REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on July 8, 2017, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Memorizing God’s Word”
Revelation 14:12
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Our church has recently wrapped up another successful summer VBS, and despite all the crying, the endless chaotic bundles of energy, unintentional food fights, and the over-tired/over-hyped volunteers, it’s one of my favorite programs at our church. Every year I walk away with another special memory of our time together which blesses me until the next summer. This year, my new moment involves a little girl from the community who had been dropped off by her grandma. Once her grandma had left, the girl cried for at least an hour, begging us to go home to her mommy. I tried to cheer her up, but the moment she saw me approaching, her crying worsened! I helplessly walked away and returned about fifteen minutes later to see her in the arms of one of our volunteers, reciting the memory verse for the day. What a miracle! But the happiest moment was to see her actively participating in the Bible lessons, and later dancing and singing to the songs of worship. She left the church that day with a big smile on her face.
This little girl had walked in feeling abandoned by her grandmother and thrown into an unfamiliar setting. Yet she left the church that day with a verse memorized in her head and a melody to hum about the love that God has for her. The simple truth of knowing God’s Word and putting her faith in Him had ingrained itself in her head, at least for that day. And this is what the writer tells us regarding the key behind the endurance of these saints. The ‘secret’ condenses down to two things: keeping God’s commandments and sustaining your faith in Christ. The same simple lesson that we teach at VBS, is the same lesson that helps us endure to the end. Let us hold fast to the Scriptures knowing that even if heaven and earth pass away, His words will remain forever (Matthew 24:35). May we respond to the Scriptures in a faith that is lived out.
Spend a moment to memorize a verse or two that you can recite to yourself throughout the day. Here’s one from our past VBS: “If God is for us, who can ever be against us” (Romans 8:31). Note: Please make sure to read/pray them in proper context! May His word encourage and strengthen you throughout this day.
Prayer: Lord, we confess that many times we can complicate the Christian faith. Jesus, just as you depended on the Scriptures when you were tempted in the desert, may we also turn to your Word. Help us not to put our faith in other things or people, but to only put them in you. Father, allow your word to strengthen our feeble hearts and become living and active in our lives.
REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional QT, first posted on November 27, 2017, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei. He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/
Devotional Thoughts for Today
“I Am a Sojourner”
Genesis 23:1-6
Sarah lived 127 years; these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died at Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went in to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. And Abraham rose up from before his dead and said to the Hittites, “I am a sojourner and foreigner among you; give me property among you for a burying place, that I may bury my dead out of my sight.”The Hittites answered Abraham, “Hear us, my lord; you are a prince of God among us.Bury your dead in the choicest of our tombs.None of us will withhold from you his tomb to hinder you from burying your dead.”
In 2010, Lebron James made a shocking announcement to the NBA world: he would be taking his talents to South Beach, Miami. For the next four years, Lebron made his home in Miami and thrived during his time there. He won two NBA championship titles for the city of Miami, became one of its most beloved citizens, and he was even called “King James.” But Lebron (and most discerning fans) knew that Lebron’s home wasn’t really in Miami. He was a sojourner there. Lebron was always destined to return to his true home. Sure enough, in 2014, Lebron made his way back home to Cleveland. But his time in Miami will always be one for the (NBA) history books.
Our passage today begins with the death of Sarah. As Abraham grieves for her, he searches for a proper burial place for his beloved wife. Approaching the Hittites, the natives of the land, he begins his request for a burial plot by saying, “I am a sojourner and foreigner among you…” Now, there are a few reasons why Abraham might have introduced himself in this way. Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans, and so he was literally a foreigner. But we must consider that by this time, Abraham had been in the land of Canaan for around 50 years already (he was 75 when God first called him). He had raised children, won several military battles, and became one of the most recognized citizens in the area. In fact, he is even called “prince” by the Hittites! It seems that Abraham’s self-identification as a “sojourner and foreigner” is not so much due to the novelty of his stay in Canaan, but rather because he knew that his true home was in heaven. So, although Abraham lived and thrived in various cities, he knew that he was a sojourner until he arrived at home. Perhaps this is why Abraham was able respond to God’s commands with such profound obedience.
Today, let’s be reminded that we are also sojourners in this city. This doesn’t mean we stop putting effort into our roles and responsibilities here. In fact, we ought to do our best to be excellent citizens and loving neighbors wherever we live. Nevertheless, it should be clear to us that we are sojourners and there is only one home to which we belong—and that is with God, in heaven.
