REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, originally posted on February 2, 2019, was written by Jin Ha Lee. Jin had served at Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia for many years. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Sure Return”

Galatians 6:6-10

“Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 

 Around a year ago there was a craze around “cryptocurrency” (e.g. Bitcoin), but I didn’t pay attention to it as something to invest money into. However, during this hype, one of my friends told me that he had invested into cryptocurrency and made X amount of money in one year. I was shocked because within one year of his investment, he had profited an amount that was equal to an annual salary! Long story short, I hastily tried to invest, but after praying through it and receiving wise counsel, I backed out because it was an impulsive decision made out of envy. Soon after, the cryptocurrency trend took a downward turn and had sunk in value.

Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up into investing our money, time, and energy into earthly activities that are uncertain in their “return”—especially when it seems like everyone else is thriving and we’re missing out. However, Paul’s reminder to the Galatian church was to endure in investing in a return that is secured by the Lord Himself.

In the backdrop of grace, there is a principle of reaping what we sow, and in due season, reaping what we sow for the Lord is not an uncertainty—but a promise! The reward of living for the Lord and being used by Him for His kingdom is not a matter of “if” but a matter of “when.” 

Exerting our energy into selfishness (different from self-care), sin, and fleeting materialism will reap exactly that—more selfishness, deeper bondage in sin, and emptiness (because all that we own on this earth will rust away). 

I still stay in touch with that friend who invested in cryptocurrency, and we joke around about investments. With what we know today, what investments would we make if we could go back 20 years? We bring up investing in stocks like Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and others because we know today that they grew exponentially in value. Only if we knew 20 years ago!

One day, we will come face to face with the Lord; except then, we won’t be able to joke around about what we should have sown into—it would be too late. Today, God’s Word clearly tells us that we will reap what we sow. We can have a sure expectation that the ways we are sowing for the Lord now will result in reaping in its due season—if we do not give up.

Are you weary of doing good? The Lord understands. Let’s rest and strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Paul follows the call to endure with this reminder: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for giving us opportunity to do good, especially to those who are part of the body of Christ. God, please use us to strengthen, refresh, and bless others. As we serve others, please bring alongside brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage us so that we can all continue to sow faithfully. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 John. 1:5-9: “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  ⁸ If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. ⁹ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Questions to Consider

1. Positionally, the believers are always in the light but our actual life can get pretty dark sometimes.  What causes temporary spiritual darkness in our lives that sometimes lasts too long?

2. Why do we, from time to time, act like we are walking in the light when, in fact, we are in darkness, much like the Pharisees who claimed to see but were blind spiritually (John. 9:39-41)?

3. What is one sure and fast way to rid ourselves of temporary darkness so that we tangibly experience “righteousness (e.g., a clear conscience), peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17^b)?   

Notes

1. In short, it is sin (in actions and attitude), which, when left unrepented for awhile, hardens the heart.  Once that happens, other more sinful things that we couldn’t fathom committing before become quite easy to do.      

2. Among several reasons, one is this: Looking good before the people.  Of the Pharisees who did many outwardly good things, Jesus said, “Everything they do is done for men to see” (Matt. 23:5^a).  That leads to hypocrisy, which is leading a double life.   In other words, we care more about what men think than what God thinks.

3. An honest evaluation of ourselves followed by an authentic confession of our sins that ought to lead to a genuine repentance; that is, a concrete plan not to commit the same sin (Lk. 19:8).

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Evening Reflection

Evaluate how the day went: Did someone say or do something that made you feel sad or mad?  Stay close to Christ and hear his heartbeat. What is he saying to you? It could be this: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13).

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on January 20, 2018, was written by Tina Pham. Tina, along with her family, is serving in E. Asia as a missionary. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Surprised by Listening”

1 Kings 3:9 

“So give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”

Having served on multiple short-term mission teams and lived overseas for over one year, I learned that while entering a new country is a cross-cultural experience, collaborating with different people after meeting them for the first time in a short span of time is a cross-universe challenge. Teamwork is like entering another person’s world to understand his or her perspective and realizing that others have to make the same leap to understand and “get” me. It is where God orchestrates multiple “nations” to work as one; and working through the friction and disagreements is a part of His refining work so that our capacity to love would expand. What brings victory to the cross-universe challenge is the ability to listen to the other. There is great joy in being loved and understood, and serving my teammates through listening, than in being right. 

