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

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

Notes

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

May 5, Tuesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI Devotional QT, originally posted on January 14, 2019, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thoughts for Today

“If You Are Ever Accused, Would You Demand Corroboration?” 

Deuteronomy 19:15 (ESV)

“A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” 

I had written the following in my previous blog posted on May 1:

Today we’re going back a few years, to the middle of Trump’s first term. The whole country was riveted while watching the confirmation hearing for then–Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, when Blasey Ford accused him of attempted rape some 35 years earlier. Kavanaugh denied it while acknowledging that “she may have been sexually assaulted” by someone else. In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisted that “the sexual misconduct allegations are reason enough for him to withdraw,” adding, “there is no presumption of innocence or guilt when you have a nominee before you.” 

With that in mind, read on in today’s blog.

During my recent trip to California, I saw an elderly pastor whom I first met in 1982. At that time, he came to direct the Bible institute of the church where I was serving as a youth pastor.

One day, this pastor handed me an official check for $200 that had been found in the church’s mailbox, noting that the name on the check was similar to mine. But since I didn’t recognize the issuer, I declined. Nevertheless, because he kept insisting, I relented and took the check—and my bank later cleared it. I thought it was an unexpected blessing from God; boy, was I wrong!

Not long afterward, a parent in my youth group accused me of being a thief. Evidently, the check belonged to her acquaintance (a former associate pastor of my church) who had told her to keep it for herself. While profusely apologizing and promising to return the money (which I promptly did), I explained the mitigating circumstances that led to my blunder. But when I appealed to the pastor who gave me the check—in front of my accuser—he flat-out denied his role, saying that it never happened. Apparently, he didn’t want to look bad. Either way, I erred, but his denial angered me, since to this woman I was now both a thief and a liar.

My problem was having no corroboration for my version of the story—the true account of what really happened. That gave me a window into how Blasey Ford might have felt when no one at the infamous house party— including her friend—could corroborate her account of Kavanaugh’s alleged attempted sexual assault. I know many of us really wanted to believe Ford’s entire story—perhaps the long lapse of time (35 years) is why the friend wrote to the Judiciary Committee that she “has no recollection of ever being at a party or gathering where [Kavanaugh] was present.” After all, one reason behind the statute of limitations is the fact that the recollections of pertinent witnesses become less accurate over time.

So, regardless of how we feel, some level or type of corroboration is absolutely needed to prove a charge. Scripture certainly affirms this. Deuteronomy 19:15 declares, “A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.” First Timothy 5:19 states, “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.” Why? Because “acquitting the guilty and condemning the innocent—the LORD detests them both” (Prov. 17:15). To prevent these unjust outcomes, the requirement for corroboration was—and has been—established in theocracy, ecclesiocracy, and democracy.

Does that mean the guilty are always found guilty and the innocent always found innocent? Sadly, no. In fact, we see this on the day Jesus was tried: while Barabbas, the confirmed murderer (Mk. 15:7), was released, Jesus—sinless and innocent—was executed for the guilty. That wasn’t the first time that happened and certainly not the last. However, it is true that our justice system, which requires substantive corroboration, has put away the guilty while exonerating the wrongly accused with greater accuracy than almost any system in the world.

What about when the system fails, however infrequently? Ultimately, we rest assured in God’s eventual justice, that “there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed or hidden that will not be made known” (Matt. 10:26). And if such disclosure doesn’t materialize on this side of heaven, then it certainly will at the judgment seat of Christ, before which “we must all appear… so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Cor. 5:10). Meanwhile, we “keep coming to [God] with the plea, ‘Grant [us] justice…’” (Lk. 18:3a NIV).

By the way, don’t accept checks that don’t belong to you (trust me on this), and avoid places and situations where a large quantity of alcohol is consumed (you will thank me later).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I recognize today that Your concern for us is more than how to get to heaven. You also want us to live in a just and fair society. Therefore, remind me and help me to be just and fair to those around me, beginning with my own family members. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Thessalonians 3

Lunch Break Study

Matthew 26:59-67 (ESV): The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death. 60 But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward 61 and declared, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”62 Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. The high priest said to him, “I charge you under oath by the living God: Tell us if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 “You have said so,” Jesus replied. “But I say to all of you: From now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”  65 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now you have heard the blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” “He is worthy of death,” they answered. 67 Then they spit in his face and struck him with their fists. Others slapped him 68 and said, “Prophesy to us, Messiah. Who hit you?”

John 10:17-18: “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is wrong with this legal proceeding? 

2. Is what the two witnesses said about Jesus (“. . . rebuild it in three days”) worthy of a death penalty? What does Jesus, in fact, do at this point to help the cause of His accusers? 

