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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Guidance Today”

Exodus 23:20-21 (NIV)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 19

---

Lunch Break Study

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

Question to Consider

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

Notes

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

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

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

---

Evening Reflection

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

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

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

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

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Sports Betting and the Christian Life”

1 Cor. 15:12-19

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 28

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

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“Numbering our Days”

Psalm 90:12

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 17-18

UPDATED (for the second time) Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun (Radiance Christian Church, East Bay), was originally posted on March 29, 2013. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Psalm 31:3-5 (NIV)

For you are my rock and my fortress; and for your name’s sake you lead me and guide me; 4 you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for you are my refuge.  5 Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. 

Introduction (2020): Pastor Mark originally wrote this Good Friday devotional in 2013, and it was later reposted on April 10, 2020. Near the end, he reflects, “It is easy to trust God when things are going well . . .” For some, those words may have felt distant at the time. But today—amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a crisis without boundaries that has brought profound suffering to countless lives—they land with a sobering weight. In this moment, may the true meaning of Good Friday minister to us afresh. And may we faithfully share it with those who have yet to grasp the atoning sacrifice of the Son of God.

Introduction (2026): As this vlog is reposted for the second time, it is worth noting that Pastor Mark’s life reflects the motif of Resurrection Sunday. Much has happened in his life since 2013. Illness and other life circumstances eventually led him to resign as Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in January 2023, which he had led since its inception in 2013. But, that’s not where Mark’s story ends.  With greatly improved health, he is now leading Radiance’s East Bay church plant. If Friday represents the wilderness, then Sunday is a day of new hope—and a new church plant through which Christ is being introduced to the East Bay of California. 

PS.  Check out this short video in which Pastor Mark talks about his wilderness.  https://youtu.be/LprawOCNreI

When Jesus spoke the words of this psalm on the cross, it was at the very end of his suffering.  Imagine the events preceding this statement: an evening of torturous prayer, betrayed by a friend in the dark of the night, questioned and beaten by religious leaders deep into the morning hours of the next day, and then stand trial before Pilate at dawn.  

In less than two hours, Jesus would be tried and sentenced to carry his cross up to Mt. Calvary.  By 9 am, the soldiers would have nailed his hands and feet, and lifted him up on that cross.  For the next six hours, Jesus would not only suffer the physical pain of the crucifixion, but more importantly, he would endure the spiritual agony of God’s wrath and abandonment.  

This is what makes this statement so amazing, that even after enduring such despair, Jesus was still able to entrust his spirit into the hands of God.  It was and is the greatest proclamation of trust in the sovereign will of God; even unto death he was the perfect model for his followers.  It is easy to trust God when things are going well but the cross reminds us that the real trust is forged through the dark nights of our soul.  

As you come to Easter weekend, are you praying for anyone in particular to hear the Gospel?  Pray about opportunities to bring someone to church to celebrate the resurrection of Christ.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I confess that it is difficult to entrust my life completely into Your hands, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Help me to follow the example of Your Son who lived his life in complete dependence upon Your will.  Even when I cannot understand the circumstances surrounding my life, teach me how to trust You instead of leaning on my own strength and understanding.  Amen. 

PS: Also pray for the new church plant led by P. Mark.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 26

---

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV): “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the basis of our trust in God’s provision for our daily needs (Matt. 6:26)?
2. Why is it pointless to worry (Matt. 6:27)?
3. What is God’s promise to those who put their trust in Him (Matt. 6:33)?

Notes

1. Jesus points out that the birds of the sky are well taken care of and compares their worth to ours.  Clearly, we are worth more to God than a sparrow since we are the only creatures under heaven that bear His image.  Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that God is concerned deeply about our daily needs.  
2. From a pragmatic sense, it is pointless to worry because there is nothing that anxiety can do about the circumstances of tomorrow.  In addition, worrying doesn’t make the quality of our lives better, but in reality, diminishes it.    
3. God’s promise is a simple one for those who put their trust in Him and seek first the kingdom of God: Everything we need for life eternal will be provided for us.  

---

Evening Reflection

Are you growing in terms of your level of trust?  For some, the command not to worry is about as difficult to follow as an instruction to stop breathing.  Anxiety seems to be such a natural part of our lives that we forget that it is a symptom of our lack of trust in God.  

That said, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that the post-COVID 19 world renders trusting in God a necessity for our survival, spiritual and otherwise.  Prayer is one of the ways we can learn to put our trust into God during difficult times.  Pray.   

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Can Anything Practical Come out of the Doctrine of the Trinity?

“The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands” (Jn 3:35).

Can anything practical come out of the doctrine of the Trinity?

