May 15, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on January 20, 2020, was written by Pastor Phil Chen. Phil pastors the newly planted Pillar Church in Houston.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Third-Option Amid Divisive Times”

Romans 12:10 (NIV)

Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.

“We live in divisive times.”

I’ve heard this statement far more times this year than I can count. Certainly, there is a lot of division and I don’t anticipate it to decrease but rather increase as the year progresses. Unfortunately, we’ve seen that the Church is not exempt from this divisiveness despite Jesus interceding for the Church in the High Priestly Prayer (John 17), in which he petitions the Father that the Church would be one. Of course, unity does not mean conformity in thought nor does it mean agreement in all things; but perhaps Romans 12:10 gives us a directive on how we can still come together in unity.

The biblical directive in this verse is devotion in the ways we love one another and preference towards others by the way we show honor. This is a difficult task, particularly with those with whom we disagree. It gets more difficult in the climate we are in with heightened anger, fear and disillusionment. But the Church must find a way to uphold this directive. We are in desperate need of peacemakers and bridge-builders in this hour.

Pastor Miles McPherson, his book The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation, says “God’s Third Option invites us to honor that which we have in common, the presence of His image in every person we meet. When we honor the presence of His image in others, we acknowledge their priceless value as precious and beloved of God. The Third Option empowers us to see people through God’s eyes, which enables us to treat them in a manner that honors the potential of His image in us.” This is to say, when we choose to honor others (especially those with whom we disagree), we are asking God for the ability to see people through God’s eyes.

One of the biggest stumbling blocks to this command, to love and honor others, is the spirit of offense. Offense is the biggest hindrance to honor. When someone offends us, all we can focus is their shortcomings and faults to the point that we leave no room for honor. One of my friends put it this way: “Offense kills our ability to love. You can’t love someone with whom you are offended, which is why we are commanded by God to prioritize reconciliation, forgive those who wrong us, and love our enemies. Being easily offended is a sign of immaturity and lack of character.”

I find this to be true in my life. Whenever I am offended, my temptation and tendency is to become defensive and reject anything and everything that comes out of that person. I speak out against the spirit of offense because I have seen its deceptive and destructive ways in my own life as well as the lives of many in this country.

Brothers and Sisters, we are going to see and hear more things that are offensive and repulsive to us in so many ways. We will be tempted to hold onto offense and either lash out or hold onto unforgiveness. The spirit of offense is one of Satan’s greatest tactics to divide the Church. Let’s recognize the ways of the enemy and stand against it. When we struggle, let’s ask the Holy Spirit to help us to be devoted to one another in love and to give honor to others. It’s definitely not easy, but may the Holy Spirit empower us to “walk with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:2-3).

Prayer: Father, help us to be devoted to one another in love. Help us to honor one another before ourselves. We need the power of your Holy Spirit. Come and change us and revive our hearts. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 6

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 4:1-7 (ESV): I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

Questions to Consider

What characteristics in this passage are we encouraged to emulate?
In what way does this Unity look like?
How can I promote unity within my local church body or even the local churches within my city?

Notes

1. Paul encourages the believers to be humble, gentle, patient, and bearing with one another in love. We also see an emphasis to maintain unity. Paul encourages us to be “eager” to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Particularly towards the Body of Christ, we are to desire unity.

2. Unity does not necessarily mean that all churches should become one, but rather than we remember the one Lord that we are called under. We remember the one Father God who is overall, through all, and in all. We are united under the banner of Christ.

3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

Think about anyone toward whom you may have bitterness and unforgiveness. Take a moment and bring them before God and ask for the courage to forgive. Even if the feelings of forgiveness are not fully there yet, it is a declaration to God that you have surrendered the right to condemn them in your heart. Pray a prayer of blessing upon them and ask God for peace. May God continue to cleanse our hearts and make us whole.