3. Why does Jesus give the Jewish leaders the information that will lead to His death?  What does this say about our Lord?

Notes

1. The judges (the members of Sanhedrin—the ruling body), long before hearing from anyone who could corroborate allegations against Jesus, already decided on the verdict (“so that they could put him to death”), and then looked for witnesses who will back them up. That is a rigged trial.  Going back to the Kavanaugh trial, once the accusation by Ford became public, it is a fact that several unsubstantiated or fabricated charges were made (e.g., Judy Munro-Leighton), which, then were quickly believed by certain judiciary committee members who never wanted Kavanaugh in the first place.  We probably have all done something similar on a lesser scale in our private lives, but it (i.e., making up our minds before hearing from corroborating witnesses) would be very unkind and indecent thing to do to another human being. 

2. The charge the Jewish leaders are looking for is that Jesus calls “God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (Jn. 5:18).  The accusation that Jesus said He could rebuild the temple in three days is not quite enough to make the case of blasphemy against Jesus.  So then, what does Jesus do?  He voluntarily gives them the information that will make their case stick: “Yes, I am the Messiah, the Son of God.”

3. No one, whether the devil or Sanhedrin, can take life from Jesus unless the Lord allows it.  By giving the Jewish leaders the information that justifies their charge that will lead to His death on the cross, Jesus is allowing them to take His life so that “we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Pet. 2:24b).  This is all the more reason Jesus Christ is worthy of our praise. 

Evening Reflection

What were your thoughts while following the Kavanaugh hearing that produced several unforgettable moments—Senator Graham’s indignant outburst, Senator Booker’s “Spartacus” moment, Ford’s cogent accusation, and Kavanaugh’s fierce defense of himself? Truth be told, nothing I have been saying—or will say in the next few blogs—is something the secular media, whether CNN or Fox, will ever say. Why? Today’s media establishment is neither committed to objective reporting nor cognizant of the biblical metanarrative.

On the contrary, my attempt is to construe all that went on during this divisive hearing from the standpoint of God’s Word, which alone ensures true objectivity.

Now let me ask you, as a fellow believer: Are your values and beliefs shaped more by the secular media and academia than by Scripture? That’s a fair and important question. How well do you comprehend God’s Word—with all of its intricacies and nuances? Pray about raising the ante: really study God’s Word and acquire a biblical worldview. It’s about time Christians stop gullibly believing everything the media and academia say. Pray about changing your study habits; pray about reading books that can help you with this (e.g., Total Truth by Nancy Pearcey).

May 4, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was originally posted on April 1, 2020.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“What Will We Choose?”

Acts 2:1-4

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

In Acts 2, The followers of Jesus find themselves in a moment not unlike our own as they were facing a season of uncertainty, anxiety, fear, and confusion. Jesus was executed and their movement rendered them enemies of Empire (both State and Temple) and thus endangered their lives. And to make matters worse, after resurrecting, Jesus subsequently ascended, leaving them with nothing but hope and His promises of a Spirit that would come (but none of them actually knew what Jesus meant by this). 

They were anxious. Worried and fearful, they huddled together waiting to see how everything would play out. They were unsure. They were faithful, but unsure. Although they knew the Spirit would come, no one knew how or when or what the Spirit’s coming would mean. They were fearful. Their lives were at risk. Not by the threat of a global pandemic but by the threat of violence from the Empire. They were confused. Armed with the command to be a witness, no one knew what they were actually supposed to do. 

In the face of anxiety and uncertainty —these followers of Jesus chose two important things: togetherness and anticipation. They chose to be together— praying for one another and reminding each other of the Jesus they loved and the things he taught them. They stirred their hearts toward anticipation of what God promised to do, readying themselves and waiting expectantly. And, when the Spirit did finally come, they were able to bear witness in their local community both in word and in deed (see Acts 2 & 3).

What will we choose in our moment of anxiety and uncertainty? Will we choose togetherness – finding creative ways through technology and virtual connectivity to encourage and support one another? Will we turn our thoughts and energies toward anticipation of how God might move through us in this season, reminding ourselves of God’s promises and redemptive work in the world? Will we ready ourselves and stay alert? And when the opportunity arises, will we sense the Spirit moving and move too – in love and compassion, hope and healing for our neighbors? 

