Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 19-27 are provided by Cami King of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 24:16-20:

16 As soon as David had finished speaking these words to Saul, Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 He said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have repaid me good, whereas I have repaid you evil. 18 And you have declared this day how you have dealt well with me, in that you did not kill me when the Lord put me into your hands. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away safe? So may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold, I know that you shall surely be king, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 

Some friends and I laughed this week about just how hard it is for parents to admit to their children when they are wrong. They will shuck and jive and maneuver in all sorts of odd ways to communicate their remorse without actually saying the oh so humbling words – “I am sorry; I was wrong.”

Most people have a hard time admitting when they are wrong – not just parents. I am definitely one of those people. I grew up thinking (rightly or wrongly) that the world expected me to fail and fall short and I would never give them the satisfaction of acknowledging that I had actually done so. It seems silly now – of course I will err in some way throughout my life; no one is perfect after all. But in those moments of error, especially when others are the victims of our “falling short,” it’s a lot easier said than done to verbally articulate our wrong doing and sincerely apologize. It’s just too humiliating.

After aggressive persecution of David, Saul finally comes to his senses upon realizing that David spared his life when he could’ve killed him while they were in the same cave (10). Thus, the king, seeing that his own jealousy has led to a misjudgment of David, expresses sincere remorse. And although, as we will learn in the chapters to come, this remorse was short lived, in the verses we just read, the king actually apologizes and acknowledges that he was wrong. Bonus points for King Saul!

Do you have a hard time admitting when you are wrong and verbally communicating that to others? Did you grow up with the John Wayne approach to relationships – believing that apologies are a sign of weakness? Especially for those in positions of authority – do you believe the lie that your position is somehow compromised by an admission of fault?

We learn from Scripture today and from life in general that apologies have a medicinal way of mending relationships and healing our hearts. Contrary to popular belief, some of our moments of most notable greatness are when we choose to humbly admit our faults and learn from our mistakes.

Prayer

Gracious Father, please grow my heart in humility as I remember Jesus—the most exalted one—and his willingness to humble himself for me. Open my eyes to see the people I’ve wronged and strengthen my heart to offer an admission of guilt and a sincere apology. May this be a step toward restoring broken relationships in my life and cultivating greater Christ-likeness in me.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 21

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 5:1-7:

1 So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: 2 shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

Questions to Consider

1. What does it mean for us to clothe ourselves in humility?
2. In what ways are Peter’s words at the end of verse 5 “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” both a warning and an encouragement?
3. According to verses 6 & 7, how can we cultivate humility in our lives?

Notes:

1. Through his word choice, Peter is evoking the imagery of a slave putting on his apron, which he wears as a sort of uniform when he serves others. In this way, Peter is calling us to seek to be servants of one another, putting on humility as our work uniform, so to speak, as we go about doing Kingdom work.
2. If we are proud, God is the one opposing us. And quite frankly, none of us want to be on the receiving end of God’s opposition. But if we choose the road of humility, we know that God will extend us the grace to walk it out.
3. By depending on the Lord. Verse 7 is not a new command, but tells us how we can carry out verse 6. As we depend more on the Lord, we become more humble people and this extends to our interactions with one another.

 Evening Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on the situations where you found it difficult to say you were sorry. Why do you think it is hard for you to apologize? Think back to times others have apologized to you. How did their apology affect you and the relationship? Are there people in your life to whom you need to admit your wrong and apologize? Ask God to remind you of his amazing grace and example of humility and to give you courage to say, “I’m sorry; I was wrong.”

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 19-27 are provided by Cami King of Journey Community Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 24:1-7:

1 When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats’ Rocks. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 5 And afterward David’s heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. 6 He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord’s anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord’s anointed.” 7 So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

Most of us are products of a culture that has very little concept of respect of authority. “Respect is not given, it’s earned” is a phrase many of us have heard or even said ourselves. And while there is some truth to this idiom and some legitimacy to the postmodernist loss of respect for authority, I am still able to perceive something noble and true about David’s posture toward King Saul in response to his God-given leadership role.

We are all placed in positions of authority and in positions under authority in various spheres. And while our passage for today begs us to examine our interactions with the latter space, I want to challenge us instead to reflect on the former space. Saul was David’s leader and what we read in the above passage is the kind of commitment and submission to which God called David as a result. As leaders (be it as parents, spouses, bosses, small group leaders, older brothers/sisters in Christ, etc.) we are given a great responsibility to care for and honor the people God has called to submit to us. There is great vulnerability in submission, yes, but there is even greater responsibility in leadership.