May 14, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on June 18, 2020, is provided by Joel Park. Joel is the Young Adult Pastor at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Hope Rooted in God’s Promises”

Ezra 1:1-4 (ESV)

In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing: [2] “Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. [3] Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. [4] And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.”

My apartment has a package delivery problem. For some reason, about a quarter of anything that gets shipped to my building either goes missing or is delayed. Some of it, I’m sure is due to package theft, but that doesn’t account for everything. I’m sure you can relate to this frustration—at its root it’s the frustration felt from a broken promise, an unmet expectation.

On a more serious note, so far 2020 feels like a year of broken promises and unmet expectations. The hopefulness in January that comes with New Year’s resolutions and spiritual convictions has most certainly changed or has disappeared altogether. While our journey so far has only lasted six months, there are some connections to be made with the exiled Israelites who spent years living out their own 2020s and worse.

It is commonly held that king Cyrus’ proclamation took place in 538 BC. A complete 70 years after the first deportation in 608 BC, which tracks with Jeremiah 29:10’s promise. In fact, all of Jeremiah’s prophecies from verses 10-14 find their fulfillment here in Ezra! Certainly, God fulfilling prophecy isn’t new. But the staggering thing about this passage is the magnitude of the prophecy. The exile was the penultimate punishment for Israel—the result of decades of sin and rebellion. Yet the promise of restoration is wholly fulfilled here. What an incredible display of faithfulness!

If God is faithful to His promises about exile and restoration (going so far as to use a pagan king to fulfill Jeremiah’s prophecy), how much more then will God keep His promises to us? Like the exiled Israelites, we have the greatest of assurances—the Word. Our hope in this moment doesn’t come from our circumstances, political movements, or vaccines. It comes from God Himself, delivered through his Word, and experienced through the Spirit. Hopelessness is a choice we make by putting our trust in the fallible and not in the divine. We choose to hold on to God’s promises because the Word is our guarantee; and that hasn’t changed this year.

So, what are some of the promises and hopes you had back in January? Let’s reflect on some of those promises and ground them upon the truth found in the Word. Let that be your hope this morning because our God is a promise keeper.

Prayer: God, I declare that You are faithful to Your promises and Word. I declare that my hope is not in anything this world offers, but in You alone. All of the promises and hopes I had, I choose to root them in your Word. I ask for strength, humility, and grace as I continue to trust in You and Your Word.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 5

Lunch Break Study

Luke 4:16-20 (ESV): And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. [17] And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, [18] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, [19] to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” [20] And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. [21] And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Questions to Consider

1. Are the hopes and desires you have actually biblical? If so, what are some of the reasons why you occasionally lose hope in their fulfillment?

2. According to Isaiah, what are the promises Christ is supposed to fulfill? Do we see these things happening? Why or why not?

3. If Scripture is living and active, do we see it being fulfilled in our lives now?

Notes

1. The scene described in the above passage takes place right after Jesus is tempted and officially begins his ministry. While the people of Nazareth are initially impressed with Jesus, they quickly turn on him—highlighting the difference between how we might want God to fulfill promises vs. how God actually fulfills those promises.

2. Jesus is quoting from Isaiah 61:1:2a. The Israelites back in Isaiah’s time and up to this moment would have had a different perspective of this prophecy’s fulfillment. Jesus does not negate Isaiah, but proclaims he is the ultimate fulfillment. That is to say, Christ embodies the ultimate promises of God and their fulfillment. A relationship with and a correct understanding of Christ is required.

3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Why do we often act and feel as though God is not sovereign? Like Ezra’s life, our lives will be fruitful if we take time to read and meditate on God’s Word. And when we obey the Word, as Ezra did, we’ll enjoy a closer relationship with God. And when we know and love the God who has promised to never forsake us, we’ll have the same courage that Ezra had to commit himself to God’s Word.

Dwell on that thought as we offer up a prayer to the Lord before turning in for the night.

May 13, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, originally posted on July 15, 2020, was written by Andy Kim. Andy is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“We Must Sing.”