Prayer: God, help us to live in this world/city without forgetting that we are just passing through. May you use every moment of our time here for Your glory. And may we respond to Your call with unhindered obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 15
Lunch Break Study
Read Philippians 3:17-20:Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Questions to Consider
In this passage, what is Paul’s primary command to the Christians in Philippi?
Who might these “enemies of the cross of Christ” be?
What does it mean to be a citizen of heaven?
Notes
Paul’s primary command for the believers is for them to imitate him (Paul), and keep their eyes on those who walk faithful to Christ.
Paul isn’t explicit here about who these people are, but he has given us enough clues here (and in other parts of this letter) for us to have a good idea of whom he is talking about. Paul is urging the believers to be careful of those who call themselves “Christians” but choose to lead others to focus on earthly things. Whether enforcing circumcision, or diet restrictions (“god is their belly”), these people made earthly things the focal point of their faith. Paul says, with tears, that their end is destruction.
In contrast with having a mind set on earthly things, Paul calls us “citizens of heaven.” Citizenship implies many things on earth: For example, there are many perks, privileges, and responsibilities of being a citizen of the United States. Among the countless blessings/perks of being a citizen of heaven, Paul highlights one specific aspect: we await the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Evening Reflection
This evening, spend some time reflecting on what it means to be a sojourner in your city, at your job, on your campus. What are some ways that you could live increasingly as a citizen of heaven?
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 27, 2017, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Keeping Our Promises”
Genesis 31:43-50 (ESV):
Then Laban answered and said to Jacob, “The daughters are my daughters, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine. But what can I do this day for these my daughters or for their children whom they have borne? 44 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I. And let it be a witness between you and me.” 45 So Jacob took a stone and set it up as a pillar. 46 And Jacob said to his kinsmen, “Gather stones.” And they took stones and made a heap, and they ate there by the heap. 47 Laban called it Jegar-sahadutha,but Jacob called it Galeed. 48 Laban said, “This heap is a witness between you and me today.” Therefore, he named it Galeed, 49 and Mizpah, for he said, “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight. 50 If you oppress my daughters, or if you take wives besides my daughters, although no one is with us, see, God is witness between you and me.”
Our church is notorious for having a lot of leftover snacks—from the leftover snacks of different retreats to the snacks that each of our ministries buy for future events, there is always food lying around somewhere. And what I’ve learned is to make sure to label everything, if I am saving it for something—otherwise, it will most definitely get eaten. Sometimes, even the snacks that are labeled get taken! So recently, I’ve started labeling our snacks with our ministry name, and then adding the line: “Please do not take, God is watching you.” Hopefully, this will deter whoever has been taking my snacks. I might not be there to protect these snacks from being stolen, but God is watching. The funny thing is, more often than not, this is a great deterrent.
In this passage, we see that Laban and Jacob are getting ready to part ways. If you remember, Jacob had fled, with his wives and his flock, but Laban had caught up to him. He accused Jacob of stealing his household gods, but they were nowhere to be found. As Laban is about to leave to return home, they take a bunch of stones and make a tower with it, calling it Galeed, which means “a heap of witness,” and Mizpah, which means “watchtower.” This heap of stones is to act as a watchtower to watch over both sides of the family, when they cannot see one another.
If you google Mizpah, you’ll see pendants that sell pretty well. Apparently, people have monetized it and made it into a romantic item, where “The Lord watch between you and me, when we are out of one another’s sight,” is a symbolic token of God watching over their love for one another. However, in the context of this passage, Mizpah is more of a warning—that God is watching whatever they do in the dark, and that God will be the final judge in these matters.
Sometimes we forget the fact that God is always watching—whether it’s the business deals or in our dealing with the different relationships that we have. Do we do things with the understanding that God is watching our every move? In Luke 12:3, Jesus says that whatever is said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what is whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops. Sometimes we may get freaked out that we are being watched (especially with the NSA surveillance leak), but we should actually be comforted by the fact that our God is the ultimate watchtower of our lives, watching us for our well-being. May we live our lives with integrity and purity in light of this reminder that our God is the ultimate watchtower of our lives.
Prayer: Lord, we thank You for being the watchtower in our lives. Thank You that Your loving eyes are upon us, both in the good times and in the bad times. We ask for Your eyes of love and hand of protection to be upon us. May we live our lives in a way that is godly and honoring to You. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 14
Lunch Break Study
Read Psalm 139:1-12 (ESV): O Lord, you have searched me and known me! 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. 3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? 8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be night,” 12 even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day, for darkness is as light with you.