Obviously, Saul is not the model of responsible leadership. Instead of caring for and building up David, whom Saul wrongly views as his rival, he persecutes him, forcing David to the unfortunate place of choosing between honoring God (by respecting the leadership of Saul) and protecting his own life (by killing Saul before he kills David). In Romans 13, Paul encourages us to submit to the authority figures in our lives, knowing that all authority and leadership is given by God. In the same way, leaders are called to care for those under their watch, being fully aware of their vulnerable position.

What kind of leader are you? Who are the people subject to your leadership? Ask God to help you lead in such a way that their God-honoring respect of and submission to you is life-giving to them and not burdensome or even harmful.

Prayer

Lord, thank you for the ways in which you’ve entrusted me with positions of leadership. Thank you for the trust and submission of those under my care. Please help me to lead in such a way that I build others up and encourage them toward Christ-likeness and not in a way that is self-seeking and harmful to others.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 13:1-7:

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Questions to Consider

1. What does verse 4 tell us about the purpose and role of authority figures?
2. As one subject to authority, we see obvious ways this passage may call us to action. But as one in positions of authority, how is this passage challenging or convicting?
3. What would people under your leadership say about you as a leader? In light of that, what changes are needed in order to improve your leadership?

Notes:

1. Positions of authority are for the purpose of serving God and for the good of others. Leaders are positioned by God and empowered to work on His behalf (not for their selfish ambitions or personal gain).
2. Again, we should be aware of the God-given nature of our positions of authority. Here, Paul seems to be focusing on governmental authority, but I’d think his sentiments are true for all positions of authority. If the position is given by God, then we should, with awe and reverence, use it for His glory. Furthermore we should be considerate of those subjected to us remembering that they are called by God to submission.
3. Personal application question.

 Evening Reflection

Think of the good and bad leadership to which you’ve been subject throughout your life. How has good leadership been life-giving for you? Reflect on the ways Jesus chose to interact with and exercise his authority. How can you be more like Him as you exercise your God-given authority in various spheres where others are subject to you?

Editor’s Note: Today’s QT is written by RCC intern pastor Andrew Kim.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 22: 6-8:

6 Now Saul heard that David was discovered, and the men who were with him. Saul was sitting at Gibeah under the tamarisk tree on the height with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing about him. 7 And Saul said to his servants who stood about him, “Hear now, people of Benjamin; will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards, will he make you all commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? No one discloses to me when my son makes a covenant with the son of Jesse. None of you is sorry for me or discloses to me that my son has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day.”

“You don’t know what I’m going through… You don’t understand.” I’ve heard those words come out of my mouth and that of others countless times. It seems to be the go-to answer when we, while going through rough and confusing times, don’t want to heed the advice or warnings of those around us unless they are sympathetic to our cause. This frustrating syndrome is aptly referred to as victim mentality.

I still remember having to make a significant personal decision to leave my previous job to a new one; the entire process was very laboring at the least. People gave me advice, but it only seemed to go so far. It felt like no one understood me or knew what I was going through; thus, rather than accepting their help, I found myself becoming defensive.

In today’s text, it appears that King Saul went through the same except his condition, in time, became very toxic. He once had an entire kingdom under his rule; now he couldn’t even rule over his own sanity. He lost control of the people near and far, but more importantly his own mind. Rather than listening to God and properly addressing his lack of trust in Him, he victimized himself to the detriment of everyone around him. Even though David never mentioned nor tried taking the throne, Saul couldn’t help but feel jealous and paranoid. In reality, no one was against him, except himself. He had lost control to the point of even killing God’s priests.

Do you feel like no one understands you? Do you feel that no words can actually give you peace? We can learn from Saul’s account that such sentiment, when left to fester, only leave us feeling further alienated. It may, then, lead to making rash decisions that hurt both you and others around you.   That is when we need to look to Christ who empathizes with our weaknesses and calls us to approach Him with confidence (Heb. 4:14-5). Let us remind ourselves that Christ is not only with us, but also for us.