We can choose to see our present moment as a profound opportunity, an invitation even. Amid a global pandemic and on the tail end of the Lenten season, may the Church be sobered into reflection, repentance, and renewal, remembering who we are and why we are here.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your kindness and gentleness and compassion from which I benefit everyday. Open my eyes to see all life around me—especially amid our chaotic world—the way you do. Help my heart to be so full of your kindness and compassion that it marks my dealings with all that You’ve created.  Help me to choose You everyday. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Thessalonians 2

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-20: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God . . . 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider

  1. According to verses 1-2, how do we walk in the way of love? Why is it important that we do this “as dearly loved children”?
  2. What are Paul’s instructions in verses 15-20 and how is each of these commands to be carried out? 
  3. In the rest of chapter 5, Paul offers practical steps he believed would help the recipients of his letter in Ephesus to “walk in the way of love” in their context and “make the most of every opportunity” in their time. Considering your context and our present time, what practical steps might you take to “walk in the way of love” and “make the most of every opportunity” today? 

Notes

  1. We walk in the way of love by giving ourselves up (as a fragrant offering – Romans 12:1-2) to God for the sake of others. Jesus modeled for us love that is self-sacrificial and not self-serving. We are to immolate this example in our relationships with one another. This kind of love is sustainable only when we are secure in our identity (as God’s children) and assured that we are loved (by God) and empowered by the Spirit (who lives in the children of God). 
  2. (1) Be careful how you live – we do this by seeking out wisdom and making the most of every opportunity. Paul is calling for thoughtfulness and intentionality and awareness. (2) Understand what the Lord’s will is – we do this by seeking wisdom (knowing how to apply God’s truth to the present moment), which is the opposite of foolishness. (3) Be filled with the Spirit – we do this by speaking to one another in psalms, hymns and songs. We must encourage each another with God’s word and through God’s Spirit.  (4) Praise and thank God for everything – we can do this because we know that in all things God works for good (Rom. 8:28).
  3. Personal Reflection. To start, it may be helpful to identify the people around you (who you are called to love) and the opportunities before you. Ask God what practical steps you can take in light of those people and opportunities.  

Evening Reflection

Let’s end the day by way of reflecting on Acts 2:42-43. We will consider the rest of the passage on this Friday and the following Monday, respectively. 

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47)

To what are you devoted? It may help to think about how you spent your time today or how you spend your time in an average week. It might also help to think about what typically occupies your thoughts on any given day. How might you practice devotion to the Church and the work of God through your local church community, particularly in a season of social distancing? 

May 3, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on January 19, 2019, was written by Claudia Robbie. She has faithfully served on staff at Journey Church of Atlanta for more than ten years.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Dummy, It’s for Him, Not You”

Matthew 21:1-11

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” 4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and put on them their cloaks, and he sat on them. 8 Most of the crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred up, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the crowds said, “This is the prophet Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Imagine walking down a road and everyone is lined up to see you. They’re throwing flowers and shouting encouragements. They say you’re a blessing and their shouts draw the attention of an entire city. 

Maybe a more modern picture would be you post something on Instagram, you get so many likes and people praising your picture. The algorithm picks your image up and starts pushing your perfectly curated picture out to people who don’t follow you. People are sharing with their friends, and before you know it, your picture is a big hit and people are saying that you are a blessing and you are drawing accolades from people you don’t even now. Your followership grows. 

Well, I have been wrestling with this sort of situation after venturing into Instagram (at 41!) in a niche community.  Maybe people are just trying to be nice, but I am constantly being told that I’m amazing and awesome and I can do great things from people who don’t even know me. I can’t go 15 seconds without seeing some inspirational quote that says I can do anything (which, of course, is true in Christ—Phil. 4:13), and I am special (also very true, in Christ) from those whom I am following.  But what if all the praises and accolades were never meant for me? What if in this self-obsessed society it is really about the One I serve and the One who has chosen to use my passion as a vehicle of His glory? 

The passage in Matthew 21:1-11, describing how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey is a good reminder to me. I started to think that amid all the accolades the donkey might have thought that it was all for him; he probably never realized that he was carrying Jesus. The donkey was necessary because he was the vehicle long foretold through which the Savior would enter Jerusalem before facing the cross—but he himself was not the glory. The glory was the One he was carrying. Jesus could have chosen any donkey, but for this moment this donkey was chosen and with that honor came. 

This is a baseline reminder to me as I continue in this niche community where it is easy to get caught up in my own hype. I could gain “followers” and yet lose them in the eternal things. I am by no means saying that we are not gifted, creative, amazing, blessed people. But I must remember that on my own none of those things can really shine. It is only as I carry Jesus in every moment, as He crafts my creativity and my giftings that glory shines; His glory, the everlasting one that will bring life to the world, and not the ones that people see at first glance. 

