November 13, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on June 27, 2014, is provided by Pastor Charles Choe. Charles leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Faith in the Workplace”

1 Timothy 6:1-2

“Let all those who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.”

Slavery.  What a controversial topic!  But, in today’s passage, in Paul’s addressment of the relationship between masters and slaves, he is neither condoning nor condemning the institution, although he did tell the slaves in Corinth, “If you can gain your freedom, do so” (1 Cor. 7:21b).

Why? Part of it was because slavery in the Roman Empire was very different from the kind that arose later in 18th century colonial America, which was built on the most dehumanizing treatment of fellow humans.  On the contrary, in 1st century slavery, some actually found a financial opportunity to move forward from the dire straits they found themselves in.

Paul calls slaves to honor their masters, not because slavery was an ideal institution, but because if they didn’t, it would thwart the gospel’s advancement. Evidently, many Christian slaves in Ephesus (where Timothy pastored) were bringing revulsion to the gospel by disrespecting their masters, to the point that Christianity was perceived to be a threat to society. Slave uprising or rebellion would have done more harm than good, because in Paul’s mind, it would have hijacked Christianity by depicting it as a religion of chaos and anarchy.

But here’s the beauty of Paul’s call to obedience, and he does something extraordinary in verse 2: Slaves are called to obey, not simply because that is their responsibility to their Christian masters, but even more so, since they are brothers in Christ. This was unheard of in Paul’s day, for between slaves and masters, it would have been unimaginable to call each other “brothers.” So, while they may not be of equal social status, they are equal in the eyes of the Lord. Passages like this caused conscientious Christians (like William Wilberforce) in the West to eventually fight for the abolition of slavery.

What does this mean for us today? It means that as we go into our workplaces (hopefully soon once the economy reopens), to our bosses and superiors, we must display a proper attitude of submission and respect toward them. We do that best by performing quality work, that in every way, we are helping to make the gospel more believable. If we profess Christ, and yet we are constantly insubordinate or are lazy at work, we find ourselves a poor witness to the unbelieving world. Jesus demands His people to aim for the highest standards, and so Christians should be the most hard-working and caring workers of all.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to work. Whether I have a great job now or am in school to prepare for a career, help me to be diligent so to bring You glory and to make the gospel all the more credible to a watching world. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 29

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 13:1-8: Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, 4 for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God’s wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For because of this you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. 7 Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.  8 Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.

Questions to Consider

  1. According to Paul, why are we to obey the government?
  2. How should we view rulers or leaders, even a bad one, in light of this passage?
  3. What is one practical way we are to obey the government?  How are you doing in this area? Are you respectful of your government?

Notes

  1. All authority comes from the Lord: He institutes authorities and gives them the responsibility to rule over their subjects.
  2. Whether leaders are good or bad, this passage tells us that they are ultimately God’s servants. So, no matter what our politics may be, we are to have respect for the government authorities, barring that the gospel is not compromised.
  3. Paul calls us to not cheat on our taxes but to pay them. We should have respect for all political leaders no matter what our politics may be.

Evening Reflection

How was work today? Did you find yourself being productive and being a good witness of the gospel of Jesus Christ? If you did anything to revile the gospel at work, confess it before the Lord, and determine to become a better witness.

November 12, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, was originally posted on December 17, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Active Faith and Passive Faith”

Psalm 130:1-8

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; 2O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? 4But with you there is forgiveness, therefore you are feared. 5I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7O Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Over the years, I have found that there are two kinds of faith. The first is an active faith that responds obediently to the Lord’s commands. Examples of people who displayed this kind of faith include Abraham, who left his home for an unknown Promised Land; Moses, who confronted Pharaoh; and Paul, who sailed the known world to share about Christ.

Closer to our time, missionaries like Hudson Taylor, Jim Elliot, and several AMI missionaries who have left promising careers to start a new life in Asia come to mind. What binds them is their willingness to act decisively upon hearing God’s calling. We admire people who display this kind of faith and even want to be like them as they represent the action heroes of Christianity.

The other kind of faith, which I think is harder to develop, is a more “passive faith” that requires waiting and trusting in the Lord through desperate and lonesome circumstances. Here, we are called to surrender control. In contrast, while active faith may require us to make drastic and oftentimes uncomfortable decisions, at least we feel like we have the power to do something about our circumstances.