Question to Consider
1. What is the psalmist trying to communicate?
2. What patterns do you notice in this psalm?
3. Read this psalm in its entirety twice, then pause and ask God to speak to you through this psalm. What is He saying?
Notes
1. The psalmist is communicating that God is always with him. The key verse is verse 7, where David says that he cannot run away from God’s presence. Whether he goes down to Sheol, or if he ascends up to the heavens, God’s presence is always with him. His eyes are always upon him.
2. David uses contrasts (opposite ends of the spectrum) to explain this idea that God is always with him. Whether he is in the heavens or in the pits of Sheol, God is with him. Whether he is taken up in the wings of the morning or in the uttermost parts of the sea, God is there leading him. Whether he is in darkness or light, God is there with him. Whether he is laying down or rising, God is with him.
3. Personal response.
Evening Reflection
How do you react to the fact that God is a watchtower in your life? Does it bring you comfort? Does it bring you peace? Does it bring you anxiety or fear? Bring this up to the Lord and allow Him to minister to you tonight.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on June 28, 2017. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“It’s Not Over Until God Says It’s Over”
Revelation 11:7-14
When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which mystically is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 Those from the peoples and tribes and tongues and nations will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not permit their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them and celebrate; and they will send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11 But after the three and a half days, the breath of life from God came into them, and they stood on their feet; and great fear fell upon those who were watching them. 12 And they heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” Then they went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies watched them. 13 And in that hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell; seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past; behold, the third woe is coming quickly.
I’ve spent much of my time studying Revelation in preparation for these quiet times in worship and adoration of God. His power and majesty are just so evident in John’s visions (even as I struggle to fully interpret the particulars of the events). Today’s passage is no different. God’s prophets, with all the power and authority that we talked about yesterday, complete the mission God has given them. But then something unexpected (to me at least) happens—they die. God allows their lives to be taken and the wicked to rejoice over them. It’s a terrible scene. But, as is always the case with God, death isn’t the end of the story. God breathes life back into them—just to show off, it seems, since their work is already done—and brings them up to heaven with Him while the world watches.
The older I get and the longer I walk with God (and get to know those who’ve walked with Him a long time), the more I encounter seasons of unexpected disappointments. In devotion to God, we find ourselves thirsty in the wilderness. In obedience to Him, we find ourselves smack dab in the middle of a storm on the sea where death seems imminent and all seems lost. In those times I am reminded of the saints who have gone before and the end of their stories. No matter how dark the clouds and even when death itself comes knocking at our door, we know who has the last word. We will not be taken out of the game before our job is done, and we won’t stay down forever because when the time is right, God’s people will absolutely get up and rise to abundant life with Him.
I am reminded of an oft-quoted dialogue at the end of The Lord of the Rings, where Sam asks Gandalf if everything sad is going to come untrue. We can take heart, no matter what twists and turns our journey brings, because we know Who sits on the throne, the good work He is accomplishing, and the end of the story He’s writing—an end where all the sad things do indeed come untrue.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit and Your power at work in me. Thank You for calling me Your child and friend and making me Your ambassador in the world. May I not squander the authority and power You’ve given me to accomplish Your purposes (even in small ways) as I go throughout my day today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 13
Lunch Break Study
Read Matthew 16:24-28: Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. 25 For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds. 28 “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
Questions to Consider:
What do Jesus’ words in verse 24 remind us about the nature of discipleship (or following Jesus)?
What promise are we given in these verses if we choose the tough road of discipleship? How does this encourage you in your walk with God today (in light of the specific things you’re facing)?
What are some ways God is calling you deeper into genuine discipleship? What, if anything, is holding you back from the kind of pursuit of Jesus that we read about in the verses above?
Notes:
Discipleship is costly. We offer our whole lives (Romans 12:1-2) to the Lord and that offering is often painful and difficult (because of the nature of our fallen hearts and this fallen world). Discipleship in this verse has four components: we come after Jesus (surrender), deny ourselves (saying no to what we want), take up our cross (willingly participate in the work God has for us to do—even the costly kind), and follow Him (take our direction and cues for Christ through His word and Spirit). There is nothing easy about it!
We are promised that if we choose to lose our lives (literally and figuratively) for the sake of Christ (or in pursuit of Him), we will be granted life—a true and abundant life. And we know from other passages that we taste that life even now, while we’re still on this side of heaven (Mark 10:29-30). Spend time considering what specific ways that promise encourages you today.
Spend some time in personal reflection.