Prayer

Lord, help me to remember the cross and that you were the ultimate victim for my sins. Your promise to never leave me nor forsake me still stands today. I know that in everything either good or bad, you are working in me even when I cannot see it, for you are always with me. Jesus, help me not to victimize myself but constantly turn to you.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 19

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:31-39 (ESV):

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

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

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Questions to Consider

1. Paul asks, “Who is to condemn?” How can we overcome our victim mentality?
2. Paul asks, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” What are some things in our lives that can separate us from Christ?
3. What assurance can we take from this passage?

Notes:

1. Paul asks a rhetorical question implying that nothing in this world can condemn us. Christ became the ultimate victim by taking our sins upon the cross on our behalf so that rather than being condemned, we are now saved. Actually, before God we were never victims but transgressors. Now, having been forgiven by God in Christ, we are more than conquerors, including over our erroneous victim mentality.
2. Paul provides a list of things as a warning that will distract us from the inseparable love of Christ. Consider how these items can be relatable in your life (i.e. tribulations can represent hardships or struggles that you may be going through).
3. There is nothing in this world that can separate us from His love—not physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental. He continually intercedes for us (v. 34) in our weaknesses.

 Evening Reflection

Take a moment to reflect on your relationship with Christ. What are the areas, times, situations, or even relationships that keep you from His love? How have you felt victimized and then let that spiral into a mess like Saul? Ask God to open your eyes to see His inseparable love and the people whom He has placed in your life to release you.

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 10th-18th are provided by P. Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Sam. 20:34:

34 Jonathan got up from the table in fierce anger; on that second day of the feast he did not eat, because he was grieved at his father’s shameful treatment of David.

For both the good and bad, this generation of young people is a lot different from my generation. A positive example is that kids today don’t seem to be as easily embarrassed by their parents as we were. In fact, kids today want or expect their parents to chauffeur them to and from school; back in my day, I would have rather died than to be caught getting a ride to school from my mom. Now as a somewhat needy and smothering dad, I am hoping that this trend will continue, so that I can walk my kids, hand-in-hand, all the way to their first class when they are seniors in high school.

So when I was a kid, my mom did a ton of things that embarrassed me. We were poor immigrants, and my mom did not know that “American” children didn’t wear the same outfit every day. We never spent money on brown paper lunch bags, so my lunch was either in a large paper shopping bag or a plastic grocery bag—consisting of the “wrong” kinds of food. And of course, we didn’t spend money on haircuts, so thanks to mom, my face was an embarrassment. (Growing up in the 80’s was rough if you were not normal, because outward appearances were so important.)

As I get older, I laugh at those embarrassing things and realize that in the grand scheme of life, I can get over them. Looking back, I had a great mom, who worked hard for me, loved me, and prayed earnestly for me; in other words, I had a respectable mom. Now, let’s just imagine that I had a mother who dressed me like Miami Vice, put the best sandwiches in the right sized bags, and paid for the sweetest feathered haircut. But if she was lazy, selfish, and disinterested, would I be looking back so fondly of her and have respect for her?

You have to feel for Jonathan, because I see this man who was trying to do right by himself, for his friends, and his God; but he had a father who constantly did things to bring shame upon himself and his family. Jonathan was the prince, so Saul could have given him whatever he wanted, except for things that cannot be purchased—like respectability. In the end, what is true for the king is true for the street sweeper: respectability (or shame) is won by character and right actions. Let me ask you this question: Do your children, spouse, or friends see in you a person who is respectable, honest, consistent, etc.? Or do you just have really cool stuff and a lot of money to buy them things? When my children get older, I don’t think I’ll mind if they say, “My dad used to embarrass me in front of my friends with his corny jokes and poor fashion sense.” On the other hand, it would break my heart if they say, “My dad was an embarrassment because he always talked about Christ, but never followed him.” This day, live a faith that your children (even if you don’t have kids) can respect. Know that if you have not been living a life of integrity, it is never too late to start.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to be a person whom my children, my parents, my spouse, my friends can be proud. Help me to make good choices and have blameless actions; simply put, let me live a life worthy of the calling that I have received.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 18

 

Lunch Break Study

Read James 1:22-25

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. (NIV)

Questions to Consider

1. Why do you think James equates self-deceit with “merely listening to the word”?
2. What is the importance of obeying the word?
3. Are you a doer of the word or merely a listener?