This has pushed me to dig deeper and ask God how He wants me to use my talents not just in social media but in my life. It makes me come back to a place of humility and lay myself down before my savior and carry Him in so that this decaying world can be filled with everlasting joy, peace, and comfort.

Prayer: Lord, I am not worthy on my own, but You chose me to be a vessel that carries You. As I continuously submit my life to You, would You use me to show Your glory and restore the dead to life. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Thessalonians 1

May 2, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on March 16, 2019, was written by Tina Pham. Tina, along with her family, is serving in E. Asia as a missionary. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

John 2:1-12

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. 9When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

In your small group, would you say you are vulnerable about your struggles? It takes great courage to be vulnerable. We may not be vulnerable for fear of feeling shame. 

At the wedding in Cana, the shortage of wine was not simply a beverage issue; it was a shame issue. In the honor and shame culture of Jesus’ day, lack of wine at a wedding banquet exposed the married couple and their families to public shame. 

By turning water into wine, Jesus saved the married couple from public shame. He allowed them to receive honor from the host and their guests. Though His hour had not yet come (2:4), He provided an unbelievable gift for this married couple. For Jesus to save one married couple from social shame was a small thing compared to what He would provide when His hour did come. 

In light of “the hour” that was coming, Jesus knew He came to wipe away the shame of humanity. When His hour did come, He went to the cross, took our shame upon Himself, and suffered crucifixion, a shameful death. As the Word who had became flesh, He didn’t come to attain honor. Rather, Jesus came to bear our shame so we could have the honor of being children of God – fully approved and forgiven by God. 

The issue is, we as believers often remain bound in shame, fearing disapproval and rejection. We fear that if we are fully seen for our sins and weaknesses, we will no longer be worthy of love and acceptance from God, or from people. We miss out on the freedom that Christ purchased for us, and often cut ourselves off from community. The beauty of genuine fellowship is the sense of belonging. Everyone matters! Fellowship is a safe place where we can share honestly and heal from shame and brokenness as we surround one another with prayer and encouragement. 

Ask the Lord to help you commit to belonging to your small group and to also minister to your brothers and sisters as they openly share their lives with you.  

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You that I share the honor of being your beloved child with my brothers and sisters. Thank You for reminding me that I can’t grow spiritually on my own. Help me to humbly and courageously share my life with the community You have given me. Thank You that You have also called me to minister to my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 4 and Philemon 1

May 1, Friday

UPDATED Today’s AMI Devotional QT, originally posted on January 11, 2019, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“If You’re the One Accused, Would You Want Due Process?”

Psalm 9:7-8 (ESV) 

“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, 8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.”

Today we’re going back a few years, to the middle of Trump’s first term. The whole country was riveted while watching the confirmation hearing for then–Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh, when Blasey Ford accused him of attempted rape some 35 years earlier. Kavanaugh denied it while acknowledging that “she may have been sexually assaulted” by someone else. In response, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer insisted that “the sexual misconduct allegations are reason enough for him to withdraw,” adding, “there is no presumption of innocence or guilt when you have a nominee before you.”

Upon hearing what Schumer said, I couldn’t help but think of the Inquisition. Many bring it up in public discussion to silence the Christian faith itself—including former President Obama—but I’m not too sure they know what it was really about. The 44th POTUS, trying to put into perspective the violent Muslims of the Islamic State, said, “During… the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ.” Well, that’s not completely true. The Inquisition carried out during the Middle Ages was a potent tool the Roman Catholic Church employed to root out beliefs it deemed heretical in order to remain in power, and the principal victims were the Protestants (i.e., our spiritual ancestors). That is why “in time the phrase Inquisition became a byword, particularly in Protestant areas, for cruelty…” (Encarta 1994). All this to say: the Inquisition had little to do with Christ.

Now, consider how the Inquisition was typically conducted. Accused Protestants who did not recant their alleged heresies were tried under the following conditions: “The names of witnesses [for the Inquisitor] were… difficult to discover. The suspect was not allowed a defense lawyer… [and] did not know the names of his accusers… Torture was a most effective means to secure repentance” (Finucane 1977:321). Under the office of the Inquisition, being accused, in effect, meant being already found guilty. The approach preferred by Schumer and the Inquisition is called undue process.

Now consider Paul and Joseph. If you are ever accused of the charges leveled against them, what process would you prefer: due or undue process?

The commander of the Roman troops in Jerusalem, seeking to appease the angry mob that wanted to kill Paul for alleged blasphemy, ordered that he be flogged. But that order was rescinded as soon as Paul told the commander that he was “a Roman citizen” (Acts 22:25). Still under accusation, Paul wasn’t released that day; he did, however, exercise the rights of Roman citizens by appealing his case to the Emperor (25:21). Festus, the Roman governor, having no choice but to accommodate Paul, put him on a ship sailing toward Rome. That’s due process.