However, this trusting faith demands that we endure patiently. Ironically, before God called Moses to confront Pharaoh, he endured 40 years of waiting in the desert. Although Moses was an eloquent man in the past, after 40 years, he said to God, “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Ex. 4:10b), and that’s when God used him. Perhaps, the trusting faith must precede the active or action faith.

What are you waiting for? A new career? Marriage? Having children? Your parents to come to faith? A spiritual breakthrough? Do you feel helpless in this pursuit? Do you sense that God is telling you to wait on Him? This Psalm gives us insight into what it means to wait and trust in the Lord. Whatever that was going on in the Psalmist’s life, he felt that he was in the “depths” (130:1).

His commitment to wait on the Lord and hope in His Word (130:5-6) serves to guide us and encourage us as we wait on a good God. Just don’t assume that a pot of gold will be found at the end of your wait; instead, long for a heart ready to love, worship, and serve God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, how often have I treated You as the means to my own end! I need to just want You. I don’t need to wait because You are always here because You said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Thank You. Amen!

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 28

Lunch Break Study

Read John 15:1-7: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does the Father do for our spiritual development?
  2. What do we do?
  3. What is Christ’s role?
  4. What do you think verse 7 means, particularly the later part, “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

Notes

  1. The Father prunes the good branches, making sure that they have optimal conditions to bear fruit. Even in distressing times, do you believe that these conditions are the optimal circumstances, orchestrated by the Father that will help you grow?
  2. Our responsibility is to “remain in” the vine (Christ). Our job as branches is to cling on to the vine, to seek the Lord in earnest prayer, be in His presence, and walk in obedience.
  3. Christ is the vine, the channel by which we receive nutrients to bear fruit. Fruit is not made instantly; it gradually grows; but during different seasons, it may grow faster. So it is with us when we stay attached to Christ. As he nurtures us, we bear fruit.
  4. I think Christ is confident that those who are truly connected to him will not “ask with wrong motives, that [they] may spend what [they] get on [their] pleasures” (James 4:3b). Instead, the Lord is confident that they will genuinely ask for important things that are near and dear to the heart of the Vine and Gardener (cf. 1 Jn. 5:14-5).

Evening Reflection

This morning, we looked at the importance of waiting on the Lord; ultimately, where we want to go is to a place of surrender and trust. Did you seek to remain in Christ today? Is there something you feel you are waiting on? Did you surrender it to Christ?

November 11, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, prepared by the then-staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on July 17, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Cross”

Psalm 77:10-15

Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

Have you ever felt like God is nowhere to be found? The psalmist sure did. So, when he feels abandoned by God, he begins to meditate on the deeds of the Lord. He does not give the works of the Lord just a passing, superficial glance. He ponders them until his heart is stirred to declare the holiness and greatness of God above all other gods.

Consider the cross. The Hebrews writer says, “Look to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame” (Heb. 12:2). Consider how the Father sent the Son to suffer and die in your place. Though the Son begged that this cup might pass from Him, the Father called His beloved Son to endure His wrath.

Think about who Jesus died for – rebels who reject the One who came to save them, who prefer the death of God over having a relationship with Him. Dwell on the tremendous outcome of Christ’s suffering; death gives way to life; enemies become adopted sons and daughters; and nothing can separate you from the love of God.

Sing a song of worship to the Lord.

Prayer: Dear God, there are many confusing and troubling challenges in my life. I often do not understand what You are doing or why life must be so difficult, but I thank You for the cross, for it shouts to me that You are never indifferent to me or absent from me. Though I may not understand my circumstances, I know that You love me. I thank You that nothing can separate me from Your love. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 27

Lunch Break Study

Read James 3:9-12 (NIV): With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the major problem with the tongues of people?
  2. What do the metaphors in verse 12 imply to the listeners?
  3. Try to be deliberate in your speech today. Ask the Lord to use your tongue to build up rather than tear others down.

Notes

  1. The major problem that makes the tongue so evil is its duplicity. Blessing the Lord and yet cursing people reflect the best and the worst of human speech and heart.
  2. The implication of the metaphors in verse 9-12 shifts from the initial claim that one person cannot utter both good and bad statements to the claim that a person of one kind cannot utter statements of another kind and finally to claim that a bad person cannot utter good statements.
  3. So what does a bad speech pattern reveal about your heart?