Notes:

1. Especially for those of us who are in the church (a lot), there is a tendency to think that listening to messages and going to many meetings makes us obedient and pleasing to God. However, there is no substitute for obedience: To obey is better than the sacrificing of time or resources.
2. Obedience leads to God’s blessing; disobedience amounts to foolishness. Although God’s grace is upon all who believe, it is also fair to say that God blesses obedience and punishes disobedience.
3. Please be truthful with yourself; do not deceive yourself.

Evening Reflection

Did you live a life of integrity today? Did you do your best to obey God in matters of thought and action? Do you generally strive to obey Christ because He has purchased your life with His blood?

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 10th-18th are provided by P. Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Sam. 19:9-10:

9 Then a harmful spirit from the Lord came upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his spear in his hand. And David was playing the lyre. 10 And Saul sought to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, so that he struck the spear into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night.

Concerning my first job out of college, I like to make the joke that it felt like a bunch of frat boys somehow got their hands on a company and were running it. I do not say this to intimate that our company was poorly run; on the contrary, it was easily the best run company for which I ever worked. What I mean by the comment was that my bosses and just about every male (and some of the females) in the company were these overly aggressive, testosterone-filled party animals. There was no regard for politically corrected speech. If you made a mistake, the boss would let you have it with words that cannot be printed in a devotional. And every time we’d go out, it felt like these guys wanted to get drunk like they were in a college party.

As a 22-year old, who had just spent the last four years in a great, but somewhat insulated, Christian community, I was at a loss to figure out how to deal with my boss. Sure, my then pastors and church leaders yelled at me, but not with the anger that my boss expressed and certainly not the vulgarity with which he expressed it. At the end of the day, I guess I was just too young and too “green” for that style of leadership.

As I talk with more and more people about their jobs, I’ve come to realize that many people struggle with their bosses. Some people work for bad-tempered yellers; others have cutthroat and dishonest bosses; and others have incompetent people above them. In my estimation, less than 20% of people feel like they have talented bosses who are good at what they do. I’m sure one can easily make a comedy movie about horrible bosses; who knows, you might even be able to squeeze out a sequel.

All that being said, for all of you reading today’s devotional, I don’t think your boss could have been as bad as David’s boss. Imagine making millions of dollars for your company (or winning countless battles, 1 Sam. 18:5), marrying the boss’ daughter (1 Sam. 18:20-29), singing your boss lullabies when he gets headaches (1 Sam. 16:14-23), and then having him repay your accomplishments and service by trying to turn you into a human dartboard!

Yet, if you read the account of 1 Samuel, for all the wrong that Saul did David, David never retaliated, spoke a slanderous word, or sinned against the king. In fact, David considered it a sin to do anything harmful to the “Lord’s anointed” (1 Sam. 26:9). As you go out this Monday morning to work, consider your attitude toward your boss and people in authority at your company. Are you able to honor even those who dishonor you, because this is what God would have you do?

Prayer

Lord, help me to be faithful at work and to work hard today. Help me to honor those I work with, and to remember that it is ultimately You whom I serve.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Rom. 13:1-7

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

Questions to Consider

1. According to this passage, if God places authority, what is the implication of resisting authority?
2. What is the duty of authority (v. 3-4)?
3. To whom do you owe respect and/or honor?

Notes:

1. If we resist authority who is placed by God, then that is tantamount to resisting God, or at least, “resisting what God has appointed” (v. 2). Such actions leave us open to God’s judgment.
2. The duty of this authority is to reward good and punish wrongdoing.
3. Personal application question.

 Evening Reflection

Did you work hard and faithfully? Did you show proper respect to your boss and everyone else in authority? Do you feel that you are growing in your fear and respect for the Lord?

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 18:20-21:

20 Now Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and the thing pleased him. 21 Saul thought, “Let me give her to him, that she may be a snare for him and that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore Saul said to David a second time, “You shall now be my son-in-law.”

It’s Sunday, you are getting ready to go to church; I hate to write such a dark quiet time, so I apologize in advance. They say that the greatest love in the world (outside of God’s love) is the love parents have for their children. (Technically, they say a mother’s love is greatest, but I’m working with Saul here, so give me some leeway.) This is why when we read a story about a mother killing her children, we find it incredibly disturbing. Such stories attract huge amounts of national media attention because they defy sensibilities and shake what we think we know about love. Of course, most of us would agree that people who do these things to their children are the exception, not the norm. Most parents would rather die than let harm come to their children.