Potiphar’s wife seemed believable when she insisted that Joseph—whom her husband had put in charge of the house—“came in here to sleep with me” (Gen. 39:14). After all, everyone recognized the cloak she held as Joseph’s. So when Potiphar “heard the story his wife told him,” he immediately “put him in prison” (39:19–20). No grand jury, no trial—this is undue process.

So, what process would you prefer if you are the accused?

We live in America—not Europe in the Middle Ages—where the presumption of innocence is a basic ethos of our criminal justice system. Thus, the Miranda rights are read to any criminal suspect; the grand jury weighs probable cause to determine whether the accused should be prosecuted; and a public defender is assigned to any accused who wants one. This is called due process, and it originates from God Himself, because “God is a righteous judge” (Ps. 7:11) who “judges the peoples with uprightness” (9:8b). Thus, the LORD says to the accused, “Present your case… Set forth your arguments” (Isa. 41:21 NIV).

So then, be fair when you make accusations; don’t rush to judgment. Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, and make a right judgment” (John 7:24 NIV), because that’s what you would want if you were the accused.

Prayer: Father, we praise You for being a fair Judge who judges us not only in accordance to Your righteous standard but with grace and mercy. We are especially grateful that You do “not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities” (Ps. 103:10). Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 3

Lunch Break Study

John 19:6-12 (ESV): As soon as the chief priests and their officials saw him, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” But Pilate answered, “You take him and crucify him. As for me, I find no basis for a charge against him.” 7 The Jewish leaders insisted, “We have a law, and according to that law he must die, because he claimed to be the Son of God.” 8 When Pilate heard this, he was even more afraid, 9 and he went back inside the palace. “Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. 10 “Do you refuse to speak to me?” Pilate said. “Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.” 12 From then on, Pilate tried to set Jesus free, but the Jewish leaders kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar. Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar.” 13 When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha). 14 It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered. 16 Finally Pilate handed him over to them to be crucified.

Questions to Consider

1. What law is Pilate following? What is his verdict based on that? 

2. Under what law were the Jewish leaders attempting to accuse Jesus? Why? Did the Jewish leaders alter their original charge against Jesus (under the Jewish law) once they realized that Pilate was going release Him? 

3. In view of your findings, would you consider this a fair trial? 

4. At the personal level, do you argue with your friend/spouse/child/co-worker at all cost just to win, i.e., get what you want?

Notes

1. The Roman governor Pilate was obviously following the Roman law that has no stipulation against any Jewish person claiming to be the Son of God.  Such an individual will surely be deemed as crazy but certainly not deserving of death.  Besides, Pilate “knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus to him” (Matt. 27:18).

2. The Jewish leaders initially found Jesus guilty of blasphemy based on their law, but once they saw that Pilate wasn’t biting, they switched over to the Roman law and presented Jesus, not as the Son of God, but a king who opposes Caesar. The charge was no longer blasphemy but sedition.  

3. Of course, it wasn’t a fair trial. Furthermore, what the Jewish leaders said earlier to Pilate wasn’t exactly true either: “But we have no right to execute anyone” (Jn. 18:31). Legally, that was true but that didn’t keep them from executing those whom they deemed as blasphemous like Stephen (Acts 7:59-60). They didn’t try to execute Jesus because “they were afraid of the crowd” (Matt. 21:46).  

4. At the personal level, let’s allow the facts and truths to prevail, not our desire to win at all cost that always distorts how we see the reality that surrounds us. 

Evening Reflection

Rarely do we go through an entire day without contending for something or arguing in favor of something—whether in our workplaces, homes, classrooms, or in conversations about politics, sports, and so on. Now, Jesus says, “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (Jn. 7:24). Based on how you presented your thought, opinion, or conviction to others, would you say you were being fair? If not, what does that reveal about you? And how do you need to change so that your speech and conduct reflect our God, who is a fair and righteous Judge?

April 30, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on March 12, 2020, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua is the Lead Pastor of Upper Room Seattle church.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Courageous” 

Joshua 1:5-9

No man will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. Just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. 8 This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Stepping into His Victory

Daniel Putman, professor of philosophy at the University of Wisconsin, in an article entitled The Emotions of Courage, claims that courage involves deliberate choice in the face of painful or fearful circumstances for the sake of a worthy goal. We can deduce from this that courage happens not in the absence of pain or fear but in the face of it. Considering that, have you ever taken time to reflect on the history that God has been writing into our lives–a history of His faithfulness even before we were able to recognize it or give Him praise for it? While that’s a worthwhile spiritual exercise, the dynamic nature of our relationship isn’t just about thinking back on what has happened. There is a forward direction. Today’s passage begins with God’s promise: Just as I have been with Moses (history), I will be with you (future). 