Evening Reflection

Are there some speech patterns in your life that you feel God needs to get a hold of? Invite the Lord to change your heart towards Him so that your speech pattern will reflect His character.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask for wisdom and your Spirit to fill me so that my speech patterns will edify and build up those around me. Amen.

November 10, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on April 28, 2014, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who serves in Japan.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Doing Grace Better”

Galatians 6:1-5 (ESV)

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.

If you ever happen to see me struggling to carry a heavy piece of furniture, please do NOT walk alongside me and critique my lifting posture. Help me!

After detailing the fruit of the Spirit (the characteristics of a spiritual person), the apostle Paul encourages the Galatian Church to “bear one another’s burdens” (v. 2). Burdens can come in the form of worries, hardships, or even conflicts. But here, Paul is referring to the burden of “transgression,” or the burden of sin (v. 1). The burden of sin includes guilt, shame, alienation from others, and ultimately estrangement from God. God calls us to set our brothers and sisters free from such burdens.

Do we love our brothers and sisters enough to confront areas of sin in their lives? If we do, do we remind them of the grace of God and offer to strive alongside them or just berate them?

More often than we’d like to admit, our brother’s sin becomes an opportunity for us to love ourselves rather than love him. We begin to compare and think we are something (v. 3). We boast about ourselves in light of our brother, conveniently forgetting how we compare to the perfect holiness of God (v. 4).

But such boasting will be cut short when we stand before the judgment seat of God (v. 5). Before God, there is only one thing we can boast in: the perfect righteousness of Christ. And so, knowing the wickedness and deceitfulness of our own hearts, we can come to our brother with a spirit of gentleness. Rather than demanding he try harder or do better, we can point him to the Savior who died for sinners.

And as we offer free and full reconciliation purchased by the blood of Christ, we are blessed to remember that that same grace and forgiveness is offered to us as well. Philip Yancey writes in his What’s So Amazing About Grace? (1997), “The world can do anything the church can do except one thing: it cannot show grace. In my opinion, Christians are not doing a very good job of dispensing grace to the world.” Let’s do grace better today.

Prayer: Father, I thank You for my brothers and sisters. I am blessed to be a part of this family. Lord, give me supernatural love that reaches out to those who are trapped in sin. May I not rejoice in the failures of others, but plead for Your grace to be poured out on them and on myself. You alone can save. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 26

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 23:4 & 11:28-30 (ESV): “[The scribes and Pharisees] tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger . . . 28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Contrast the implied invitation of the scribes and Pharisees with that of Jesus in 11:28.
  2. Contrast the result of the Pharisee’s ministry with that of Jesus’ ministry.
  3. Contrast what the Pharisees were willing to do for their disciples with what Jesus has done for His.

Notes

  1. The scribes and Pharisees invite their hearers to follow rules and carry heavy burdens. While Jesus is concerned about ethics, He invites us to Himself. Jesus invites us to have a personal relationship with Him.
  2. The Pharisees’ ministry results in burdensome weariness. The ministry of Jesus results in rest for our souls.
  3. The Pharisees were unwilling to help their disciples with their finger. Their disciples were left to deal with their burdens alone. Christ died for His disciples. His perfect life, death, and resurrection accomplished everything we need for complete redemption and restoration to the Father.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. What opportunities were you given to encourage a brother or sister with the Gospel? How were you tempted to favorably compare yourself to others? Invite the Lord to humble you and cause you to boast only in Christ.

November 9, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun (Radiance Christian Church East Bay), was originally posted on September 10, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Two Are Better Than One”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 (ESV)

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

I once read that two oxen yoked together can pull more than double the weight that the same oxen can pull separately (with all things being equal). This is an amazing example of ‘two being better than one’ in terms of output and reward for our labors. In our fiercely individualistic culture however, this basic concept has long been forgotten, and as a result, we are constantly trying to ‘pull our own weight’ without regard for anyone else.