Evening Reflection
In 1904 William Borden, heir to the Borden Dairy Estate, graduated from a Chicago high school a millionaire. His parents gave him a trip around the world. Traveling through Asia, the Middle East, and Europe gave Borden a burden for the world’s hurting people. Writing home, he said, “I’m going to give my life to prepare for the mission field.” When he made this decision, he wrote in the back of his Bible two words: No Reserves. Turning down high paying job offers after graduation from Yale University, he entered two more words in his Bible: No Retreats. Completing studies at Princeton Seminary, Borden sailed for China to work with Muslims, stopping first at Egypt for some preparation. While there he was stricken with cerebral meningitis and died within a month. A waste, you say! Not in God’s plan. In his Bible underneath the words No Reserves and No Retreats, he had written the words No Regrets. (Dec 31, 1988 Daily Bread)
I first read this story as I prepared for a short-term missions trip and have returned to it often as a reminder that there is nothing wasted in God’s economy. Are you living with no reserves, retreats, and regrets? If no, why not? What are the areas in your life that you are keeping reserves? When are the moments when you tend to retreat? Spend some time offering those areas to God so that when it’s all said and done you too can say you have no regrets!
REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on November 28, 2017, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei. He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“An Example of Integrity”
Genesis 23:8-16
And he said to them, “If you are willing that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me Ephron the son of Zohar, that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he owns; it is at the end of his field. For the full price let him give it to me in your presence as property for a burying place.”Now Ephron was sitting among the Hittites, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the hearing of the Hittites, of all who went in at the gate of his city, “No, my lord, hear me: I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the sight of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.” Then Abraham bowed down before the people of the land. And he said to Ephron in the hearing of the people of the land, “But if you will, hear me: I give the price of the field. Accept it from me, that I may bury my dead there.” Ephron answered Abraham, “My lord, listen to me: a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between you and me? Bury your dead.” Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver that he had named in the hearing of the Hittites, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the weights current among the merchants.
Most American retail stores don’t operate on a system where prices are negotiable. But in many parts of the world, negotiating prices is a normal part of the business culture. If you’ve ever sold or purchased anything through Craigslist, you may have an idea of how temperamental and even volatile these transactions can be. In our passage today, Abraham enters into a negotiation with Ephron the Hittite for a plot of land. If there is anything we can learn from this passage, it’s the exemplary integrity of Abraham in a business setting.
First, they hold the transaction in a public place, the gate of the city in front of all the people. They could have done this deal privately, behind closed doors, but he was intentional about being transparent in his business dealing.
Second, Abraham shows respect by bowing before the people. The Hittites were not exactly Abraham’s friends. They didn’t follow God; they weren’t part of the community of faith. In fact, they would later become enemies of the descendants of Abraham. Nevertheless, Abraham treats them with respect.
Third, Abraham listens to Ephron and then insists on paying the full price. It may seem like Ephron is trying to gift the land to Abraham, but this back-and-forth dialogue was actually the customary way to bargain. When Ephron hints that the land is worth “four hundred shekels” he is effectively naming his price. Rather than haggle for the lowest possible bargain, Abraham gives him what he asks. Furthermore, Scripture mentions that he used the current weight measurements to ensure that he wasn’t swindling Ephron.
Could Abraham have gotten a better deal? Probably. Could Abraham have muscled his way onto the land and taken it by force? Perhaps. Why, then, does Abraham insist on paying full price, with full transparency, and respect, when dealing with strangers/enemies? Abraham wasn’t a sucker who overpaid the Hittites. Rather, there was a sense of honor and integrity that Abraham carried with him, even in the midst of business transactions. I can imagine that Ephron and the surrounding citizens must have been confused as Abraham began counting off four hundred shekels without even attempting to bargain. Prior to the meeting, one can assume that the Hittites were bracing for a heated exchange of negotiations. Instead, Abraham came to them, showing transparency, respect, integrity, and generosity.
Drawing from the example of Abraham, let us carry the character of God with us into our workplaces and classrooms today. Instead of approaching our work with worldly intent, let us approach it with godly intent. I believe that doing so will fundamentally change the nature of our work.
