referring to the law-breaking Israelites, said “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you’” (Rom. 2:24).

Going to school or work is stressful enough. Adding to that the pressure to live out the Christian faith in public may seem too much; as a result, many of us remain as incognito Christians. Some may even skip praying in public before a meal to stay anonymous; yet, once in the safe confines of a church, we dance and holler for Jesus! Don’t live like that! Be a witness for Christ! However, before trying to “stick out” for Jesus, prepare your heart and mind spiritually and intellectually; otherwise, we may end up dishonoring God by hypocrisy and through an inarticulate defense of our faith.

When I was studying social science at a secular graduate school in the 1980s, I worked hard to present cogent views from a Christian worldview in class discussions. Outside the class, I tried to be a good classmate—for instance, by helping out with their school projects. I can say this much: these graduate students—often cynical about the Christian faith—didn’t “diss” it, at least in front of me. “Let your light shine before men” (Matt. 5:16) spiritually and intellectually so that they will take Christ seriously.

Prayer

Dear God, I love and praise You today. How I thank You for always providing for me. In view of the fact that the world is getting increasingly hostile to the Christian faith, I often find myself being reluctant to express my faith. Lord, strengthen me to be salt and light for Christ in public places. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 5:13-6 (ESV): You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.

14 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 Pet. 3:15: But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…. 

Heb. 12:14: Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.

Question to Consider

1. What are the two principal ways in which we can attest to the greatness of our God to the world?
2. Ultimately, what is the goal of trying to demonstrate God’s greatness in public?
3. What are some things that we do that result in bringing dishonor to God?  Are you satisfied with how you are representing God in public?

Notes

1. The principle ways are the following: good deeds that stand out to the surprise of the world and an articulate defense of our faith.
2. We don’t want the public to praise us just because of our excellent moral and ethical conduct; instead, we want them to know that Christ has transformed us to be useful for our society. We want Christ to be exalted.
3. We dishonor God when our moral and ethical conduct is below the standard of the world. This gets worsened when we don’t adequately answer those who ask us for a reason for the hope that we have.   Or, even if we are able to respond, our attitude is not borne of gentleness and respect.

 Evening Reflection

Based on how you interacted with others and made decisions today at school or workplace, would you say you represented Christ well or poorly? What often gets in the way that keeps you from being salt and light in public? Ask God so that you can discern those obstacles and then help you overcome them by relying on Him.

Editor’s Note: AMI Quiet Times from May 1-10 are written by Dr. Ryun Chang, Teaching Pastor of AMI.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

2 Sam. 12:1-6 (ESV): And the Lord sent Nathan to David. He came to him and said to him, “There were two men in a certain city, the one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had very many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing but one little ewe lamb, which he had bought. And he brought it up, and it grew up with him and with his children. It used to eat of his morsel and drink from his cup and lie in his arms, and it was like a daughter to him. 4 Now there came a traveler to the rich man, and he was unwilling to take one of his own flock or herd to prepare for the guest who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 Then David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this deserves to die, 6 and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity.”

What was once unthinkable has become a norm and we think everything is okay.  No, I’m not talking about same-sex marriage but our hearts in general and David’s heart in particular.

Prophet Nathan, having been told by God to confront David, knew better than to openly rebuke the king lest he lose his head.  Even the valiant Prophet Samuel was concerned that King Saul might kill him (1 Sam. 16:2), if the king knew that he was searching for the next king.  So, Nathan came up with a clever story of a rich man forcibly taking the only lamb belonging to a poor man, and then feeding that to his guest.  Burning with anger, David’s reaction—“The man who did this deserves to die”—was worthy of an Emmy, except this time he wasn’t acting.  He was being genuine only because nine months of seeming tranquility had numbed the guilt and made him feel as though he really was the caring king who looked after a poor widow.  Perhaps David was patting himself on the back for being such a swell guy.

But the holy God is neither blind nor stupid.  Nathan’s tactful approach, no doubt prompted by God, made David his own accuser: “You are the man!” said the prophet, adding, “Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes?” (v.7).

This turn of event suggests that hidden and unrepented sin desensitizes the guilt, and soon we feel well enough to judge others for the same sin we have committed.  Enjoy that while it lasts because that song and dance will soon end; in time, “your sin will find you out” (Num. 32:23); after that, there is only shame and misery.  But here is the good news: Any time is always a good time to repent of our sins through Christ and get right with God, for He immediately grants forgiveness and new strength to make things right.

Hopefully, you aren’t anywhere near where David went; regardless, always confess your sins to God and ask Him to give you the strength to avoid the path toward where what was once unthinkable may become a norm to our own demise.

Prayer

Father in heaven, if truth be told, it is increasingly difficult to remain holy in this world.  It seems like the guys who cut corners and are mean to people are the ones getting better grades or jobs—and have more clout and money!  Remind me daily, O Lord, that my home is not this world, but that I am here to serve You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 7

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Jn. 1:9-10 (ESV): If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  10  If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 Jn. 2:1: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin.  But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

1 Jn. 3:6: No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.

Phil. 2:13: …for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

Question to Consider

1. What does Apostle John assume about our penchant for sinning as believers?
2. As we are told to confess when we sin, what should be involved in our confession? What is repentance?
3. We have the Lord’s promise to help us, but what does that help really look like? How are we being helped to avoid falling into a sin trap that WILL cost all that is important to us?

Notes

1. Apostle John was neither an idealist nor a romanticist; rather, he was a realist. This man who, in his younger days, was called “A son of thunder” for his hot temper, understood sin. He knew we weren’t going to bat 1.000, but he also expected the believers to avoid habitual and intentional sins.
2. Confession involves the following: “I am sorry for what I did” (penitence); then to “I regret what I did” (remorse); and finally, “I’ll turn back from what I did” (repentance). Anything less than this is not genuine; it’s a foolish game we play with God.
3. The first line of God’s help is his church—not just showing up on Sunday morning for an hour of service but getting help from decent, compassionate, and gifted people who are there to encourage, teach, and even rebuke you so that you will live for God’s pleasure. Don’t battle sin alone!  It’s a lot more powerful than we may think.

 Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day in all seriousness, did you tell any fibs?  Did you make up stuff to avoid a moment of embarrassment?  I join you in confessing that these things come to too easy and far too frequently.  Before we make another vow to God, why don’t we just go to Him and ask for His mercy?