Ironically, the need for each other is a lesson we learn early in our childhood. Whenever I chaperone my daughter’s field trip, all the students, after being paired up, are instructed to watch out for each other. This works remarkably well, which lessens the stress in adults while teaching the children the importance of caring for someone beside themselves. It’s to our detriment that we gradually forget this rudimentary lesson; ultimately, in our self-sufficiency we become oblivious to the fact that this principle is God’s plan for how we ought to work for and serve him.

Robert Bellah, professor emeritus (in sociology) at the University of California, Berkeley, sees expressive individualism, referring to one’s outlook in life in which a person is solely concerned with fulfilling his dream, as a main culprit to the fabric of society coming unglued. Its byproduct is individuals unconcerned about the common good, which then becomes fodder for social problems.

As a remedy, the eminent sociologist writes, “To make a real difference. . ., there has to be a reappropriation of the idea of vocation and calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement.” Paul puts it like this: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28 ESV). It is stunning that this scholar from a leading liberal institution in America is echoing what the Scriptures have been saying for thousands of years.

Whatever differences made as a result of an individual pursuit of success will pale in comparison to the differences made when we labor together and with others in mind. Not only will we be happier, because of the friendships made, but also by the amount, effectiveness and usefulness of the work accomplished. Be a team player today!

Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom not only to work harder but to work smarter. We confess that because of our pride, we fail to work together for the building up of Your kingdom. Help us to see Your intent for us to work with one another, not simply for our own personal advancement but also for the good of our churches and communities. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 25

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 (ESV): Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why is laziness inherently a selfish and individualistic attitude towards work?
  2. What pattern of work is Paul advocating for us to imitate?
  3. Identify some areas of laziness in your life.

Notes

  1. At the core, being idle does not take into account that your lack of work ethic affects those around you. By not doing your share of the work, you are robbing the community of the benefits it could have derived from your diligence. Laziness is, in effect, a subtle form of self-centeredness that keeps your family, church, or work from reaching its fullest potential.
  2. Paul and his co-workers, while serving this young church, refused to be a burden on them. They were mindful of the common good as they labored together to establish this congregation. In fact, Paul rarely worked or traveled alone according to the epistles; he constantly had friends, disciples, and partners with whom they co-labored.
  3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Are you currently serving your church? If not, why not? If so, how is your relationship with other members and is there a sense of partnership in the gospel? Pray about how you can work more closely with friends, family, and members of your church to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

November 8, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, was originally posted on April 20, 2014.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Sports Betting and the Christian Life”

1 Corinthians 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? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15We 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. 16For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If 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 in 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 to 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, let’s celebrate his resurrection; Jesus is risen! 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 resurrecting 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: Numbers 24

November 7, Saturday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was originally posted on July 14, 2013, and was prepared by the then-staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Watch Your Mouth”

Proverbs 18:21

The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me?” I’ve found that to be horribly incorrect. Rather, it should state, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will absolutely destroy you.” Yes, “the tongue has the power of life and death.” And, as we find ourselves having to spend time with family members in a confined space, amid social distancing necessitated by COVID-19, for an extended period, we really need to watch our mouth.

We’ve all been stung by people who have spoken too soon or gossiped about us. We’ve felt the pain of degrading words filled with anger and wrath. We’ve been the target of jokes and ridicules. We’ve also known the joys of receiving compliments and encouragements, as well as experiencing delight in meaningful conversations and familial fellowship. We know firsthand that words carry a lot of power, having the ability to lift us up or pull us down. At the same time, we also know that a lofty praise is not always good for our soul, just as a harsh rebuke can be beneficial for us.

As we grow in understanding and wisdom, we begin to realize that wise words are not simply what we say, but a combination of what we say, when we say it, and how we present it. Let’s take Nathan and David for example. After David had committed adultery with Bathsheba, Nathan was given the task from God to confront David about his sin. Rather than yelling at him in anger (possibly causing David to be defensive), Nathan, with the wisdom of God, presented a story that represented the sin that David had committed. Rather than being defensive, David repented of his sin. There is wisdom in not only knowing what to say, but when to say it and how to present it; that wisdom comes from God alone.