One surprising place to explore this is the theme of unity in the novel The Shack. In the story, God the Father—portrayed as an Aunt Jemima-like African-American woman who says of herself, “I am neither male nor female but a Spirit”—tells Mack, the protagonist: “Don’t ever think that what the Son chose to do didn’t cost us dearly. Love always leaves a significant mark… We were there together.” Perplexed, Mack replies, “I thought You left Him—you know, ‘My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?’” The Father gently corrects him: “Regardless of what He felt at that moment, I never left Him.”

Another poignant picture of Trinitarian unity appears when the Holy Spirit—depicted as an Asian woman—says to Mack, “Remember our conversation earlier about limitation.” Mack is confused because he had that conversation with the Father, not with the Spirit. The Spirit then reminds him: “You can’t share with one and not share with us all.”

I found that beautifully stated. The Three Persons are perfectly united in purpose and being. To speak to One is, in some sense, to speak to the Other Two. This relational unity is echoed in Scripture: “I and the Father are one” (Jn 10:30); “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit?… You have not lied to men but to God” (Acts 5:3–4). Here, note that Ananias’ deception is simultaneously described as lying to the Holy Spirit and lying to God. 

Perhaps this is why the author of The Shack has the Spirit say, “You can’t share with one and not share with us all.” When Mack wonders how such unity works, the Father explains: “We are in a circle of relationship, not a chain of command or a ‘great chain of being,’ as your ancestors termed it. What you are seeing here is a relationship without any overlay of power. We don’t need power over the other because we are always looking out for the best.”

As I read this, something in me longed for the same kind of unity in my own family—an intimacy marked by selflessness, mutual concern, and shared purpose. Emotionally, I felt that the loss of any one of the Three would mean the loss of all Three.

Obviously, the theological implications of this isn’t addressed here; for now, let us imitate the self-giving love, togetherness, and mutual delight that exist eternally within the Trinity.

Prayer: Dear Triune God, draw my heart toward the unity and loving communion shared within the Holy Trinity, that I may reflect it in my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 16

---

Lunch Break Study (Jabez Yeo)

Read Psalm 23:1-2 (ESV): “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” 

Questions to Consider

1. What is the relationship between the shepherd and the sheep?

2. With the nature of this relationship in mind, why does David conclude that he does not need to be in want?

3. Are you being a sheep of Christ today? Are you hearing His voice as your daily assurance (John 10:27)? 

Notes

1. Sheep are known as one of the most foolish and clueless animals. Thus, the shepherd is responsible for providing nearly everything for the sheep, whether it is food, pastures for adequate rest or protection from wild animals and thieves.

2. As spiritual sheep, we do not know what is best for us without the Lord’s help. We also are unable to provide anything good for ourselves on our strength (James 1:17). Thus, we can conclude that we do not need to be in want; as it is futile for us to desire things when we have limited knowledge and are inadequate to provide anything good for ourselves.

---

Evening Reflection

Did you find yourself envious over what someone had today? How have you internalized the fact that God has blessed you with everything that you need? Let’s continue to fight the spiritual battle in our minds and reassure ourselves of God’s provision and faithfulness.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun (Radiance Christian Church, East Bay), was originally posted on March 17, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“So Much Talk on Love, So Little the Evidence in the Church”

1 John 3:11-15 (ESV)

For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

Many Christians will testify to the importance of love.  If you were to ask one hundred people in church how important love is, it is unlikely that a single person would deny its importance.  Everybody knows, at least mentally, that love is the single most important virtue, and this is possibly the only thing that all of Christendom agrees on.  It doesn’t matter if you come from a conservative or a charismatic church, whether you are Presbyterian or Baptist, all Christians agree that love is of the highest priority. 

But even though there is this universal agreement on the importance of love, why is there so little of it in the church?  This lack of love is something that we have seen in our church, and I am assuming that it’s a problem for many churches.  There may be occasional moments of love, but most Christians would admit that there is still a longing in our hearts for more love in every area of our lives, including our relationships with other believers. 

Sometimes, the most basic thing is the hardest thing to perfect.  From the very outset of our faith, we are exhorted to love one another, but somehow envy, anger, and even division enters our fellowship.  Perhaps the best way to overcome this lack of love is to understand the serious nature of the sins that are a natural outcome of not walking in love.  John Stott once wrote, “Jealousy-hatred-murder is a natural and terrible sequence.”  I have seen this sequence played out far too many times, because we forget how easy it is to fall naturally into the sin of Cain.  No one is exempt. No one is free from these temptations, and this is why it is so vital to be reminded constantly of our call to love.

So today, make a concerted effort to love another.

Prayer: Father, help us to love one another, just as You have loved us through your Son.  Forgive us for our lack of love and failure to carry one another’s burdens.  If we struggle with negative emotions like anger, bitterness, or resentment, help us to work toward love and reconciliation.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 15

---

Lunch Break Study 

While you read this passage, briefly reflect on the context in which Jesus is speaking.