2 Chronicles 20:18-22

Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord. 19 And the Levites, of the Kohathites and the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice…21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.” 22 And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.

Sunday worship is no longer the same. No more donuts and coffee, greeters to welcome you, a praise band to uplift you, or even the fellowship afterwards. But, perhaps, what I miss the most is hearing everyone sing together. Sadly, as worship becomes confined to a screen over Zoom, we see less people praising God. I suppose it’s a bit awkward to hear your own voice especially when you don’t have a band to drown it out. And yet in our passage this morning, God reveals to His people the importance of praising and signing, that is, the importance of worship.

Imagine being surrounded by your enemies with nowhere to go, feeling scared, trapped, and hopeless. But rather than planning their escape or plotting their battle strategy, the passage shows us that they “fell down before the Lord, worshipping Him…praising the Lord with a very loud voice.” They started to sing that led to the realization that the battle belonged to the Lord—which is precisely what the Israelites did when they marched around the walls of Jericho. Singing comforted them in His presence, as it did for Paul and Silas trapped in a dark cell where the presence of God overwhelmed the entire prison as they sang. “And when they began to sing and praise”, the Lord delivered them—for in their worship, God revealed His power to rescue them.

A while back, I attended a memorial service in which a leader led us through a well-known Gospel Spiritual. The melodies and lines were so simple, yet full of so much perspective, presence, and power. As I listened and sang along, I could not help but feel my soul being lifted.

For many of us, we can often feel helpless and trapped especially in this season of our lives. And as we pray and reflect on the many injustices happening in our world today, may we start by singing to Him and to ourselves. May we take every opportunity we have to sing unto Him.

We must sing.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for the gift of worship. We worship You not because of what You do, but because of who You are. You are worthy of our worship. We thank You that we can sing to You no matter where we are or what we’re going through. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 4

Lunch Break Study

Colossians 3:12-17: Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Questions to Consider

What does Paul mean to “put on” the virtues outlined in the passage?
Why is it important for us to put on these virtues?
Reflect on your relationship to your church. What does it look like for you to “put on” these virtues? Where have you fallen short?

Notes

The word “put on” is used in the sense of putting on one’s clothes. As we put on clothes everyday, as believers we must also put on these virtues daily. Notice here, Paul puts the burden on the believer to have these virtues rather than expecting it of others.
Paul notes, we “put on” as God’s chosen ones; holy and beloved mean that these virtues are the fruit of our understanding that we have been loved by God. Warren Wiersbe writes, “If a believer is out of fellowship with another believer, it is because one or both of them have gotten out of fellowship with God.” Therefore, just as Christ committed to us, we must be committed to one another for the sake of unity in the church.
Personal Reflection and prayer.

Evening Reflection

Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. 3 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 4 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and beauty are in his sanctuary.

Spend a few moments singing a song unto him. Start with turning on a worship song and follow along. Perhaps, even sing a new song unto him that comes from your heart. Allow Him to minister to you in worship. Ask that the Lord would give you a new song even in this season.

May 12, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on June 17, 2020, is provided by Jon Kim. At the time, Jon was overseeing the college group at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Faith That God Commends: It’s Not What You Think”

Hebrews 11:32-40

And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

During this season of increasing awareness of our nation’s racism, God has led me to check my own racial bias. During this process, I have also been led to check my bias in other areas of life. What do I value in myself and in others that is not aligned with God’s values?

This morning’s passage is part of the famous “Hall of Faith” chapter. (I’d encourage you to read it in full when you get a chance.) When we read this chapter, we are inspired and convicted to live by faith. We are reminded of the great victories and deliverances that were experienced “by faith”. It was through faith that these men and women acted in accordance to the great promises of God. What an inspiration they are to the Church today!