As we head into another week of social distancing, think before you speak. Ask God to give you wisdom in the words that you say, knowing full well that your words carry much weight and power. Your words have the ability to lift someone’s spirit or ruin someone’s day. They have the ability to bring life or death. May His wisdom rest upon you this coming week, as you tame your tongue to be one that glorifies Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, remind me to think before I speak. If I have to say something critical to someone, help me to find something encouraging and affirmative to add. Remind me not to take family members for granted; help me, therefore, to watch my mouth when I speak to them. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 22-23

November 6, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on April 17, 2013, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang. Barry has been leading Symphony Church in Boston since its inception in 2010.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Why, Lord, Why?”

Psalm 38:1-4

O Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. 2For your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down upon me. 3Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; my bones have no soundness because of my sin. 4My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

Introduction: What Pastor Barry wrote in 2013, in view of all the hitherto unforeseen things happening globally at the moment, is quite relevant to the “why” questions being raised by many people affected by COVID-19.

Is sickness a punishment from God? A short answer is “maybe” or “not always.” We will explore a longer answer in today’s lunch time bible study. In any case, in Psalm 38, David did believe that his sickness was God’s discipline, and furthermore, that God had forsaken him (v21). When we are confronted with sickness and suffering, God’s presence can seem far away and his wrath more evident than His love.

Yet, David prays. If God has indeed caused David’s sickness and forsaken him, then there is little logic to his behavior, but David does not cease praying. The fact that he continues to seek the LORD, despite his circumstances, reveals a deep-seated faith in a God who is loving and merciful. Did God cause David’s sickness? I don’t know; however, I am certain that David’s response was the right one regardless of whether God caused his illness or not. God is loving and merciful, and so whatever the circumstances, we can and ought to pray.

Is prayer your first response to sickness and pain? Let us put our trust in God. No matter the circumstances, God is good. We may not always understand His ways, but we do know that God, in His infinite love, never stops working in our midst.

Prayer: Father, it is sometimes difficult to discern Your presence in the suffering that I observe, let alone the suffering that I personally experience. But when I look at Jesus on the cross, I know that You are not above my suffering. I thank You that one day, in Your love and kindness, You will eliminate all pain and suffering. Until that day comes, I put my hope and trust in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 21

Lunch Break Study

Read John 9:1-5 (NIV): As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life. 4As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What “theology of sickness” do the disciples hold (v2)? How is this theology incorrect?
  2. How was the work of God displayed in this blind man’s life? What is Jesus’ command regarding our interaction with sickness (v3-4)?
  3. In verse 14, we see that Jesus heals this man on the Sabbath. In view of the purpose of the Sabbath (c.f. Ex 20:11; Deut. 5:15), what does Jesus’ action tell us about God?

While sickness and suffering can seem like either a punishment or evidence that God is far away, John 9 tells us that even sickness can be redeemed to reveal God’s glory and work. Our God is in the business of bringing reconciliation and healing to this broken world, and we are to join him in this work.

Notes

  1. In Jesus’ day, a typical Israelite, under the influence of the Mosaic Law, held that personal suffering was a direct result of sin. Thus, the only question that interested the disciples was who was responsible. Since the man was blind from birth, they believed that either he had sinned while in the womb or his parents. However, Jesus swiftly dismisses this theology. (See also Job for God’s repudiation of this theology.) The relationship between sin and suffering is much more complex. Sin has produced a suffering world, but an individual’s personal suffering is not always attributable to his/her personal sin. In the case of this blind man, Jesus implies that the LORD allowed this to happen so that “the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
  2. The work of God is displayed in the blind man’s life when Jesus heals him of his blindness, thus revealing that Jesus was indeed the “light of the world” (John 8:12). When we submit our suffering to God, then God’s work can be displayed; either through healing/deliverance, or alternatively, through God’s provision of courageous acceptance (c.f. 2 Cor. 12:7-10). Furthermore, Jesus tells us that human suffering is an opportunity for us to join in God’s work (v4).
  3. The Israelites rested on the Sabbath for two main reasons:
    – They followed the example of God who rested on the seventh day of creation (Exodus 20).
    – As a reminder that God had freed the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt (Deuteronomy 5).

Put simply, Sabbath rest is about focusing on God and receiving his freedom from captivity. Jesus’s act of healing on the Sabbath did not contravene the commandment to rest but fulfilled it (made it full). The institution of the Sabbath reveals God’s heart to bring healing and freedom to this broken world.