Read Matthew 5:21-25:  “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison.

Questions to Consider  

1.  According to Jesus, what is the punishment for the physical act of murder as compared to anger and contemptuous words?

2.  To what length should we go to reconcile a relationship with an offended Christian brother or sister?

3.  How should we handle disputes with our adversaries?  Is there anyone you need to forgive or reconcile with? 

Notes

1.  The shocking conclusion in verse 22 is that all three sins are equally in danger of the fire of hell.  Words that we throw around commonly such as “stupid fool” reveal a deep contempt for human life that is equally as dangerous as murder.

2.   Since Jesus gave this sermon in Galilee, he is telling someone who has traveled close to eighty miles to bring his sacrifice to the temple in Jerusalem, to now go back and reconcile before giving his offering.  This would equate to a round trip of 160 miles at a time when most people made the trip on foot or donkey!

3.  We should look to resolve conflicts as quickly as possible before it gets to serious. 

---

Evening Reflection

In light of our theme, did you get angry or short with anyone today?  Maybe someone who cut you off?  Or you had an incident with a coworker, roommate, or family member?  Review your day here and lift up a prayer, asking for forgiveness and reconciliation where possible. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, was originally posted on November 7, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Did You Take a Praise Break Today?

Psalms 96:1-13 (NIV)

Sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth! 2 Sing to the Lord! Praise his name! Announce every day how he delivers! 3 Tell the nations about his splendor!
Tell all the nations about his amazing deeds! 4 For the Lord is great and certainly worthy of praise; he is more awesome than all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are worthless, but the Lord made the sky. 6 Majestic splendor emanates from him; his sanctuary is firmly established and beautiful. 7 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the nations, ascribe to the Lord splendor and strength! 8 Ascribe to the Lord the splendor he deserves! Bring an offering and enter his courts! 9 Worship the Lord in holy attire!
Tremble before him, all the earth! 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!
The world is established, it cannot be moved. He judges the nations fairly.” 11 Let the sky rejoice, and the earth be happy! Let the sea and everything in it shout! 12 Let the fields and everything in them celebrate! Then let the trees of the forest shout with joy 13 before the Lord, for he comes! For he comes to judge the earth! He judges the world fairly, and the nations in accordance with his justice.

During my undergrad years, a popular craze was sweeping the cities of America that startled those who witnessed it: in various public places, at any moment and without warning, seemingly random people would collectively burst into song and dance for what seemed like no reason at all. They called these little performances “flash mobs.” One reporter described a flash mob as “an organized group of people that appear in a public place, to perform a synchronized act for a brief period, to the complete surprise and bewilderment of those around them.” These synchronized acts could occasionally be menacing and quite dangerous, but usually they were just fun and entertaining, lifting the spirits of bystanders.

When I read Psalm 96, some of my favorite flash mob YouTube videos come to mind, where people with one heart got together to express themselves for all the world to see. The psalmist is calling us to burst into jubilant song and dance of worship and adoration to our God because of who He is. Not only us, but all of creation is to join in on the praise! In the spring, following the dreariness of a long winter, it is as if the flowers come together to display their own flash mob of praise for all passersby to see. Or at certain times of the year when the waves are just right, it is as if the sea is taking its turn to do the same.

How about you? Will you praise God today? Even if not in a publicly and organized song and dance, we are called to give shouts of praise to our God for who He is and what He’s done.

For your viewing pleasure, some of my favorite flash mob worships are caught on video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfxlat-tp_Q

Prayer: Lord, help me to be exuberant and spontaneous in my worshiping of you.  Lord, help me to be free and expressive in letting you know that You are the most important entity in my life.  Praise You, Lord.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 14

---

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 7:9-11 (NIV): After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. 10 And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”

Questions to Consider

1. In verse 9, who does God assemble to praise Him?
2. In the following verses, what does the great multitude do and what does this tell us about the nature of praise?
3. When was the last time you erupted in praise to God? When was the last time you shouted out songs of worship to Him?

Notes

1. The key word in verse 9 is “every” – God doesn’t leave any group out when he calls together worshipers to praise Him. There are no national, tribal, language, or any other barriers. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! One day, we will see the manifestation of what John saw here in these verses. But, until then, whether we are together or apart, we can give God the praise He deserves. 
2. In the following verses, the multitude “cried out in a loud voice,” praises to God. Sometimes, I forget the importance of full-bodied worship – where I cry out, with everything inside me, praises to God for who He is and what He’s done. We experience this kind of praise every now and then (e.g. at retreats when the band sings a song like “With Everything”). But in the busyness of life and certainly as I get older, I find this experience of praise far too infrequent. We should praise God in this way much more often. After all, from what I see in Revelation, there will be shouts of praise in the presence of God quite frequently in heaven for all eternity.
3. Maybe it’s time for a praise break! Whether it’s in the car on the way home from work or walking home from class, be it in private or (for the bolder among us) in public, reflect on the goodness of God and sing out your own song of praise to Him today – for He is worthy!