Because God was with the Israelites, they experience great victory in the face of great fear and danger. Because God was with them, they were able to defeat a great city like Jericho without even having to remove one stone from the wall. The thing is, the Israelites would’ve never been able to taste this victory had they not followed the instructions of God. But to follow God’s instructions (to walk around the wall without even striking the city), a great courage was required in the face of real danger.

Brothers and sisters, courage is the fruit of our history with God; but it doesn’t stop there. Courage then becomes the pathway through which we experience God’s victory. When we see how faithful God has been in our lives and that He promises us He will be with us if we walk in alignment to Him—by way of making deliberate choice to follow Him even in the face of fear and pain—this puts us in the place where we experience His victory. And when we see God’s faithfulness through the victories in our lives, our courage grows even more, which further thrusts us into the perfect plan of God to experience more victory. This is the dynamic nature of our relationship with God. This is why we are called to be strong and courageous.

Prayer: Father, thank You again for our incredible history with You. But thank You that there’s more to come. There’s more we can experience in You. We recognize that for us to do so, we must be courageous, just like you call us to be. Help us to make the deliberate choices to be courageous because You are bigger than our fearful or painful circumstances. Thank You Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 2

Lunch Break Study

Proverbs 3:5-8: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your body and refreshment to your bones.

Questions

  1. As is typical of proverbs, there are positive statements and negative statements that are coupled together. What are the negative statements found in this proverb? What are the positive statements?
  2. What does this passage teach us as the consequence of following the positive statements? What is implied if we do not follow this wisdom?
  3. Human experience teaches us that the practical application of this passage is much harder than what it seems. Why might it require courage for us to follow this wisdom?

Notes

  1. The positive statements are “trust in the Lord with all your heart”, “in all your ways acknowledge Him”, and “fear the Lord and turn away from evil.” The negative statements are “do not lean on your own understanding” and “do not be wise in your own eyes”
  2. If we trust and acknowledge Him, He will make our paths straight = He will guide our lives. If we fear the Lord and turn away from evil, it will be healing and refreshment to our lives. The implication is that if we do not, our paths will be crooked, and our lives will be broken and weary. Another thing to note is that the positive and negative statements implies that they are opposites (e.g. trusting in the Lord means to not trust in our own understanding)
  3. Personal response. In many ways this proverb is teaching us to not do what comes naturally for us—trust in ourselves, acknowledge ourselves. To be able to detach from this “innateness” can be very jarring and scary. This is why we need courage. 

Evening Reflection

Were you courageous in the Lord today? In what ways did you display this courage? And how did you experience God’s victory through that courage. Thank the Lord for the ways He builds our faith. If you do not feel like you were courageous or you experienced His victory, reflect on His history of faithfulness to you. Prepare yourself to walk in courage again tomorrow. 

April 29, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Christine Li, was originally posted on February 5, 2020. Christine serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The MVP We Need”

Psalm 121:1-4 

“For I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

When I was in third grade, one of my class’s favorite recess games was Capture the Flag. I was not particularly good at this game, but you know who was? One of my friends, C, who was a Little League baseball star.  He was unbeatable: Whenever he captured the opposing team’s flag, he speedily ran back to his side. Other kids half-heartedly gave chase whenever he ran, because that’s how capable he was compared to the rest of us. Whenever I was the team captain, who did I pick first to be on my team? C, all the way. Having him on my team was an assured victory.

The psalmist asks himself who he looks to for help and deliverance. In third grade, I would have looked at my friend to lead our team to victory. But who do I look to on a daily basis for my help? Unfortunately, in my reflection, I find that I often turn first towards the following non-God entities before recognizing that God is my help:

  • Physical strength: The first thing I gauge every morning is whether I am tired. If I am full of energy, I trust that my own stamina, willpower, and happiness to carry me through.
  • Intellect: When presented with a problem, I launch into a problem-solving mode. I scan through my memory for any similar situations. I often decide that, as long as I concentrate and think about it a little harder, a solution will come to me.
  • Other people: I rely on the abilities or influence of others to assure me that things will work out. At work, I think about who can advocate for me or will turn to their connections on my behalf if I need something.