Evening Reflection

Can you recall a time when suffering revealed God’s grace? Did you witness the suffering of others today? How did you respond? As we reflect tonight, let’s ask God to open our eyes to the suffering around us, and more importantly, give us insight into how we can be part of His work amid the wreckage wrought by COVID-19.

November 5, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was originally posted on February 13, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Mixed Bag Christian”

Psalm 17:1-3

Hear, O Lord, my righteous plea; listen to my cry. Give ear to my prayer —it does not rise from deceitful lips. 2May my vindication come from you; may your eyes see what is right. 3Though you probe my heart and examine me at night, though you test me, you will find nothing; I have resolved that my mouth will not sin.

Introduction: When facing life’s difficult moments, we say awful things we wouldn’t normally say. Freddie Mercury, in Bohemian Rhapsody, sings, “Sometimes I wish I’d never been born at all.” That’s so sad and awful. As difficult days lie ahead for many of us in the aftermath of COVID-19, let’s guard our tongues. Instead of self-inflicted curses or complaining, let’s express words of appreciation and gratitude. With that in mind, read today’s blog.

Inspired by this psalm of David, “I have resolved that my mouth will not sin,” some may vow never to sin with their tongues. A good try, but that’s not going to happen, for James declares, “If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man,” yet “no man can tame the tongue” (James 3:2, 8).

Even a cursory look at the life of King David would indicate that he fell short of his vow. At times, David was guilty of deceitful speech as well, such as when he was being duplicitous with Uriah, the husband of the woman with whom he sinned. While David was telling Uriah, whom he had just summoned to the palace from the battlefield, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will send you back” (2 Sam. 11:12), the king was plotting to have him killed.

Nevertheless, most of the time David handled himself well, as seen in his dealings with the murderous Saul, who repeatedly tried to kill him. In fact, I don’t recall David ever saying anything negative about Saul, even though the latter deserved it. David continued to refer to Saul as “the LORD’s anointed” (1 Sam. 26:11) even after God had long departed from him (1 Sam. 18:12). Perhaps David was thinking of his honorable treatment of Saul when he said, “You will find nothing” (i.e., no fault).

What these mixed data from David’s life point to is the fact that we are a mixed bag. We are going to have good days as well as bad. On some days we will act and speak like saints; on our off days, however, we may give the devil a run for his money. Considering that, what we desperately need to do is depend on God, who is always good and gracious. “There is only One who is good,” said Jesus (Matt. 19:17). Because God is good, He forgives us when “with [our tongues], we curse men” (James 3:9) or utter ungrateful words directed at Him (Ps. 44:23). And He hears our prayers not because we are good, nor does He refuse to hear them because we are bad. God hears us because He is good, for “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).

As many of us must wade through difficult circumstances in the aftermath of COVID-19, let’s keep our complaints to a minimum. Instead, let’s use our tongues to express thankfulness to God for what His Son has done for us. And let’s continue to bring our petitions before the Lord, knowing that He always hears us.

Prayer: Dear LORD, I admit that I often come to You with a sense of entitlement. For every good deed I do, I act as if You owe me a favor. I am reminded today that apart from having been made in God’s image and Your Spirit dwelling in me, I cannot do anything that is remotely good! I pray to You, not based on my righteousness, but yours. Thank You! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 20

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 1:2, 6:11 (ESV): “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours . . . 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Paul said that the believers in Corinth were already sanctified (holy). Really? How? Look at some of their problems (1 Cor. 1:11, 3:1-4, 5:1-2, 6:1, 11:20-21).
  2. On what basis was Paul able to claim this (1 Cor. 6:11; Rom. 4:22-4)? Can this become dangerous?
  3. Does Paul present another kind of sanctification? How would you describe this (2 Cor. 7:1; Phil. 2:12)?

Notes

  1. Upon seeing how unholy the Corinthian church actually was, we marvel at the magnitude of Paul’s declaration in 1 Cor. 1:2 and 6:11: “You were sanctified.” This church was beset by immorality, drunkenness, division, envy, lawsuits, to name a few.
  2. Paul was able to claim this based on the fact that the believers are imputed with the righteousness of Christ; thus, when God sees them through Christ’s righteousness, He sees holy people! This is called positional sanctification—we are already in Christ, which is true. However, one danger of this type of positional theology is that it can induce people to be lazy with respect to disciplining themselves to actually live the holy life. In some cases, this can lead to licentiousness (Jud. 1:4).
  3. Paul introduced the concept of progressive (experiential) sanctification in which the believers are called to actively be involved in their actual sanctification. Therefore, Paul urged the Corinthians to purify themselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, and the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. But if we aren’t mindful that we’re already sanctified in Christ apart from our good deeds, our effort to sanctify us may lead to spiritual pride. So, we need both.