Unfortunately, I have heard about one too many stories of filicide (when parents kill their kids) to universally accept the axiom that the greatest human love is the one parents have for their children. Although it is true for most people, I think there is one human love that can even trump a parent’s love; namely, the love a person has for him/herself.

When we read about Saul giving his daughter to David in marriage, we are cushioned by the facts that David is a righteous man and Michal loves him. But make no mistake, Saul’s motivation in blessing this marriage was not his daughter’s happiness; rather, he was hoping that Michal would be a “snare” to David. In other words, Saul was using his daughter to secure his own kingdom; sure, not as bad as killing his daughter, but in the general ballpark. For Saul, Michal ceased to be his daughter; she became an asset to him. It’s pretty cold if you think about it.

Let me ask you a question: Are people assets to be used and discarded, or do you genuinely care about them? Is self-love the strongest love in your life right now? If you answered yes to either of these questions, let me remind you this morning of the love of our Lord, who placed the needs of the world over His own and died on the cross for us. Let me also remind you of the love of the Father who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all (Rom. 8:32). Lastly, let me remind you of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to love others (all others) more than we love ourselves, which can truly be the greatest human love in the world.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 16

Editor’s Note: Today’s QT is written by RCC intern pastor Andrew Kim.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 18:6-9:

6 As they were coming home, when David returned from striking down the Philistine, the women came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet King Saul, with tambourines, with songs of joy, and with musical instruments. 7 And the women sang to one another as they celebrated, “Saul has struck down his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” 8 And Saul was very angry, and this saying displeased him. He said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed thousands, and what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on.

Have you ever had a friend or knew somebody who was always good at everything? Smarter, funnier, better looking, more social, more successful, etc. When I was growing up, I had a friend who fit this description, and as much as I cherished our friendship, I couldn’t help but feel jealous. I grew up in a culture where comparing yourself to others was something innate within us. Mothers would always compare their children to other children like trophies to be bragged about at their next hangout.

This culture doesn’t stop there, but I see it as I walk through San Francisco today where you can feel the competition. It’s almost as if no one can actually be genuinely happy for someone’s success without a part of them feeling, “Where’s mine?” Charles Spurgeon describes this reality as “the depravity of our nature that we do not readily rejoice in the progress of others if they leave us behind; but we must school ourselves to this.” Everything we do is relative to what the person next to us does, and as we compare ourselves to each other, jealousy is inevitable. We’ve all seen it, been a part of it, guilty of it, and we all know the dangers of it.

Here in this passage, we see that jealousy takes root in the heart of Saul. Any victory that Saul took pride in, David accomplished more. Saul was king by title, but it seemed like David was king in the hearts of the people. Saul compares his worth to that of David’s achievements and forgets that it was God who had ordained Saul as king. Jealousy leads to Saul’s unexplainable feelings of anger, discontentment, and threat as he is now crippled with fear and insecurity. It not only destroys Saul’s calling over his life and his heart, but also the work that God is doing through David.

It’s easy to dismiss such an account because maybe we have not let our jealousy lead to murder. However, how many times has jealousy robbed us of our own calling and anointing over our lives? Rather than understanding and living in the identity that God has called us in, we see others and can’t help but feel less competent, and it’s hard to feel genuinely happy for them. Thus, we strive to be more like them, to be better than them, and create expectations that only leave us emptier. Essentially, when we are being jealous, we discredit the unique gift and calling God has over our lives. As D.L Moody said, “My friend, if you are jealous, the only man you can hurt is yourself.”

Take some time to reflect on areas in your life where you find feelings of jealousy that have led to feelings of bitterness and insecurity. Maybe you feel like you’re not good enough and you’re asking, “Where’s mine?” Remember God the Father, His name is Jealous and unlike people, His jealousy is rooted in an unexplainable love for you. He loves you for who you are and not for what you can offer or for your achievements but simply as His child. Remind yourself and believe that He has a special calling over your life tailored to who you are. Remember all the things He has done and thank Him. Let us strive to not be like others, but to be more like Christ.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 14-15

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 10th-18th are provided by P. Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Samuel 17:38-40:

38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine.

I probably overestimate my courage and commitment to the Lord, but in my younger years, I am convinced that if given the opportunity, I would have gone anywhere for Christ, gone through any type of suffering, even died for Him. Hey, as a cheap, fresh-out-of-college bachelor, my living conditions approached prison-like anyway (dirty, overcrowded, rodent-infested, no food anywhere, etc.)