Prayer: Lord, help us to walk with transparency, respect, integrity, and generosity, not just within the church walls, but wherever we go. Transform the fundamental nature of the work of our hands, so that it may glorify You, as well as to testify of Your character to those looking on. Highlight the areas in which we are lacking godly character so that we may repent. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 12
Lunch Break Study
Read Joshua 7:1-5:But the people of Israel broke faith in regard to the devoted things, for Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of the devoted things. And the anger of the Lord burned against the people of Israel.Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is near Beth-aven, east of Bethel, and said to them, “Go up and spy out the land.” And the men went up and spied out Ai. And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not have all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and attack Ai. Do not make the whole people toil up there, for they are few.” So about three thousand men went up there from the people. And they fled before the men of Ai, and the men of Ai killed about thirty-six of their men and chased them before the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them at the descent. And the hearts of the people melted and became as water.
Questions to Consider
According to this passage, in what way(s) did the people of Israel break the faith?
What was the consequence of this breach in faith?
What does this story tell us about the effect of hidden sin?
Notes
Joshua 7 tells us that the people of Israel broke faith because one person, Achan, took some of the devoted things. In other words, the entire nation was at fault because of the sin of one man.
Because of the sin of Achan, the anger of the Lord burned against the entire nation of Israel. Their very next military endeavor turned out to be a complete failure. They lost the battle and 36 of their men were killed. Furthermore, the hearts of the people “melted and became as water” because of this defeat. At first, this may seem like a small loss, but you have to realize that until this point, this Israelite army had not lost a battle. Big or small, they always won because they knew that God was on their side, fighting for them. This defeat was demoralizing because it meant that something wasn’t right with the Lord. All of a sudden, He wasn’t fighting for them anymore… and that was a terrifying thought.
It’s shocking to see that God would withdraw His presence because of the sin of one person. This shows us how severe it is to keep hidden sin. It doesn’t just affect the one person; it affects the entire community. Of course, the power of Jesus’ blood is enough to cover and forgive every sin. Nevertheless, when we choose to incubate hidden sins, the consequences can be tremendous, even tragic. If you are part of a community of faith, let us practice walking in the light.
Evening Reflection
This evening, spend some time praying for your workplace/campus/neighborhood. Oftentimes, it’s hard for us to sense God’s presence in these places. But let us grow in our faith that God is just as alive in these places as He is in the place of our corporate worship. What are some ways you can serve and bless the people outside of church?
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on September 22, 2017. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Grief Of God”
Genesis 5:21-24
Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.”
“No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear. I am not afraid, but the sensation is like being afraid. The same fluttering in the stomach, the same restlessness, the yawning. I keep on swallowing. At other times it feels like being mildly drunk, or concussed. There is a sort of invisible blanket between the world and me. I find it hard to take in what anyone says. Or perhaps, hard to want to take it in. It is so uninteresting. Yet I want the others to be about me. I dread the moments when the house is empty. If only they would talk to one another and not to me.” (C.S. Lewis, A Grief Observed)
After the death of his wife, C.S. Lewis kept a journal chronicling his grief. Those journal entries became a book called A Grief Observed. In this small but impactful volume, readers are granted privileged access to private moments of a faithful saint searching for God in the midst of life’s greatest darkness. In the excerpt above, Lewis describes the experience and sensation of grief in vivid detail. For those of us who’ve faced times of grief, it is not hard to access Lewis’ words.
Take a moment now to remember a time when you experienced grief. How would you describe that experience?
Imagining Lewis’ grief after the death of his wife is not a challenging exercise. What is difficult to imagine (for me at least) is God suffering grief and coping with loss. Yet in Genesis 6, we are told of a time when God experienced deep regret after making humanity because of their wickedness and sin. God grieved. Growing up around the church I’ve heard the phrase, “Don’t grieve the Holy Spirit” (maybe you have too), but seeing God’s grief here in such emotive language is tough.
The sins of humanity—my sins and your sins—utterly break God’s heart. Yet we willingly sin everyday. As people in relationship with God, may we desire to live in a way that delights the heart of God, not break it.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to be brokenhearted over my brokenness. Thank You for caring about the world enough to be grieved over sin. Help me today to be more aware of You, and how the things I do make You feel. Help me to also remember that You didn’t stop at grief, You moved forward to redemption and restoration. May I take hold of that today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 11
Lunch Break Study
Read Genesis 5:21-24: Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6 The Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. 7 The Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them.”
Ephesians 5:25-31: Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and do not give the devil an opportunity. 28 He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need. 29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Questions to Consider
According to these two passages, what kinds of things grieve God?
As a person who is in a relationship with God, how does being aware of God’s grief over sin affect you?
What are some specific things Paul reminds us to do in Ephesians 5 to keep us from walking in sin? Which things from this list strike you most today as areas where you can walk in greater obedience? (Try to pick one specific area.)