When Solomon began his kingship, he asked the Lord for an understanding heart so that He would gain wisdom from God to rule Israel. Some translations say, “discerning mind” instead of “understanding heart,” but in Hebrew it literally means “a listening heart.” While Solomon gives us an example of growing a heart for listening to God, we can also apply this desire to our relationship to others. In your life has there ever been a person who surprised you with listening? It is common that we listen by default because of a role or position. Employees listen to their boss and students to teachers, but a person with a listening heart invites people to their safe space and takes genuine interest in them to understand them as a person. 

As God attentively listens to our prayers, let us consider how we can serve others with a listening heart, though it is costly and requires us to put down our agendas to fix people or problems. We can echo the prayer that St. Francis wrote: 

“O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled, as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved as to love.”

Prayer: Dear Father, I desire to grow a listening heart towards Your Word as well as towards others. Enable me to minister Your love and compassion to others through the art of listening and being with people. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Philemon 1

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on January 5, 2019, is provided by Mei Lan Thallman—now a friend of AMI—who served at Grace Covenant Church UC (now in Philadelphia) for many years.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Serving Jesus”

 Luke 1:38 

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” 

In preparation for the past advent season, I was struck by Mary’s character, childlike trust and deep faith in God. Though just a teenager, she displayed maturity beyond her years.  And while tracing the progression of her life recorded in Scripture, I, as a child of God, and a wife and mother, have been convicted and challenged by her example.

First, her response to angel Gabriel’s visit and revelation—“I am the Lord’s servant”—revealed an identity strongly rooted in God.  Before the visit, she was a daughter, fiancée, and a member of her community; but now she was first and foremost God’s child and servant.  Evidently, she grew up in a family that had nurtured her faith in God, which led to having an intimate personal relationship with Him.  Thus, having recognized God’s voice and leading, she trusted Him with unconditional surrender and submission to His will, believing that God could fulfill His yet-unknown plan for her life.  God’s redemptive plan was made in eternity past, and now she would be called upon to serve a crucial role in bringing it about; she responded with a wholehearted surrender to His sovereign will without any hesitation.

Mary was willing to do whatever God asked of her because she understood that the primary purpose of her life was loving and serving God above all else. She trusted God as her defender who would be able to convince her future husband of the divine conception.

It’s easy to see why God chose and entrusted both Joseph and Mary to be Jesus’ earthly parents.  Individually and as a couple, they made a conscious choice to love God above themselves and each other. They were willing to put Him and His plans above their own and make necessary adjustments and sacrifices to be obedient to His leading. So they deferred the consummation of their marriage and humbly embraced and endured the journey to Bethlehem and later to Egypt. 

As I reflected on Mary and Joseph’s life, I see a sharp contrast from my own. With all my heart I want to love God; yet, when push comes to shove my response to God’s own plan is more often self-centered rather than God-centered. When I was confronted with uncertainties of my future, and as I struggled with making necessary but risky changes to my life, I tended to retreat in doubt and fear rather than move forward with a firm faith, and say “Yes” to Jesus continuously without reservation, hesitation and condition.

Praise God that in those moments of questions and doubts, He reminded me that the secret to faith is found in Christ Jesus who now lives within me. God already knows that I can never love and serve him wholeheartedly on my own, no matter how sincere my desires are.  In my own strength and effort, I am guaranteed to fail. But with Jesus all things are possible. In Him I can rest assured by trusting Him and entrust my all to Him one moment, one step at a time.        