However, we often stop short of verses 36b-38. In these verses we are reminded of the suffering and persecution experienced by other people of faith. Now, the author doesn’t give the names of these people, meaning they are not remembered or honored in the same way as the likes of David, Abraham, Noah and Sarah; they are seemingly forgotten. Nevertheless, verse 39 tells us that “these were all commended for their faith”—referring to unnamed saints whose stories of heroic faith we will never know in detail. But we know this much about their faith: They experienced victory and breakthrough as well as death and persecution.

Applying this finding to today’s world, these unknown and underappreciated believers in Hebrews 11 are like the black brothers and sisters in the Lord whose heroic faith the history never recorded; that is to say, their voices were never heard. Regardless, all of these people are part of the “Hall of Faith”.

So, do you attribute hardships and suffering to a lack of faith? Sure, your suffering could be a consequence of your sin and poor decisions, but not always; your suffering could, in fact, be due to living by faith. Answer this question: Who are you drawn to “commend” for their faith? Do you commend only those who experience triumph and flourishing? Do you overlook those who are suffering for their faith? Perhaps we are conditioned by American Christianity to celebrate, as the heroes of faith, only those who lead megachurches and have written many books, or who have the most Tweetable quotes. Let us discern whether this is the kind of faith that God or the world commends. In the meantime, let us pursue that faith—though unrecognized and beset with suffering—which the Lord commends!

Prayer: Dear Lord, would You give me the grace to live a life of faith. In times of suffering may I remember the saints who have gone before me; those whom the world may not remember, but whose faith You have commended. If I am discouraged when my life looks unimpressive, remind me that my life is only to please You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 3

Lunch Break Study

1 Samuel 16:6-13: When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.

Context: This is when The Lord commands Samuel to anoint a new king of Israel.

Questions to Consider

1. Why did Samuel believe Eliab was the Lord’s anointed and why did the Lord say he was wrong?

2. Why was David overlooked?

3. Why did the Lord choose David? (See 1 Samuel 13:14.)

4. In what ways do you wrongly judge yourself, others, or even the gospel message itself— similar to how Samuel misjudged?

Notes

1. Samuel assumed Eliab was the Lord’s anointed because of his impressive appearance and stature. The Lord tells Samuel that what he cares about is the heart, not outward appearance.

2. David was the youngest, and likely did not have a strong physical stature like the others did.

3. David was a man after God’s own heart.

4. Personal reflection

Evening Reflection

Considering this morning’s quiet time, when you experience “light affliction”, do you grumble, or do you joyfully trust God? Some trust and obey God and He grant spectacular results; others trust and obey the same mighty God and He allows them to endure horrific trials—but in His strength. The difference is not in the people or in their faith, but in God’s sovereign purpose in each situation.

We, who live in the New Testament era, know the same God whom these Old Testament saints knew. Actually, we know Him better because we know Christ personally, for Jesus said, “If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well” (Jn. 14:7a). Therefore, and more so, we should trust God the Father as they did in the Old Testament. Pray to that end before going to sleep.

May 11, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was originally posted on March 2, 2020. Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Afterlife Starts Now”

John 3:1-8

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

Is there life after death? That is a question that every person who has ever lived has wondered. Hopefully, most of us have asked ourselves that question and found that the answer is “YES” – if we believe in Jesus, there is life after death, when we will be with Jesus for all eternity.

But, are we missing something when we say that the “afterlife” comes after we die? Is this life simply a time of waiting until that fateful day when we pass and are transported up to heaven? I think Jesus would say something different; I think he would say that the afterlife starts as soon as you put your faith in him and choose to follow him.

In our passage, Jesus tells Nicodemus that we must be “born again.” He is saying that for someone to experience the Kingdom of God, they must be radically changed by the Holy Spirit, changed in a way that fundamentally alters who they are. Jesus says it is like being born a second time. When you believe in Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit, you are made completely new. Simply put, you become a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17).