 Today, I encourage you to take a look inside to discover who your eyes turn towards. Is it other people? Maybe yourself? (Or, perhaps, you are seeking the Lord first for guidance and strengthening – press on!). The Lord, who loves us, who created the heavens and the earth, who will never tire from doing good and who is always attentive, can be and should be our help. The Psalmist is wise to see that God is the only and best source to receive help from.

Many of us know this truth, but a reflection into our tendencies will reveal who we really turn to first. Let us ask God to give us humility and grace to remember that He is the only One who is worthy of our trust. We are foolish if we trust primarily in our abilities and those of others. Let us train ourselves to seek Him first for help and to see how He will sustain and lead us through all trouble. 

Prayer: Father, I know that You are my greatest help. I confess that I look at other people and myself for the strength and wisdom that I need. Teach me to turn to You first and find that You the One I need. Help me to not trust in my own understanding and ways but rather lean on You to reveal and provide all I need. 

Bible Reading for Today: Colossians 1

Lunch Break Study

Job 37:5-13: “God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend. 6 For to the snow he says, ‘Fall on the earth,’ likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour. 7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men whom he made may know it.8 Then the beasts go into their lairs, and remain in their dens.9 From its chamber comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds.10 By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast. 11 He loads the thick cloud with moisture; the clouds scatter his lightning.12 They turn around and around by his guidance, to accomplish all that he commands them on the face of the habitable world. 13 Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen.”

Questions to Consider

  1. The context for this chapter is that Elihu speaks to Job and his friends about God. What happenings on earth are attributable to God?
  1. From Elihu’s words, what attributes of God can we understand?
  2. Let’s take time to consider the numerous works and actions of God that have surrounded you today (from the world you woke up to or circumstances in life). Spend time praising Him for His hand in all things and remembering how active He is in our world.

Notes

  1. This passage says that many natural phenomena are attributed to God. He dictates snow, rain, lightning. He also dictates our success/progress in work and even affects where animals dwell. 
  2. Much of this passage revolves around God’s vast power and majesty. The reminder that God commands the precipitation and lightning as well as the fact that it is from His hand whether we progress in our work reminds us that He is almighty God. But God does not wield that power aimlessly. He is intentional, desiring to accomplish correction and to show love to His creation in all things.
  3. Personal reflection

Evening Reflection

How was your time today? Did you notice the option to turn towards God or to turn to yourself more? Let’s ask Him to cultivate a greater dependence on Him and ask Him to show us tomorrow how we will find exactly what we need when we approach Him first. 

April 28, Tuesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on January 27, 2020, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“New Year (well, four months ago), New You”

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed for his compassions never fail; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  

It’s been about four months since the calendar turned to 2026, and I can confidently say that the new year has brought about a new me; unfortunately, this has not been a good thing.  I’ll blame it on the Christmas holidays and associated vacation, but for whatever reason, I’ve fallen into a bad rhythm.  I’ve probably only been to the gym about four times in 2026, and each time I cut my workout short in both duration and intensity because I’ve been dealing with heart and gut problems (These two organs seem to have gone missing in me).  I’m eating like a teenager and can’t remember the last time I’ve had a salad.  I’m sleeping in way later than I want to, and by 7pm at night I feel and act like a zombie.  Around the home, all my projects and chores remain incomplete or overdue.  And to top it all off, I’m already like 10 days behind in my Bible reading schedule.  I think it’s fair to say that I haven’t exactly hit the ground running in 2026.  

Because today’s passage is so familiar to many of us and because it’s written in such a beautifully poetic way, we often take for granted the deep spiritual truth of it.  And the truth is that, even if you’ve had a series of bad days, weeks, months, or even years, God loves you, he has a plan for you, and you are not consumed (or defeated) by poor choices—even if those poor choices have become a hard to break bad habit.  Not only that, his mercy or compassion for you is new this morning as well.  In other words, today can, and if you make it, will be different.  Today, pick one, two, or three things you want to do, and do them.  Start some good habits.  For me, I’ll pick up my Bible reading schedule, cleaning my microwave, and perhaps eating a salad! 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for this day.  Each day is genuinely a gift from You.  Help me to have a good day and successfully start a good habit.  Most of all, let me be mindful and obedient to You this day.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 4

Lunch Break Study

Romans 7:14-25: We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15 I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. 21 So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. 24 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? 25 Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

Questions to Consider

1.  What was Paul struggling with in this passage?

2.  What truths about the new life in Christ does this passage reveal?

3.  What will be the ultimate prevailing truth (vs. 25), and how is this an encouragement for you?

Notes

1.  In this passage, Paul shares that while he is a new creation in Christ, he still struggles with the desires of the sinful nature.  For example in vs. 15, he says what he wants to do he doesn’t do; but what he hates to do, he does anyway.  I think we’ve all been there.  