Prayer: God, please help me to begin this year with Mary’s heart and obedience. I am a servant to the Holy Spirit; please help me (and my family) to center my life around you and make necessary adjustments to do your will above my own. God, I know I cannot do this without your help, bring me to a place of total surrender to your control and plan for my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ruth 3-4

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional QT, originally posted on January 8, 2019, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Marriage Still Ain’t Equal’ but for a Different Reason Than Mrs. Obama’s”

2 Timothy 1:5

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 

Michelle Obama, in her bestseller Becoming (2018), argues that “women can’t experience equality in both their professional and personal lives at the same time.” Calling the idea of having it all a “lie,” she quipped, “Marriage still ain’t equal.” She is right, of course, since women still juggle work and family far more than men. Mothers—not fathers—are the ones taking maternity leave. And no matter how generous the maternity package may be, months away from work inevitably mean lost or delayed opportunities to gain skills, experience, and networking that contribute to upward mobility.

Nevertheless, I disagree with Mrs. Obama’s conclusion that marriage isn’t equal because it is skewed toward women. Why? Because her concerns, though legitimate, are limited to “this world…[that] is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31a). Her viewpoint is, in essence, secular. But when marriage is viewed through the lens of “the age to come, eternal life” (Lk. 18:30b NIV), we see something different: marriage isn’t equal because it is actually skewed toward men.

How so? Scripture teaches that while salvation is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8–9), rewards in heaven are based on good deeds done on earth (Matt. 10:40–42). And one good deed specifically mentioned for women is “bringing up children” (1 Tim. 5:10). This does not diminish the father’s role (often more associated with discipline—Heb. 12:7), but it highlights a unique and formative influence that mothers typically have.

Let me illustrate. A dear relative of mine was considered a stunning success among Korean mothers. Through tireless work, she became very wealthy, and her sons became a doctor and a lawyer. Yet once her faith in Christ became real in her middle age, she recognized the spiritual poverty of her sons, who did not walk with the Lord. She deeply regretted that God had not been part of their upbringing because she had neglected to include Him. As she was dying of cancer almost 20 years ago—still in her prime—she agonized over the uncertainty of her sons’ eternal destiny.

My point is this: most children first hear about God from their believing mothers; in fact, their earliest experience of discipleship usually comes from them as well. A rabbi, speaking of his own mother, said: “A traditional woman, she saw it as her responsibility that her sons regularly attend Sabbath and holiday worship services and observe common Jewish rituals… While there were many important Jewish influences in my life, there is no doubt my mother was the primary one.” Thus the Yiddish proverb: “God could not be everywhere, so he created mothers.”

One such mother was Eunice, the mother of Pastor Timothy. She likely was not highly regarded among the Jews of her day—she married a Gentile and did not circumcise Timothy (Acts 16:1–3), both taboo in Jewish culture. Nevertheless, my late relative, with all her worldly success, might gladly have traded places with Eunice. Why? Because Eunice did something my relative wished she had done: she helped her son develop a sincere faith in God. Listen to Paul’s words to Timothy: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your mother Eunice and now… dwells in you as well” (2 Tim. 1:5).

If you are a parent, you already know that children are not easily impressed by their parents’ faith—they see too much at home. But Timothy was different: he imitated his mother’s faith. This may mean nothing to the world, but it should mean everything to believing mothers.

Yes, “marriage still ain’t equal,” but not for the reason Mrs. Obama gives. It is “unequal” because mothers are uniquely privileged with the first opportunity to shape the eternal destiny of their children. And they will be rewarded for a job well done. This is a high calling from God.

You will never hear this from the trifecta of our leading institutions—the academy, the media, and Hollywood—because they are profoundly secular; for them, this material world is all there is. But they are wrong. “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 Jn. 2:17). Let’s not forget that.

Prayer: Dear Lord, we men are so insensitive to the many challenges facing modern women. We make promises to our wives that we will help out with housework, but we end up doing something else, like playing video games! We repent. Help us, God, to be real men! Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ruth 2

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Lunch Break Study

Gloria Steinem, once the most glamorous face of modern feminism, said, “A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” After making that statement, Steinem began a relationship with a billionaire that lasted for 4 years; when that relationship ended, she married someone else. 

Read 1 Corinthians 7:29, 32: “This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none . . . I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man [woman] is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord.”

Luke 2:36-38: “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”

Matt. 23:3: “So do and observe whatever they [the Pharisees] tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice.”

Questions to Consider

1. While I am not quite sure what Steinem really meant in her quote (any man or just chauvinistic man or predators like Weinstein or Lauer?), but in what sense can a man be a distraction to a believing woman?