So, back to the question of the afterlife—When does the afterlife begin? For those in Jesus, the afterlife actually begins when you believe in him. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are born again; you are made into a new creation. Further, the word Jesus uses in the original language for “again” is a word that also can mean “from above”. When Jesus says you must be “born again”, it also has this connotation: “born from above.” This second birth, this re-creation, is heavenly. Many people think the afterlife is about us going up to heaven one day; but for Jesus, the afterlife is heaven coming down to earth. We experience the afterlife now when we believe in Jesus, when heaven comes down and impacts our life such that we are born again. If you believe in Jesus, you are living in the afterlife now.

If this is the case, what does this mean for our lives? This means that we bring heaven with us where we go. Jesus called us to be ambassadors for his kingdom and we model the kingdom when we demonstrate a life that is born from above. When you go to work or school or wherever today, remind yourself, you are bringing heaven with you and pray that God would work the power of heaven through you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you have given us a second birth, a birth from above. Thank you for changing us by the power of the Holy Spirit and recreating us to be ambassadors of heaven. May we seek to bring heaven wherever we go. Use us to demonstrate heaven through our lives. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 2

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 13:33: He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Questions to Consider

What does it mean that the kingdom of heaven is like a leaven?
How can you be leaven for the kingdom?

Notes

According to this short parable, the kingdom of heaven is like leaven that influences the whole batch of dough. A little leaven can influence something much larger; in the same way, the kingdom of heaven is small at first, but grows quickly by influencing its surroundings.
Remembering that we are new creation, born from above, this means we bring the kingdom of heaven wherever you go. We are leaven that can influence are neighborhoods and workplaces and everywhere else we go. Think about how you can consciously bring the kingdom to these places such that the leaven in you leavens everything around you.

Evening Reflection

Tonight, spend time in prayer, inviting God to use you this week to be an influence for the kingdom. We can only do this by his power, so invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to bring heaven this week to the areas around you.

May 10, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on February 3, 2019, was provided by Jin Ha Lee. Jin faithfully served at Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia for many years.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Looking to the Lord”

Psalm 63:1-8

“O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. 2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

As the psalmists describe God’s greatness, we can find an awesome opportunity to look to the Lord instead of ourselves. Personally, this is very restful for my soul because some mornings are challenging to be grounded in the Lord.

Every day, I wake up, get ready for work, and go onto my commute. From the time I wake up to the brisk morning walk to the train station—though my body moves with the daily routine—it is easy for anxiety and busyness to muddy my heart. By the time I’m finally sitting in the train, my mind catches up and then a sense of emptiness sets in. Though I am very thankful for my job and to be working, there are days when my heart feels “off.” But it’s not until I meet with the Lord that my heart is filled. As I look to the Lord, the work I need to do for the day doesn’t go away, the backed-up projects don’t finish by themselves, difficult situations and people to face don’t suddenly get resolved, but as I rest in God’s greatness and love, my soul is strengthened for what’s ahead.

Worshipping the Lord and experiencing His faithfulness is where our hearts are meant to be. When we seek the Lord and find Him in worship, just beholding Him in His power and glory, it is powerful—we do not need to earn, but just behold. Unlike possessions, no one can steal or take away His steadfast and unfailing love that is available to us.

No matter how empty may we feel it is true that our souls can be satisfied as with fat and rich food—for true soul food is found in the Lord! The Lord has been faithful to us and has helped us. Our help comes from the Lord, and the One who made all the heavens and the earth—who knows how intricately everything works together—He is the One who secures us. He is fully aware and at work. He is the One who keeps His people through the highs and lows. It’s God, not money, health, or people that keep us blessed and protected—He is the One who is keeping us.

Our God is steadfast. He is our hope and stay. Though the day ahead might be heavy, let’s not muddy our hearts by fixing our gaze on the day, but let’s meet with the Lord and behold Him in His power, glory, and steadfast love!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for who You are. You are powerful, glorious, and loving. Lord, the day ahead may be busy, so we especially want to rest our souls in You. You have been our help and so we cling to You. Holy Spirit, please help our hearts to behold Jesus this morning. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Timothy 1

May 9, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on February 19, 2019, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato. Jason, along with his wife Jessica, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Heart of a Servant”

Exodus 2:16–22 (ESV)

Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. [17] The shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and saved them, and watered their flock. [18] When they came home to their father Reuel, he said, “How is it that you have come home so soon today?” [19] They said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and even drew water for us and watered the flock.” [20] He said to his daughters, “Then where is he? Why have you left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” [21] And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. [22] She gave birth to a son, and he called his name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a sojourner in a foreign land.”

