Editor’s Note: The AMI QT Devotionals for February 25-6 are provided by Tina Hsu.  Tina, a graduate of Biola University and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), currently serves in E. Asia as a preaching intern. 

Devotional Thoughts for Today

Joshua 1:1-9 (NASB)

Now it came about after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD, that the LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ servant, saying, 2“Moses My servant is dead; now therefore arise, cross this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them, to the sons of Israel. 3Every place on which the sole of your foot treads, I have given it to you, just as I spoke to Moses. 4From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even as far as the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and as far as the Great Sea toward the setting of the sun will be your territory. 5No 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. 6Be strong and courageous, for you shall give this people possession of the land, which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the laws 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. 8This 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. 9Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

In preparing to serve at a new AMI church in Asia, a close sister from California asked me, “What’s your ammo?” She said “ammo” is the spiritual ammunition or weapon I need to overcome spiritual obstacles and to combat the attacks of the enemy. Knowing that I would be facing a significant change by leaving California to live and serve in a different country, she wanted me to be aware of the ways I might be vulnerable to Satan’s attacks, and thus, prepare my ammo. Why is it important to prepare ammo? The reason is, as God’s masterpieces, we are all Satan’s targets. While God has appointed us to bear lasting fruit and to experience His promises, Satan aims to deceive us, confuse us, and rob us of what God has in store.

When God called Joshua to lead Israel to inherit the Promised Land, God prepared Joshua with “ammo.” God called Joshua and Israel to inherit His promise of land, but they would need to overcome many obstacles in order to walk into God’s promise. First, Joshua faced a daunting change as his mentor, Moses, passed away and he is Israel’s new young leader. Second, the Israelites were weak in military strength compared to the nations that were occupying the land of Canaan. Fear and intimidation could cripple and defeat them. God called Joshua to be armed with the “ammo” of His Word and His presence. The strength of the Canaanites would cause Joshua and the Israelites to melt in fear, but the truth of God’s Word and His presence would enable Joshua to courageously lead Israel to inherit God’s promise.

I believe that the ammo I need is daily surrender of my own control and trust in God’s control. Being quick to control situations in the midst of uncertainties is my weakness that Satan could target. By meditating on God’s Word day and night, I desire to surrender my control and to genuinely trust that the Lord is with me and will help me succeed.

You are God’s masterpiece, and also Satan’s target. What weaknesses or obstacles do you have in your marriage, relationships, family, workplace, and ministry that Satan might target? Ask the Lord to equip you with “ammo” so that you may live victoriously today.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to see that the obstacles that I face before walking into Your promise and blessings are opportunities to exercise my faith in You. Help me to be strong, to be courageous and to meditate on your Word day and night, so that I may hear Your voice and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 3

Lunch Break Study

Read John 10:7-10 (NASB): Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.?

Questions to Consider

1. Why does Jesus use the pasture and sheep metaphor?
2. What is Jesus’ desire for His disciples/sheep?
3. How do you see Satan trying to snatch the joy of the Lord and love for the Lord away from you? What would it look like to live out Jesus’ promise of having life to the full?

Notes

1. Sheep belong in their shepherd’s pasture and are fully under their shepherd’s care. Yet sheep are defenseless and prone to wander, so shepherds protect sheep from being harassed or snatched away from thieves and robbers. Sheep are also trained to listen to their shepherd’s voice. In the same way, disciples are in the care of our Master and Shepherd, Jesus. Being the Good Shepherd, Jesus protects and leads His disciples so that we learn to listen to His voice of truth.
2. Jesus desires that through His sacrificial love displayed on the cross, we would be restored and have an abundant life in Him.
3. Personal Reflection.

Evening Reflection

Christ did not redeem us to live a defeated or mediocre life. He chose us and redeemed us so that we may live an abundant life, bearing lasting fruit. Reflect on this verse tonight from John 15:16: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.”