2. Imagine that Steinem and Anna got into a conversation.  What would Anna say to Steinem?

3. Ultimately, what error did Steinem make, an error that all teachers have made? 

Notes

1. A man or a woman can easily be a distraction to one’s undivided devotion to the Lord, if we allow our devotion and desire for a person to overshadow our time spent with and service unto and thinking about the Lord.

2. “Gloria, you are right, a woman doesn’t need a man for the things only God can give:  unconditional and permanent love and acceptance. That’s what He promised in Christ. Upon seeing the baby Jesus at the temple, I thanked God for the consummation of that promise.”

3. I am happy that she found the love of her life and married him. But I hope no impressionable young women took her statement and made it her motto.  Steinem’s mistake is the same as that of the Pharisees: “For they preach, but do not practice.”  I am guilty of that as well.

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Evening Reflection 

Did you have another long and hard day at the office and/or home? Are you tired? Exhausted?  Here is a comforting passage for the weary:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30).

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on November 15, 2019, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Be on Guard”

Numbers 31:13-20

“Moses and Eleazar the priest and all the chiefs of the congregation went to meet them outside the camp. 14 And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the commanders of thousands and the commanders of hundreds, who had come from service in the war. 15 Moses said to them, “Have you let all the women live? 16 Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord. 17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known man by lying with him. 18 But all the young girls who have not known man by lying with him keep alive for yourselves. 19 Encamp outside the camp seven days. Whoever of you has killed any person and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day. 20 You shall purify every garment, every article of skin, all work of goats’ hair, and every article of wood.” 

Do you remember the story of the Trojan Horse? After a fruitless 10-year siege, the Greeks constructed a huge wooden horse and hid a select force of men inside. The Greeks pretended to sail away and the Trojans pulled the horse into their city as a victory trophy. That night the Greek force crept out of the horse and opened the gates for the rest of the Greek army which had sailed back under cover of night. The Greeks entered and destroyed the city of Troy, ending the war. Troy didn’t lose the battle to the Greeks because of an overwhelming force; they lost because they let their guard down.

In this passage, the Israelites were commanded to fight the Midianites. The Lord commanded Moses to command the Israelites to kill every male but keep the plunder. However, the Israelite commanders took captive the Midianite women and brought them before Moses. Moses was furious with their decision and said, “Have you let all the women live? Behold, these, on Balaam’s advice, caused the people of Israel to act treacherously against the Lord in the incident of Peor, and so the plague came among the congregation of the Lord” (vv. 15-16).

Why did Moses become so angry? What happened at Peor? In Numbers 25:1-9, King Balak of Moab wanted to defeat the Israelites, so he invited Balaam to curse them. However, Balaam could only do what the Lord commanded him to say. Four times Balaam blessed the Israelites instead of cursing them—and Balak was furious! However, Balaam told Balak that the only way to defeat the Israelites was for them to worship other idols.

Therefore, King Balak went with a different approach and invited the Israelites to feast with them. At the end of the feast, the Moabite women invited the Israelites to sleep with them as a way of worshipping Baal. Slowly, the Israelite men fell into temptation and the Lord brought judgement upon them. 

What the Israelites saw as harmless women, Moses saw them as potential temptations for the Israelites. In the same way, the Lord is reminding us that we must guard our hearts with different temptations in our lives. There are many things in this world that may seem harmless, but they can be incredibly hurtful to us—it could be relationships that lead to pre-martial sex, social media, alcohol, money, or power. Again, these things may not be sin, but they can be sneaky temptations that cause us to become ineffective Christians. For instance, we would not walk into a temple to offer incense to Buddha or our ancestors, for those sins are obvious and we know to avoid those. But the “harmless” things that sneak into our hearts are the sins that we need to be on guard against.

This morning, reflect on the “harmless” things that you feel can be potential temptations. Maybe God is inviting you to stop dealing with these things for a season. Ask the Lord to give you strength to put these things down. Our souls are too precious to let “harmless” things turn us into ineffective Christians. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You are always watching over us. Thank You that we are secure in our salvation, yet we have many blind spots in our lives. Many things may appear harmless, but they can lead us to sin against You. Lord, help me to be like Moses and be strict with what I let into my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ruth 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:6-7: “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

Questions to Consider

1. When we are faced with anxiety or temptations, what does Paul encourage us to do?
2. What will guard our hearts and minds against these attacks?
3. What is the significance of the phrase “in Christ Jesus”?