Evening Reflection

In view of what we discussed in today’s Lunch Break Study, consider these questions: Do you think about the need to be holy in your life? If not, why not? What are some habits that are keeping you from holiness?

Review today from the standpoint of holiness. What temptations did you face? How did you handle them? What did you learn? Write out a prayer asking the LORD to help you to overcome those habits (thoughts and actions) that are your greatest challenge.

November 4, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on November 4, 2013, is provided by Pastor David Kwon. David heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Who Really Wants to be Disciplined? Not Me.”

Psalm 94:12-15 (NIV)

Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law,
13to give him rest from days of trouble, until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.

Tom Landry, former coach of The Dallas Cowboys, once said, “The job of the football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do, in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.” As true as that may be, very few players are particularly fond of their coach when he institutes a grueling three-a-day practice schedule. Likewise, I’ve yet to meet a child who really believes his parents when they say, “This is going to hurt me more than it hurts you.” or “I’m doing this because I love you.” Come on, who really wants to be disciplined?

Human aversion to discipline is an age-old reality. Even those who choose to endure it are often doing just that—enduring it. But in Psalm 94, the Psalmist says the disciplined are blessed (or “happy”) because God’s discipline points to his commitment to his people—his unwillingness to abandon us when we are found lacking or out of shape. Sometimes God’s discipline looks like that of a coach—when He pushes us and stretches us to uncomfortable limits to train us to be more like Christ. Other times, discipline is a bit graver when God, as our Father, must rebuke and correct us when we err. Often this comes through God allowing trying circumstances—like the COVID-19 pandemic that is affecting our lives—into our lives and sustaining us through them.

Either way, we can rejoice as the Psalmist did in God’s faithfulness to us knowing that no matter how out of shape he finds us or how much we misbehave, his commitment to us is unending and his love for us is demonstrated in his patience to discipline us. With this perspective we can truly experience what Richard Foster dubbed a “celebration of discipline.” Important words to remember as we enter a post COVID-19 world full of uncertainties. May we come out of it as better human beings and children of God.

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for loving me so much that You are willing to discipline me to make me better, that is, holier in my actual state. Thank You also for my permanent standing in Christ in that I am always holy through Your Son. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 19

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 12:5-13 (NIV): And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.” 7Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13“Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Questions to Consider

  1. What kinds of things does the writer of Hebrews say we should endure as discipline? What are some things God has used in your life to discipline you?
  2. According to the passage, why does God discipline us?
  3. What is the end result of divine discipline? Why is this a great source of encouragement?

Are there situations in your life you need to submit to God, welcoming his discipline in anticipation of what it will accomplish? Offer those things to God and ask for His strength to endure.

Notes

  1. The writer says that “hardships” should be endured as discipline. Hardship is a broad term that can include just about any situation of difficulty. The important point to remember is the sovereignty of God. He is in control of all things. Therefore, if He allows difficulties of any kind in our lives, it’s because He has a purpose in doing so, and He promises to work it all together for our good.
  2. Because He loves us (vs. 6); Because we are His children (vs. 6); So that we may share in his holiness (vs. 10) – to purge us of our sins and purify us to be more like Christ.
  3. Righteousness and peace (vs. 11); healing (vs. 13) God’s discipline leads to us being more like Christ – walking in the righteousness and peace He affords us as we are healed from the brokenness of sin.

Evening Reflection

Proverbs 15:32 tells us that “If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding” (NLT). While discipline isn’t the most fun thing in the world, it is a means to God’s grace. Our loving Father uses the very brokenness we’ve created in our sin to purify us and train us for righteousness. Spend some time thanking God for his faithfulness in the difficult circumstances you may be facing. Acknowledge that He is in control and purifying you through them. Ask Him to grant you understanding as He enables you to endure.