Notes
Sin grieves the heart of God – evil intent in our hearts and minds and wicked deeds in our daily lives. One important theme in Ephesians 4 is God’s displeasure over our mistreatment of one another. In these verses we are warned not to behave wickedly toward one another and then reminded not to cause God grief.
Spend some time in personal reflection.
Paul tells us (1) stop lying and speak truth, (2) stop sinning in our anger, (3) stop stealing and work and to the community from our work, (4) speak in a manner that is edifying and gives grace to the hearer, (5) get rid of bitterness, (6) get rid of wrath, (7) get rid of anger, (8) get rid of clamoring, (9) don’t slander anyone, (10) get rid of malice, (11) be kind and tender-hearted to others, (12) forgive as we’ve been forgiven.
Evening Reflection
In an article for Christianity today, Pastor Rob Strong reflects the topic, “What brings God joy?”:
“When my wife surprises me with ‘taco night’ at our house, that makes me happy. When I find a few spare dollars in my pocket or time to sit for my favorite movie, that also makes me happy. But joy is different. Joy is deeper than happiness and rises from within the soul rather than from circumstance. It redefines a situation, makes it more meaningful, and you feel it in your bones. When one of my children climbs on my lap and wants to be held, I experience joy. Or when I have a thoughtful conversation with someone who is considering a more meaningful understanding of God, that brings me joy. Or when I can spend time with [my wife] at our favorite restaurant, alone, just connecting. Yes, that brings me incredible joy. Now consider God. What could he possibly want or need that would cause him to pause, take notice, and then smile? What would provoke joy in the Creator’s heart and make him want to shout throughout the heavens?”
The simple answer is you. Among the things that delight the heart of God is His intimacy and fellowship with you. Spend some time alone and connecting with God tonight. This could be through prayer, listening to worship music, reading Scripture, practicing the presence of God, etc. The best way may be to just talk to God about your day, the way you would a friend and enjoy God’s company. Be sure to spend some of the time listening (as God likes to share His heart as well).
UPDATE Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on October1, 2017, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. David is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Our Covenant God”
Genesis 8:21-22
And when the Lord smelled the pleasing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I ever again strike down every living creature as I have done. While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.”
Recently, my wife and I decided to give our older daughters an allowance based on how well they listen and if they are helpful doing choirs around the house. I have to admit that my daughters were pretty excited about this as it gives them a way to save money and get a gift they want for the future. The allowance system is based on a promise that was made between my children and me and because of their trust in their parents; they know that they will be rewarded.
In today’s passage, we also see a promise made by God to Noah. This promise is called a covenant, which is structured agreements between God and man. In Scripture, God made covenants with, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. In the covenant with Noah, the Lord promised never again to destroy all life with a (universal) flood (8:20-9:17). He also pledges to sustain the seasonal cycle, and thus the general stability of nature.
You might be asking, what’s the point of all of this? We need to understand that covenants were based on God’s love for His people. If you ever doubted God’s love for you, the Gospel reminds us that the New Covenant is the promise that God makes with humanity that He will forgive sin and restore fellowship with those whose hearts are turned toward Him. Jesus Christ is the mediator of the New Covenant, and His death on the cross is the basis of the promise (Luke 22:20).
Spend some time this morning reflecting on His love for you. He loves you so much that He made a way, through Jesus, that we could receive His grace and salvation. Ask the Lord that you would understand and experience more of His great love.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the covenants in the Bible because it shows Your love for us. Even when we fail to keep our end, You still shower us with Your unconditional love because You are the great Promise Keeper. Amen.
REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on October 7, 2017. A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia.
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Table of Nations”
Genesis 10:1
These are the generations of the sons of Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Sons were born to them after the flood.
Genealogies can be difficult to read in the Old Testament. Often, we may think to ourselves, “I can just skip these chapters and move onto the important parts of the Bible.” This is certainly tempting, but these chapters are also God’s word, so we should not ignore them.
In the Book of Genesis, genealogies play an important role. They serve as the transition points between different sections of the Book. Chapters 10-11 essentially serve as a single genealogy (with the story of Babel sandwiched inside), which sets the stage for Abraham. Genesis 1-11 basically is an extended introduction to the story of Israel, which begins in Genesis 12 with the calling of Abraham.
But what is important to realize with this genealogy here is that all these descendants came from Noah. V.32 later in this chapter says this, “These are the clans of the sons of Noah, according to their genealogies, in their nations, and from these the nations spread abroad on the earth after the flood.” From Noah, the ancient world as we know it came to be. Remember, Noah had found favor in God’s eyes (Gen. 6:8) and was righteous and walked with God (Gen. 6:9). This was the man from whom the nations of the ancient world came to be. The nations of the earth had a heritage of righteousness and favor with God. Thus, it is not surprising that God had called Abraham to be a blessing to the nations (See Gen. 12:1-3; Gal. 3:6-9). God wanted to call the nations back to Himself.