Notes

1. In the midst of anxiety and temptations, Paul commands us to ask the Lord for help with a thankful heart. While this may be a simple truth, it is difficult to do this when things are going wrong. However, Paul reminds us that God will hear us.
2. Paul says that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds. This is significant in two ways: First, we will know that this comes from God because it is a peace that we can’t comprehend. Second, Paul doesn’t say that God will “fix” our issues, but He will guarantee peace to face these issues.
3. “In Christ Jesus” signifies our identity in Christ. We can only have access to this “surpassing all understanding” peace when we are God’s children.

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Evening Reflection

This evening, spend some time with the Lord and invite Him to reveal any blind spots in your life (you may also call a small group member and ask them). Write these blind spots down and ask the Lord to help you work through them.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Christine Li, was originally posted on October 18, 2019. Christine serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Who’s Got Talent?”

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”

I was watching a couple videos of America’s Got Talent while babysitting recently. The premise of the show is that performers come before a panel of judges and demonstrate one skill or another that they’ve practiced. I watched one video in which the judges began by smiling politely at a young girl who was skinny and seemed nervous. Once her number started, a powerful voice suddenly erupted from her. The judges were shocked— flabbergasted to the point of dropping their jaws—and it was evident that they had severely underestimated her talent. (The girls I was with gleefully replayed that moment over and over again.)

While not a perfect analogy, Paul reminds us that we are also susceptible of determining someone’s worth, but God can easily overturn our prejudices. We gravitate easily towards external shows of power: beauty, strength, riches, education. However, we underestimate others who do not exhibit those same traits, and then we end up eating humble pie when we find out how God has actually equipped them and uses them powerfully! 

God often likes to remind us that we are too fixated on the outward appearance of things. He is not interested in our accomplishments and our attempts to impress Him through skills, talents, and looks. (In fact, to do so would be to completely miss the nature of how He gifted us with those in the first place). He has made grace a great leveler so that people we look down on—the foolish and the weak— are elevated, and we have nothing to boast of. 

Let’s ask God to change our vision of those around us. We may not always accurately gauge who He means to use, but when He imbues us with His Spirit, it is undeniable. Let’s ask for humility to not measure our fellow person based on what he or she seems to offer, but let’s ask God to give us discernment to properly value and honor a person’s capacity to glorify Him. 

Prayer: Father, I confess that I am guilty of judging my fellow brothers and sisters based on their strength and wisdom in my own standards. Give me Your grace to be reminded that none of us have anything to boast about; give me humility to understand that You often use those we underestimate. Help me to see Your people with Your eyes and not mine. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 21

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Lunch Break Study

Read James 2:1-7: “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?”

Questions to Consider

1. James recognizes that discrimination always happens, even within the worship service. What’s the problem with this kind of favoritism?
2. James also asks the believers to think about both the present life and the one to come. How does that help us here?
3. How do you discriminate against others, even in the church setting? Let’s reflect on how to apply this passage in our own lives. 

Notes

1. Favoritism and discrimination are ungodly behaviors because we set ourselves as the judge of a person’s worth and value. God loves all His children, but when we show favoritism, we essentially try to override His decision on who is worthy of love. 
2. While we might find people of a certain status compelling, we have not properly thought about how or whether we can live freely among them in this life. James mentions that the rich, who we love to show special attention to, give us no mercy on this side of Heaven; they also do not fear God and therefore do not practice justice correctly. We fail to understand that the poor inherit the kingdom, and so we are also being shortsighted when we do not consider what true success means in light of eternity.
3. Personal reflection.

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Evening Reflection

How did today go? Did God give you an extra measure of grace and vision for someone unexpected? Let’s ask Him to keep changing our perception of those around us and be humbled to see them used mightily in His kingdom.