When I was in college, I would go home from time to time to visit my parents (and do some laundry). Every time I would bring home a couple textbooks to study, but every time I would end up spending the whole weekend lounging around and relaxing—home was just too comfortable.

While our parents no longer take care of us the way they did when we were younger, after a long day, all of us desire to go home and be served—or at the very least be left alone. But often our desire to unwind is frustrated by lazy roommates, an inconsiderate spouse, or troublesome children. In our flesh, we see home as a place not to serve, but to be served.

After Moses kills an Egyptian, he is thrust out of his place of privilege loses all the comforts of home – wealth, power, and prestige. He is homeless, jobless, and alone. Moses finds himself in Midian, and there he serves the daughters of Reuel by standing up for them and watering their flock. He goes on to serve as a shepherd, a very humble occupation by Ancient Near Eastern standards. As he names his son Gershom, Moses is very aware that he is a sojourner, someone not yet home but on a journey and in a foreign land. This is not Moses’ home and this fact frees him to serve others.

When we mistakenly believe that this world is our home, a desire to be served at all times seeps into every area of our lives. If this world is our home, then all of our energy and time must be spent on accumulating the most possessions, accolades, and comforts of this world as possible. But according to the Scriptures, this world is not our home, and so we are free to set these things aside, and instead serve and care for those around us.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You have created me to live forever in Your Kingdom. May I not settle for the things of this world but yearn for my true home with You. In this life, give me grace to be like my Lord Jesus who came to serve, not to be served. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Thessalonians 2-3

May 8, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on February 21, 2020, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson serves in E. Asia as a missionary.

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“Adjustments Are Needed”

Acts 10:27-38

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?” 30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.” 34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

When I was little, we had a television with an antenna on the roof, but when there was horrible reception, my dad would climb onto the roof and adjust the antenna—only until then did we get a good reception.

In this passage, Peter gets a vision from the Lord: God lowers a blanket filled with “non-kosher” animals to eat. However, when Peter—being a devout Jew—refuses to eat it, God says, “What God has made clean, do not call common” (v.15). This happened three times before the vision ended. But in verse 34, we see the purpose of the vision: God does not just want to save Jews but also wants to save the Gentiles. God had to adjust Peter’s antenna for him to truly understand the new thing that God was doing.

Like Peter, many of us need to have our antennas adjusted from time to time. We go through all the necessary motions of Christianity such as worship, reading the Bible, missions, and serving. While these things are extremely important, we miss out on what God is trying to say to us. Our relationship with God is a dynamic relationship, which is like two friends talking—meaning, we talk to Him, but we also hear from Him because He is trying to talk to us. We may have one way of understanding faith, but maybe He is trying to tell us something different. We will truly hear when we are willing to adjust our antenna to catch His frequency.

One way that we can do this is to practice the spiritual discipline of silence. We are a culture that hates silence because it makes us uncomfortable. I remember watching a video that was explaining this spiritual discipline and the first minute of the video was a black screen. When we, after 45 seconds, stood up to check the DVD to see if there was anything wrong with it, the words, “We hate silence” appeared on the screen.

Yet, silence and being quiet is our portal into hearing God. We have so much noise around us trying to fight for our attention, including God. Silence helps us put down those unnecessary voices so that we can adjust our antenna to Him and hear His voice.