2.  The spiritual truth revealed in this passage concerns the process of sanctification.  Namely that if we have genuine faith in Christ, we are spiritually changed and the Spirit lives in us, but at the same time, the sinful nature within us is also still alive (though slowly dying).  So in our hearts, there’s always going to be a struggle in us to live for Christ, until we see Jesus face to face.  

3.  Ultimately, we are going to be fully delivered in Christ; and we will be “slaves” to God’s righteous law.  Hopefully, this is an encouragement to you to know that your future will be glorious.  

Evening Reflection

Now that we’re almost a month into 2020, how has the new year been for you?  Are there resolutions you’ve quit on already?  Do you need to refocus?  Do you already feel defeated?  Don’t; Christ lives in you.  

April 27, Monday

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

“He must Increase, I must Decrease”

Mark 1:4-9 (ESV)

John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

I don’t know if you personally struggle with this, but I believe we are tempted to conflate our accomplishments and our identity. We want to present our best self at all times and often have a problem showing our weaknesses. Think about it. When you go to an interview and the question “What are some of your weaknesses” is asked, what would your response be? The classic advice that is given is for you to be real about your weakness, but not too real – because you don’t want to be too much of an open book. 

Though there is nothing wrong with wanting to present yourself in a good light, I think the reality of wanting to promote ourselves more than we actually are, comes from a place of insecurity. We long to be significant, to matter, and we loathe the idea of being discarded, disregarded because we are not important. 

When I look at the ministry of John the Baptizer, I see a ministry that is marked by security. He is comfortable and secure being the messenger of God and nothing more, nothing less. He is comfortable with his role in the Kingdom of God. He is comfortable with His assignment. I think one thing that we often forget is how incredibly popular John was. It says that the entire Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. All of the country folk and all of the city folk are coming out to see John the Baptizer and hear what he had to say. In fact, it’s worth mentioning that Mark seemed to think that it was important to make it clear that John the Baptizer was simply the messenger that came to prepare the way for Jesus. He was not the main event. Perhaps he had to make this clear because people were mistakenly thinking of John as the Messiah. They had not heard a message as one that he had been preaching. They had not seen a charisma like his before. He seemed to be the one who was able to mobilize people and there was clearly a move of God that accompanied him. People were flocking to him in droves. People were confessing their sins. People were getting baptized. There was revival that was not only happening on a personal level, but seemingly on a national level. 

This was a man that was at the pinnacle of his ministry with the most fruit and the most influence he could ever have, yet in the midst of all of this, he remembers his role as a messenger. He could have presented himself as more than he actually was, but he did not.

In the Gospel of John, John calls himself the friend of the bridegroom – and his delight is to see the bridegroom receive his bride. He doesn’t try to pretend to be the bridegroom even as people are starting to leave him to follow Jesus. In fact, his response is “He must increase and I must decrease.” May that be our response as well. 

Prayer: Father God, help me to be secure in my identity in You. I confess that many times I make things about my glory rather than Yours, but oh that I would be like John, to declare boldly and come into agreement with this statement: You must increase and I must decrease. I pray that in my life, in my witness, in my ministry, in all that I do, there would be an earnest desire to see You increase. May that come from a place of understanding that I am Your beloved. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 3

Lunch Break Study

Acts 20:18-24 (ESV): And when they came to him, he said to them: “You yourselves know how I lived among you the whole time from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility and with tears and with trials that happened to me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you in public and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Questions to Consider

1. What is Paul’s conviction in regards to his past ministry? 

2. What is Paul’s conviction in regards to his future ministry?

3. What would you consider to be your ministry that has been assigned to you?

Notes

1. Paul says he did not shrink from declaring anything that was profitable. His ministry is (in my opinion) marked by faithfulness to what was given to him; what was entrusted into his care. He wanted to remind them of his genuine love and care for them. 

2. Paul knows that there are many trials and afflictions in regards to his assignment from God. However, his conviction is that he would be able to fulfill the ministry that has been assigned to him. He knows that it is only by the grace of God that he will be able to finish well. 

3. Personal Response.

Evening Reflection

John the Baptizer was “successful” in his ministry and he did not shy away from that success. At the same time, he did not allow that success to get to his head and cause him to pursue things that he wasn’t called to pursue. He knew his assignment and was content to do what was assigned to him. In what ways do we need to streamline what we pursue? D.L. Moody says “our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn’t really matter.” Come before God and ask Him to clarify once again what you really ought to pursue.