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional QT is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“He is Good”

Psalm 5:8, 11-12

Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies —make straight your way before me. 11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. 12 For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Sometimes we wonder where God is in our turbulent seasons, and we grow dismayed when our circumstances refuse to change for the better (Ps. 22). If we—living in the relative comforts of the West—feel this way, how much more must our brothers and sisters in closed countries feel, where threats to their lives are a daily reality.

The Lord, of course, has His reasons for allowing such trials—reasons we may only understand later. In the meantime, we must not forget that God remains our shield and refuge. His protection does not guarantee physical deliverance in every situation, but it does mean that His grace will always be sufficient in our darkest moments.

What does that look like? The apostle Paul, confined in a Roman dungeon, wrote (2 Tim. 4:17–18): “The Lord stood by me and strengthened me… I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” God surely did strengthen Paul—yet shortly afterward, Paul was martyred. Is God still good? Paul would answer without hesitation: “Yes, God is good”—ultimately because of the sacrificial death of God’s Son on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21).

So today, pause and meditate on the goodness and kindness of our Lord. Take refuge in Him throughout the day. Are you following as He leads? As He spreads His protection over you, are you remaining in Him? Prayer and meditation on God’s Word are not sufficient in themselves, but they are necessary means of abiding. So pray—unhurriedly—and meditate on Scripture today.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I recognize Your active involvement in my life, to transform my faith and character, and the way I live.  Thank You for the difficult situations because through them,  I experience Your active presence in my life, as my refuge and shield.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 20

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ezra 7:1, 6, 8:21-23: Now after this, in the reign of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, son of Azariah, son of Hilkiah . . . 6 this Ezra went up from Babylonia. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses that the Lord, the God of Israel, had given, and the king granted him all that he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him . . . Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from him a safe journey for ourselves, our children, and all our goods. 22 For I was ashamed to ask the king for a band of soldiers and horsemen to protect us against the enemy on our way, since we had told the king, “The hand of our God is for good on all who seek him, and the power of his wrath is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and implored our God for this, and he listened to our entreaty.

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

Questions to Consider

1. Who said this and to whom was this said?

2. Why did this person say this (Ez. 8:22)?

3. What really concerned Ezra here with respect to his boss, the pagan king? 

4. Do you think people base their view of God by observing those who claim to believe and follow Him (Heb.12:14; 1 Pet. 2:12)?  

Notes

1. The teacher of Law Ezra said this to the Persian king Artaxerxes before making a dangerous trip to Jerusalem that would last for 4 months.

2. Having told the king how God protects His people, Ezra felt ashamed to ask him for soldiers and horsemen to protect them from enemies on the road.

3. Ezra was greatly concerned about how the pagan king Artaxerxes would view God based on how he actually conducted himself.  Thus, he gave up the military protection in order to make a favorable spiritual impact on his boss.  This necessitated that Ezra really depended on the Lord, which he did. 

4. Both verses imply that, first, unbelievers are watching; second, the holy and kindly manner in which we live can make a favorable spiritual impact.

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Evening Reflection

In reviewing today, what kind of spiritual impact (or lack thereof) did you make on unbelievers at your work or with your family?  Perhaps you thought about doing something but lacked boldness!  Pray, therefore, for boldness.  Then prayerfully consider who God wants you to reach. 

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was originally posted on May 3, 2019.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Guidance Today”

Exodus 23:20-21 (NIV)

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. ²¹ Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 

In every season and iteration of doing life with God, in biblical times and today, the people of God are given God’s guidance for life’s journey. For the Israelites after the exodus, a visible manifestation of God’s presence was given. A pillar of smoke by night and fire by day guided their journey through the wilderness. God promised, in the verses above, to send a heavenly messenger ahead of them for the purposes of both guidance and protection. All the people had to do was pay attention to God’s messenger, listen and obey. 

It almost seems silly that God would command them to listen and not rebel against the angel. After all, they are in the wilderness with no clue how to get to the place they are going. God brought them out of the place they left and God alone could lead them to wherever they are headed. Furthermore, God is promising both guidance and protection. Why on earth would they rebel against that!? Well, we know how the story goes. The journey through the wilderness was long and hard and the hearts of the people were far from formed in righteousness. And, thus, rebellion was swift and sure. 