This morning, take however long you need to pray, but spend the last five minutes in silence. If necessary, you can time yourself, but try to hear from the Lord. Don’t play music, close your phone screen and just wait upon the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You desire to talk to us and You desire to share Your heart with us. You are a personal God and You desire a dynamic relationship. If there is anything that is hindering me from hearing from You, please help me make that adjustment. With these next five minutes of silence, help me to fix my eyes on You. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Thessalonians 1

Lunch Break Study

Psalms 46:1-10: God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.[c] 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. 8 Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields[d] with fire.10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”11 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Questions

What does the author remind the reader of (vv. 1-2)?
Why do you think God tells the author to be still and know that He is God?
Cease from what you are doing right now (read this QT)—take a moment to be still and allow the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart (Rom. 8:16, 26-27; Mt. 10:20).

Notes

The author reminds the reader that God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. For me, the emphasis is on the word “ever-present”—meaning, that He is always with us in space and time. Even when situations look bleak, we do not have to fear because of this promise!
God tells the author to be still and know that He is God as a reminder to trust in Him. Being in East Asia and witnessing the Coronavirus Epidemic, this Psalm has become more real for me. When witnessing devastation, the human condition—particularly mine—is to panic, so we try to take control of the situation. Yet this Psalm reminds us to be still because God is in control. Even when the earth is giving way, He will watch over His children!
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Before going to sleep, set aside your phone and laptop and pray to the Lord. When you have concluded your prayer, wait 3-5 minutes in silence to see what the Lord wants to say to you.

May 7, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, originally posted on February 24, 2010, was written by a native pastor serving at an AMI church in East Asia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Continue in God’s Grace”

Acts 13:42-52

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. 43When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. 44On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying. 46Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” 48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. 50But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. 51So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

How can you be a person who is full of joy? What is the secret? Is it through having untold riches or leading a colorful life? For many of us, we do not lack material things. Some would say that we have more choices and freedom compared to the past; yet, despite of these favorable changes in society, depression has become rampant in our cities.

In today’s Scripture, we see a group of people who have experienced unexpected joy in difficult circumstances. When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch, they preached the gospel in the local synagogue. The result was surprisingly good. Scriptures say, “Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.” However, Barnabas and Paul’s success made some Jews extremely jealous; as a result, they began to attack and slander them. In addition, verse 50 says that the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city against Paul and Barnabas; as a result, many wealthy people in Antioch rejected the gospel.

Can you imagine the challenge of being a Christian in the middle of this type of persecution? Yet, Paul and Barnabas were still “full of joy and full of the Holy Spirit”. How can this be? When these Antiochians were interested in the gospel and willing to follow Paul and Barnabas, they taught them to “continue in the grace of God (v. 43).” I believe this was the secret to their joy. The Antioch Christians really understood the treasure they possessed: It was the grace of God which cannot be exchanged for wealth or fame.

This morning, God is also reminding us that if you feel a lack of joy in your life, you need to be reminded that you possess a treasure that surpasses wealth, fame, vacations, social media posts, and status. You possess eternal life!

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, do not let me forget the amazing grace You have given me through Jesus Christ. Teach me to rely on Your grace in both trouble and prosperity. Let my heart be filled with joy through Your grace. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Thessalonians 5

Lunch Break Study

Romans 5:1-5: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.3Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;4perseverance, character; and character, hope.5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Questions to Consider

1. Verse 2 says that we have gained access, by faith, into this grace. What specifically does this grace mean?

2. What is the reason that we can rejoice in our sufferings according to Paul?

3. Is there anything in your life that sucks up your joy? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you—to pour God’s love into your heart (v.5).

Notes

This grace means that we have made peace with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus has restored our strained relationship with God, and, as a result, we have become the children of God
We can rejoice in our sufferings because we know that our hope is in Jesus Christ. The promise and grace of God in Jesus Christ will never let us down.
Personal Reflection.

Evening Reflection

Paul reminds us to “continue in the grace of God,” because we can forget God’s grace. Therefore, we need to constantly remind ourselves to return to it. Tonight, please take a moment to meditate on God’s grace and let it begin to affect the way we see things. Let’s not live with anxiety and fear, but with joy.