Genesis chapter 10 is called the Table of Nations. Let us remember that our God is One who loves the nations – He is the one who formed them in the first place! There is no nation that is outside the sphere of His love and desire. Today, let’s pray for this world, for the nations, for God to restore these nations back to the heritage of righteousness and favor. May the church, the new Israel (Rom. 2:28-9; Gal. 3:7), be a blessing to the nations!
Prayer: Lord, thank You for this genealogy, thank You that You are not just the God of a select few, but You are the God of the nations. May we remember Your passion to bless the nations, and may you use us to be that blessing. Lord, may we be a people who pray for Your will to be done here and abroad, as it is done in Heaven. Amen.
REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 5, 2017, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Chase”
Genesis 25:29-34
Once when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in from the field, and he was exhausted.30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stew, for I am exhausted!” (Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 Jacob said, “Sell me your birthright now.”32 Esau said, “I am about to die; of what use is a birthright to me?” 33 Jacob said, “Swear to me now.” So he swore to him and sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and lentil stew, and he ate and drank and rose and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright.
Every year, America witnesses the inner savage in all humans—we call it Black Friday shopping. In the past, shoppers have actually pulled out guns but people still refused to let go of televisions and computers even as they were getting shot at. This year, a shopper threw a shoe at a poor innocent baby while trying to beat the rush. Suffice it to say, we can all agree that Black Friday shopping has taken over and destroyed the meaning of Thanksgiving. Rather than celebrating with families and friends and thinking of the years’ past blessings, people sit in tents waiting in lines, fighting one another. Over what? Just to save some money on items that will soon be outdated.
In our passage today, Esau trades his birthright for a lousy bowl of soup because of his physical hunger. During the Mosaic times, the birthright, especially of the first child, meant a double portion of the family inheritance. It was their identity as the one to carry on the family line. Growing up, I always thought that Jacob was the conniving villain and Esau was just a naïve victim. But as I read this passage carefully I realized that, although Jacob deceived his brother, Esau had a great fault of his own. He failed to recognize the value and importance of his birthright; he did not fully understand the depth of the inheritance promised to him. As a result, Esau traded away something valuable for that which would only satisfy his immediate physical need, only to regret it forever.
The stories of Black Friday may seem comical, but the reality is, how often have we fallen into the same trap? How often do we chase after things of the world, putting our value and identity in them only to be disappointed? Sure, we can say that’s life and we are simply victims of it, but at what cost? May we never lose sight of our true identity and the inheritance that awaits all those who believe in the eternal value of salvation. It’s not to say other things are not important and that we shouldn’t pursue them; but it is to pursue them in light of our eternal inheritance. We all have been given something far greater than what this world could ever offer. May we never trade our identities as co-heirs to His kingdom for the fading temporary pleasures of this world.
Prayer: Father, we confess that many times we put things before You because we think it will satisfy us. However, we know that all these are temporary pleasures, for only You can truly satisfy us. Would You strengthen us in times when we are tempted to forget this truth? Help us to live our lives in light of our eternal inheritance.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 7
Lunch Break Study
Read Romans 8:14-17: For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Questions to Consider
What does it mean to be led by the Spirit of God? How does this change our relationship with God?
What does it mean for us to be adopted? What are the implications of this?
What is the inheritance given to us as sons and daughters?
Notes
Paul states that only those who are led by the spirit can come into a new relationship as sons of God. He contrasts this with the relationship between slaves and their masters. Slaves have no authority in their lives and must listen to their masters. Paul is referring to our state prior to salvation when we were slaves to the flesh under the law. Slaves serve their masters out of fear of being punished; but as sons, we no longer serve out of such fear. Instead, as sons, we have a lasting relationship where we address God as “Father”.
In our modern context, the word adoption brings up images of legal papers and processes. However, commentator Warren Wiersbe writes: “The literal meaning of the Greel
word is “son-placing”—the taking of a minor (whether in the family or outside) and making him or her the rightful heir. As heirs, we are then given an inheritance to His kingdom. We have been adopted into God’s family by the Spirit, and not by our own merit.