Something dramatically happened to me between then and now. Now, I am obviously older and certainly more rooted; I have a wife and kids, and I live in a beautiful city, which will one day be the future home of Starfleet Academy. Now, if God asked me to give up seat warmers in my minivan, or cable television, or move to the suburbs, there would be a struggle in my heart to obey. On a more serious note, if I felt the call to serve God in the developing world, my thoughts would immediately jump to the safety and the well-being of my wife and young children.

What happened to me? Did I get soft? Yes, no doubt about it. Is it also true that my life got more complicated and the stakes got higher? Sure. But here is the biggest difference, I like my life now more than I did back then. I like being a dad, a husband, a pastor, where I live, etc. Don’t get me wrong, I liked life in my 20’s, but it doesn’t compare to what I have now.

I think the Bible sets up the David and Goliath narrative to imply that Saul should have fought Goliath, not David. Logically, the only person who would have had a chance against a giant would have been the guy who stood a head taller than everyone else in Israel (1 Sam. 9:2); in fact, David even goes out and fights in Saul’s armor! But before we are quick to label Saul a coward, think about all he had to lose, and ask yourself if you would have fought the nine-foot Goliath.

What stops you from taking risks for the Kingdom? Do you think about all you have to lose? Do you like the life you’ve built up or are building up for yourself? I’m not saying it’s wrong to enjoy life, but at the end of the day, would you rather be a lowly shepherd with God or a king without him?

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to hold loosely to the things that I have so that I may cling tightly to You. Thank you for the life and existence that I have, but never let these things become an idol for me or a reason to not pursue Your Kingdom.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Joshua 1:6-9

6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Right after Moses dies, God commissions Joshua to take his place and to conquer the land God is about to give the Israelites, but before letting him go, he gives the above instructions.

Questions to Consider

1. What do you think Joshua had to fear?
2. Why do you think the Lord chooses this place to insert instructions to keep the law in Joshua’s mind and heart?
3. How does the Lord finally encourage Joshua? (v. 9).

Notes:

1. Joshua succeeded Moses, the founder of Judaism. He is also charged, after 40 years of wandering the desert, to conquer enemy land–pretty intimidating charge.
2. Israel’s success, in fact, its existence is owed to God and God alone. God did not want His people to forget who they were, from where they came, and their charge to be a holy people, during this crowning moment. Also, focusing on God tends to help us forget less fearful things.
3. The last encouragement is God’s promise of His presence.

 Evening Reflection

What are the things that you fear to lose? Do you fear life without the Lord’s presence and power more? Does the Lord’s presence bring you the daily encouragement it is supposed to bring?

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 10th-18th are provided by P. Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

I Sam. 15: 24-31: Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.”26 And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” 30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the Lord your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul bowed before the Lord.

About a month ago, my wife asked me my thoughts on the Brian Williams’ scandal, to which I responded with a blank, inquisitive, and ultimately clueless look.  My wife then rebuked me, telling me, “You’ve got to look at more than just sports on the Internet.”  She then proceeded to fill me in on the details of how Williams claimed to have been in a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq in 2003, but over ten years later it was reported that he was not on that helicopter.  He then claimed to be foggy on the details, and how embarrassing this incident was looking for him.

My response after hearing all of this was something to the effect, “Wow, that is unbelievable, but hey, I’ve been there before.”  No, I’ve never been to Iraq or got shot down in a helicopter, but I am ashamed to admit that there have been several times in my life where I have lied to save face.  What’s worse, even when everyone knew I was lying, I continued to lie because perpetuating the lie felt less embarrassing than revealing the truth at that moment.  For example, has your boss ever asked you to do something, but you totally forgot to do it?  Then when she asks if you did it, you respond with a false yes.  Then when she proceeds by asking how it went, you perpetuate the lie by just making stuff up.  Why did you do this?  Because at that moment, the truth now entails not only admitting that you forgot in the first place, but that you just lied to her to save face.  (For the record, I never lie to my current boss.)

When I look at Saul in 1 Sam. 15, I see this guy who is so concerned about saving face that he will say and do just about anything.  When Samuel asks, “Why didn’t you obey the Lord?”  Saul responds, “I have obeyed” (v. 20).  But as Samuel rebukes him for not fully obeying (vv. 22-23), Saul says that “he feared the people” (v. 24). Finally, when Samuel proclaims that the Lord will replace him as king (vv. 28-29), Saul seems more concerned that Samuel attend the feast to “honor him before the elders” (v. 30).  At this point, Saul seems misguided in his priorities, wouldn’t you say?  Instead of being right before the Lord, he wants to look good in front of people.