May 6, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on April 15, 2020, is provided by Pastor David Son. David pastors Thrive Church in Taipei, Taiwan.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Make Room for Compassion”

Mark 1:40-42 (NASB)

And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching Him and falling on his knees before Him, and saying, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing; be cleansed.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.

A few weeks ago, I was doing some work on my computer at a café. A few feet away, an elderly gentleman sneezed. I don’t know how it is in your city, with COVID-19. But in my city, there seems to be an unspoken rule: an individual is allowed to sneeze ONCE. But starting from the second sneeze, laser beams of dirty looks from others around the room will immediately lock onto you. These days, I don’t think I’ve observed anyone sneeze or cough more than twice in public.

But on this day, this particular gentleman at my café sneezed about 15 times in the span of one minute. You better believe that every eye was on him! My first thought was, “is this how it ends for me?” But as I joined the others in glaring the man down, for a split second I caught the look of shame on his masked face. I could see it in his eyes, as he quickly gathered his belongings and hobbled out of the café. When he left, there was a collective sigh of relief, but I couldn’t help but feel badly for the man.

Perhaps this is a fraction of what the leper in Mark 1 must have felt. COVID-19 is certainly a dangerous virus… but imagine leprosy: a disease that destroys your nervous system and eventually leaves your body to slowly rot, limb by limb. If you think being in quarantine is bad, imagine being kicked out of society and left to live the rest of your life on the outskirts of town, with only other lepers to commiserate with.

The amazing thing about this encounter with Jesus was not only the healing that eventually came; it’s the fact that Jesus reached out and touched the leper. Would you touch a person whom you knew had COVID-19? Probably not willingly. Yet Jesus, moved with compassion, regardless of all social and health implications, touched this man!

What can we learn from this story, as we navigate this pandemic? Obviously Jesus knew what He was doing; He was not being reckless and neither should we. But Jesus made it a point to go out of His way to show love to those who were suffering. Likewise, we must not let self-preservation dull us from compassion, lest we lose sight of Jesus’ heart.

How can you (wisely) show compassion today to those around you who are in fear, loneliness, isolation, and/or sickness? The ripple effects of COVID-19 are complex and multi-layered. But one thing is for sure. People are more desperate now than they have been in a long time. Let’s not let the virus bottle up our compassion. If anything, now is the time the world needs the compassionate touch of Jesus-followers, more than ever before. Spend a few moments to ask God to show you what that might look like in your situation.

Prayer: Jesus, enlarge our hearts, that we may seek the interests and needs of others, even before our own. As we endure this pandemic, may we plant many seeds of testimonies in the people around us, so that when this is all over, Your Name would be glorified in our neighborhoods and cities.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Thessalonians 4

Lunch Break Study

Hebrews 7:22-27: This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Questions to Consider

In this passage, who is the author of Hebrews comparing Jesus to?
What makes Jesus different than the priests that came before him?
According to this passage, what is Jesus doing for those who draw to near to God?

Notes

Throughout Hebrews, the author compares Jesus to the Levite priests. More specifically, Jesus is often compared to those who served as high priest. In the days following Moses, it was the job of the high priest to stand before God on behalf of the people. Today, Jesus is our perfect High Priest.
The author lists several things. While every other priest has died, Jesus continues in priesthood forever. He is holy, innocent, unstained, and exalted. He has no need for a sacrifice, but instead became a sacrifice for us. And in doing so, he once-and-for-all made the payment for our sins.
This passage tells us a wonderful truth. That Jesus is always making intercession for us. That is, He is standing before God the Father on our behalf. Let us draw near to God with confidence because we have such an intercessor who is on our side!

Evening Reflection

When this pandemic is over, what stories will you be telling? What stories will others be telling about you? We may not have control over what happens around the world with the virus. But we can choose how we want to live each day. This evening, allow God to reshape your mindset regarding this virus situation.