Paul is talking about an eternal inheritance that awaits us—the glory that we will share with Christ! Note, Paul makes a distinction that such glory comes with some suffering along the way. This suffering refers to the discipline that, as believers, we are to live by (Paul speaks of such disciplined life in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27). But such discipline pales in comparison to “what is in store for us is so grand and glorious that it will be, and will feel, as though we each had alone gotten most of the glory of God” (Timothy Keller).
Evening Reflection
The 1980’s American classic Annie is a film about an orphan girl who lives under the mistreatment of Miss Hannigan, an abusive alcoholic. The story takes a turn when a billionaire decides to adopt an orphan for a week to boost his public image. Annie is chosen and her life is forever changed as she lives in a lavish house with everything at her fingertips. The story ends with the billionaire eventually adopting Annie as his own daughter. Her life is forever changed from living in a broken run down house under a terrible caretaker, to a lavish mansion under the love and care of her new father.
May we be reminded that we too were once orphans in this world. And in our hopelessness, God has adopted us as his sons and daughters. Remember we are heirs to His kingdom and we now have full access to all that is His. Spend some time reflecting on this truth.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on November 15, 2017, is provided by Jennifer Kim who, at the time of writing, was serving at the Church of Southland, Anaheim, California.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“A Great Lesson Learned from My Lost Key”
Luke 15:4-7
“What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
Upon returning from our church retreat a couple months ago, I discovered that I had lost my car keys. Immediately, I went into a panic mode and began searching everything around me. I frantically checked all of my belongings, every vehicle I had entered, and every room I set my foot in. When some of the church members noticed my predicament, they quickly jumped in and helped me search for my keys as well. One of my friends even went as far as to call the retreat site and ask about any lost items. After a couple hours passed by, I came to the unfortunate reality that my keys were officially lost.
Throughout the following weeks, not a day went by without me thinking about my keys. I found myself constantly retracing my steps, forwards and backwards, in hopes that I may have overlooked a spot where I could have misplaced them. I called the retreat site again multiple times and searched our entire church building with a sense of determination. However, after two full weeks of incessant searching, I was left disappointed and ready to give up. As I reluctantly made the decision to move forward and make the necessary replacements, I received an unexpected text from one of our staff members. To my surprise, my keys had been discovered in the back crevice of one of the church vans. I literally leapt to my feet and was filled with an overwhelming sense of relief and happiness. My keys were finally found!
As silly as this story may be, I am reminded of the relentless love of our God. If we, being merely men, have such concern for a couple scraps of metal, how much more does our Heavenly Father have concern for those who are completely lost and without hope? Here, we see a God who actively pursues us in our desperate need. He does not leave us to fend for ourselves, but His eyes watch over us with careful attention.
As we reflect on this short passage this morning, let us be reminded of God’s great love for us. That no matter where we have been or what we have done, God never rejects a heart that is broken and contrite before Him (Ps. 51:17). He opposes the proud, but rejoices over a heart of humility. Let us give thanks to God for how far He has carried us up until this point. But not only that, as we have been recipients of God’s undeserving grace, may we also seek to exemplify the heart of our Father and become a channel of God’s blessing to those around us. Perhaps God is nudging you to be the very display of His care to another. Whether this is to extend a helping hand or a listening ear to a friend, family member, or co-worker, may you be used by God to be a source of fresh hope and encouragement today!
Prayer: God, thank You for being a Father who never gives up on me. Help me to have a heart that is tender before You and actively seek to be an extension of Your love and care to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: 2 Samuel 6
Lunch Break Study
Read Luke 18:9-14:And He also told this parable to some people who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and viewed others with contempt: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Questions to Consider
How did the Pharisee measure his standing and righteousness before God?
What was the tax collector’s posture before God?
Why was the tax collector’s prayer to God more justified than the Pharisee?
Notes
The Pharisee depended upon his own religious works and performance. He thought himself to be more superior to others because of how much he fasted and tithed to God (v.12).
The tax collector was aware of his sinfulness and desperately pleaded for God’s mercy (v. 13).
The Pharisee was full of pride and was impressed with his own ability to perform religious works. He was completely unaware of His desperate need for God and thought he was better than the tax collector. On the other hand, the tax collector understood the gravity of his sin and felt unworthy to approach a holy God. He knew that only God could ultimately save him from his sinful condition. He humbled himself before God’s saving mercy rather than relying on his own righteousness.
Evening Reflection
Take some time to reflect on everything that happened today. In what ways were you a channel of God’s blessing to those around you? In what ways did you struggle to be a display of God’s love? Pray for strength and ask God to fill you with His love and compassion.