How about you?  Do you ever fear the thoughts and judgments of people more than you fear the Lord?  Does that fear cause you to act with less than 100% integrity at times?  Today, let’s determine to be people who live in fear of the Lord (not fear of man) and act righteously and blamelessly in what we say and do.

Prayer

Lord, help me to fear You more than I fear people.  Give me integrity of word and deed to speak only truths, even if that means embarrassment to me.  Thank you that You are the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16).

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 11

Lunch Break Study

Eph. 4:25-32

25Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil. 28Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Questions to Consider

1. Concerning words, what are the things Paul tells us not to do?
2. Concerning words, what are the things Paul tells us to do?
3. Who are some people you could “build up” (v. 29) with your words or deeds?

Notes:

1. Paul tells us to put away falsehood/lies (4:25), corrupting talk (4:29), and slander (4:31). These are the specific verbal sins, but of course, there is more than just verbal sin mentioned.
2. Positive words include, speaking the truth (4:25) and building each other up (4:29). And likewise, there are many positive actions and emotions mentioned.
3. Personal application, but please try to think of a specific person.

 Evening Reflection

Where you completely honest and forthright today?  On the positive side, did you have an opportunity to build someone up?  If so, did you take that opportunity?  Has Christ sanctified your pattern of speech, thought, and/or personal integrity in the last few years?

Editor’s Note: The AMI Quiet Times for March 10th-18th are provided by P. Yohan Lee of Radiance Christian Church.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

1 Sam. 15:12: And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.”

Every time I read this passage I think, “What is wrong with Saul? He totally fell off the wagon and is setting up idolatrous images of himself,” similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Dan. 3) or the golden calf (Ex. 33). In other words, I start to self-righteously judge Saul, thinking, “I could never do such an idolatrous thing like that.” But as I read this passage more carefully, I realize that the Bible never says that this monument was supposed to function as a center of idolatry, worshiping Saul. It simply says a “monument for himself.” It could have simply been a pile of rocks celebrating his victory over the Amalekites. In that light, I realized that not only do I set up monuments for myself, but our society is preoccupied with self-monuments. Think about it: Why do people write their names in wet concrete? Why do teenagers who are “in love” carve their names together in trees? Why are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. so popular? Why does every architect dream of designing a New York skyscraper? I could go on and on.

Maybe I am being too philosophical, but I think our fascination with building monuments has something to do with man’s inner desire to last forever. We know we are mortal, but we don’t want to be forgotten after we leave this world. This is not all bad either. I believe that our desire to last forever stems from the fact that we are made in the image of God who is, among many other things, eternal. But in the end, I see two shortcomings in Saul in 1 Sam. 15: First, Saul’s desire to build a monument for himself was based on vanity. You see this by the way Samuel rebukes him in 15:17: “Though you were once little in your own eyes…”—implication being that Saul was once humble but became self-centered. Second, Saul wasn’t building an eternal monument. I challenge anyone to find this monument that Saul set up; you won’t, because it’s long been destroyed. Of course, we know that there is a place where we can build up treasures or monuments, if you will, that will last forever (Matt. 6), but in order to set up a storehouse there, we cannot think vainly of ourselves.

This morning ask yourself, am I building up monuments for myself? If so, how long do you want or think these monuments will last? Are there monuments that you could be building that will last forever? Are you willing to give up vain glory to build up these eternal monuments?

Prayer

Lord, please give me humility of mind and heart, so that I would think of others over myself. Also, please guard my heart and help me to invest in things that will last forever, namely your kingdom and the souls of men.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Phil. 2:3-11

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Questions to Consider

1. Based on this passage, how would you define humility?
2. How did Christ model humility for us?
3. How did God respond?

Notes:

1. We see that humility includes thinking of others more significantly than ourselves and considering other’s needs above our own.
2. Christ demonstrated humility by taking the form of man and then letting mankind put him on a cross.
3. God lifted Christ up. Now, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the Lord.

 Evening Reflection

How much did you think of yourself today? Did you put the interests and desires of others above yourself? Did you think about God and did you try to invest in heavenly monuments today?