I often wish we had physical manifestations of God’s presence today. A clear, audible voice to say do this or that and a visible manifestation of Godself guiding and protecting us every day. But even with those things in place, we too would rebel. And although we are without smoke and fire, God has not left us alone—we have the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our help, who comes alongside us to guide our steps and guard our way. God’s Spirit within us forms our heart so that we are able to not rebel and so are positioned to experience the fullness of God’s promises, the abundant afforded in Christ. But sometimes, at least for me, it’s hard to know when the Spirit is speaking and how God is calling me to obey. 

I’ve picked up a few tools over the years that have been helpful: 

(1) Time in God’s word (Scripture), time with God’s people (fellowship), and time in God’s presence (prayer): God has revealed Godself in Scripture, God’s presence resides in God’s people, and God has promised to meet us in prayer. 

(2) Contemplative practices and Sabbath rest: In contemplation, the heart and mind are able to slow down and become aware of oneself, one’s surrounds, and God’s presence (which is always near). Likewise, rhythms that honor Sabbath leave margin for us to sense God’s movements. 

Regardless of your preferred practice, we must each find ways to sense the movement and hear the voice of God’s Spirit.  But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. (John 14:26)

Prayer: Dear Lord, guide me toward Your path, toward Your will, toward Your Son.  Thank You for the Word and the Spirit through which I’m guided by You daily.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 19

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 139:1-12 (NIV): You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. ² You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. ³ You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. ⁴ Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. ⁵ You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. ⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. ⁷ Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? ⁸ If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. ⁹ If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, ¹⁰ even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. ¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” ¹² even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Question to Consider

1. In the first few verses, what is the psalmist (David) emphasizing about God? Why is this such mind-blowing truth? 
2. How does David respond to God’s intimate knowledge of and constant nearness to him?
3. How does God’s intimate knowledge of you make you feel? Does it encourage you or make you feel “hemmed in”? How does knowing God is always near make you feel? Fearful or safe? Why might you feel this way? 

Notes

1. David is focusing on God’s intimate knowledge of him. God knows the intricacies of his heart and all the facts of his life. God knows his daily movements and is aware of his mundane activities and even his travel plans. Even when David thinks he’s far from God, God is so near as to know David’s thoughts. God knows his words and everything about him. 

Because theology teaches us that God is all-knowing, the awesomeness of these statements may be lost upon us. God is infinite and has no reason or need to be so actively mindful of you or me. God chooses this. Just imagine what it would take for you to exist in the kind of relationship with another person that was so intimate that you could make these statements about them. 

2. Not positively… David feels trapped or hemmed in by God. Even if he wanted to escape, he feels like he couldn’t. That’s a fearsome thought. This is of course David’s initial response. Later in the Psalm he is thankful for God’s presence and invites God to “search and know” him. 
3. Personal reflection.
   

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Evening Reflection

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)

Two questions, informed by Romans 12:1-2, have come in clutch for me as I seek to discern the leading of the Spirit in my life. The first is, “God, what do you want me to do for you?” or, to put it a different way, “How can I offer myself to You in worship in this specific situation?” The second is, “What do I want to do for and with God?” or, “In light of my resources (time, talent, treasure) and the sort of person God has formed in me, how can I intentionally and strategically orient and direct the whole of my life toward the end of maximum Kingdom impact?” The first question is a micro kind of question and has been helpful in all the little decisions that come my way on any given day. The second approaches Spiritual guidance on a more macro level and has help me keep the end goal in mind. 

What kinds of questions help you discern God’s guidance in your life? Spend time reflecting on Romans 12:1-2. What would it look like for you to offer yourself (your time, talent, and treasures) in worship to God in your present context? In light of your personality, gifts, resources, passions and experiences, what might strategic Kingdom building look like in your life long term? 

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, last posted on April 12, 2020, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee. Yohan, now a friend of AMI, previously served on staff at several AMI churches.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Sports Betting and the Christian Life”

1 Cor. 15:12-19

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

One thing people have stopped doing during the shutdown brought on by COVID-19 pandemic is sports betting (no games to bet on), which is a good thing.  That said, sometimes, I liken the Christian life to a wager, say a sports bet. (I am not condoning gambling in any way.)  For anyone who has ever placed a wager, you know that the amount you bet is proportional to your confidence in the team on whom you are betting.  So, if you were Floyd Mayweather, Jr., you must have been supremely confident that the Broncos were going to win the last Superbowl, because you supposedly bet 10 million on them.  Obviously, if you have little confidence on your team, you don’t place very much on the table.  The dilemma of gambling is that in order to win a lot, you have risk losing a lot.  

Similarly, the way you live your Christian life is proportional to your confidence in the truth of the resurrection.  If you are supremely confident that Jesus lives and that all the promises he made are true, you really won’t care that much for the success that this world offers.   Conversely, if you kind of believe that Christ rose again (or maybe only wishfully think that he did), then you will “hedge your bets,” if you will, by sort of living for Christ, while really living for things of this world.  The problem with this kind of living is the same as the gambler’s dilemma: In order to win a lot (and truly experience the power of a life in the Spirit), you have to risk a lot (and lose your life).  If you do not have the faith to risk your life, you will never live the life God wants for you.  

The Apostle Paul understood this concept well.  To paraphrase 1 Cor. 15:19, “If there is no resurrection, then I have completely thrown my life away.  I have been beaten, imprisoned, starved, for nothing!  More than that, if there is no resurrection, then I am a heretic and I spread lies about God (v. 15).”  Obviously, Paul risked greatly, but I have confidence that now he is greatly enjoying his reward.  

Today, first and foremost, Happy Easter!  He is risen!  Let’s celebrate.  Secondly, let me ask you this question: If the resurrection were a scam, would your life be pathetic and worthless, or does it barely matter in your life that Christ is alive?  As we celebrate the truth that Jesus is alive today —amid the ongoing wreckage wrought by COVID-19—let’s make sure the truth of the resurrection significantly impacts our lives.  For a starter, let’s hope again, not necessarily to return to our life before coronavirus lockdown, but, with a newfound sense of life built on our unshakable belief in the risen Lord, to lead a truly meaningful and fruitful life to the glory of God. 

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, there are no words to express, in any shape or form, my gratitude to you for paying the price—death—for my sins and then resurrect from the dead. I shall truly live out the rest of my life serving your divine interest on earth.  Use me Lord.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 28

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on March 23, 2019, is provided by Pastor Peter Yoon, who is the Lead Pastor of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“Numbering our Days”

Psalm 90:12

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

One of the most profound things that Moses said was this exact verse – that the Lord would teach us to number our days so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. But what does that mean to us? 

Many of us live as though we were immortal. As a group of relatively young people, we rarely think of death; but the truth is, our lives will pass in the blink of an eye. We are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:14).  With that in mind, we are encouraged to seek the things that are eternal, rather than storing up temporal treasures that are bound to fade away. 

Whether it’s having a lot of wealth, or being a person that makes important decisions, we all have a desire to leave a lasting legacy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing – God has created us to be a people of purpose and of vision. We want our life to have meaning and will do what it takes to establish a legacy that will be remembered. It is our natural state. We cannot avoid it.  But what I’ve learned that has rung more and more true each day is this: If we try to etch our name into history, I can guarantee you that it will fade. It might last a while, but eventually, it will all fade away. 

But if we decide to participate in God’s redemptive history, it is an eternal legacy that cannot and will not be shaken. Imagine etching your name in the sand. It might be there for a while. Some names are washed away immediately, while others might last a while longer, but eventually, all are washed away. But if you carve your name into a rock, then it will last forever. Jesus is that rock of our salvation that lasts forever.

Jim Elliot summed it up with the following quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”  So spend yourself in this lifetime. Give yourself to kingdom matters, ushering in the eternal Kingdom of God. Live as if eternity really mattered. May the Lord give us all a growing heart of wisdom, that we would see clearly that our days on earth are numbered, and with that in mind, seek after the eternal, living our lives in a manner that is worthy of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me even when I make bad decisions and turn away from You.  Thank You for restoring me time and time again.  Hear my cries for help and restore me.  I confess to You my failures and that I am in need of you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 17-18