---

Evening Reflection

Charles H. Spurgeon once said, “God is to be praised with the voice, and the heart should go therewith in holy exultation.” Spend some time verbally praising God; not only in your heart, but also with your mouth, offering words of praise to Him. What a privilege we have to bless the heart of God with our words of affection and adoration!

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, originally posted on May 27, 2019, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua is the Lead Pastor of Upper Room Seattle church.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Calling and Provision: Individual”

Exodus 31:1-6

Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel, the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all kinds of craftsmanship, 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, in silver, and in bronze, 5 and in the cutting of stones for settings, and in the carving of wood, that he may work in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 And behold, I Myself have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the hearts of all who are skillful I have put skill, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

Many of us have experienced the horrors of elementary school recess when the dreaded moment of picking teams comes upon us. It’s always the best athletes (or the most popular guys) who would be the captains, who then would proceed to pick one person at a time to be on their team. That’s when the bartering begins:

“If you pick me, I’ll give you the candy my mom packed for lunch.” “Pick me, I’ll just pass the ball to you, because obviously, you’re the best out there!” Then, the honor and gloat that comes from being chosen—there’s no feeling like it.

There is something about being chosen that we as human beings get a sense of satisfaction from. And in today’s passage, we see two examples of individuals—Bezalel and Oholiab—who are chosen, the term being called or appointed by God to carry out a specific task. But it goes much beyond that. With the calling comes a provision of the very skills and talents they would need to accomplish the task at hand. There is calling, and there is provision.

The thing is, these skills didn’t just appear. Yes, it does say that the Spirit of God endowed it upon them, but it’s not so much that Bezalel all of a sudden had these skills uploaded to him. Rather, understanding that most trades were developed through apprenticeship and learning from, most likely, their fathers, we see that there is a period of grooming of the individual to the point of excellence.

Not to disregard the truth that the Spirit of God endows these gifts upon individuals, but the wonderful thing we must remember is that God’s hand was on these individuals since their youth, grooming them in such a way that they may one day serve in the making of these instruments of worship onto God.

All of us have been endowed by the Creator with incredible skills and talents. We see in the world how these talents can be used for our own benefit, building temporary kingdoms of earthly glory. But when these God-given skills are joined together with the calling of God for His purposes—this is the satisfaction that is available to those who serve the Lord.

How has God endowed upon you incredible gifting? It may not look like much in the eyes of the world, but when used in the name of Jesus, there is incredible power and fruitfulness available. Brothers and sisters, God is at work all around us, and He is calling us to join Him, utilizing our God-given gifts and talents. So, how will you respond to Him today?

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that in Your provision of salvation, You have given me purpose and calling to join in Your work. Thank You for the Spirit of God that imparts me with gifts and skills that allows me to uniquely join You in Your work. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 13

---

Lunch Break Study 

Read Ephesians 4:1-3, 7, 11-13: Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8 Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, And He gave gifts to men.” 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the main idea that Paul conveys in this passage? What does it mean “to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which we have been called”?
2. Paul explains that through Christ’s victory through the Resurrection, one of the outcomes is that He gave gifts to men. In particular to people who serve within the church (v.11), what is the reason for these gifts?
3. How have you seen this happen in your life? Have others built you up so that you can utilize your gifts for the sake of building up others/the church?

Notes

1. As for the theme of Ephesians as a whole, Paul’s focus is on the unity of the church. Walking in a manner worthy of the calling entails humility, gentleness, patience, and tolerance (amongst others) so that through this, we are able to preserve the unity that the Spirit gives to the church.
2. Although verse 11 is a more specific calling to serve as leaders within the church, it can also be applied generally. Everyone has received gifts in order that they might fulfill their calling. Leaders within the church are called to equip others so that they too may join in ministering to one another.
3. Personal response. Think of how you have personally been equipped by others so that you may use your gifts for the blessing of others.

---

Evening Reflection

As you have gone throughout the day today, in what ways have you recognized God using your gifting or skills He has provided to bless others? How do you feel about these moments? Spend some time thanking God for His calling and provision in your life.

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on April 1, 2018, was written by Hee Jung Lee. Hee Jung, a graduate of Biblical Theological Seminary, serves at Catalyst Agape Church in New Jersey alongside her husband, Pastor Sam Lee.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend Before Easter

Matthew 28:1-7

Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.  And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men. But the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.  And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead….

The dawning of the first day of this particular week was a spectacular day, because it followed the death of Jesus. The old things have passed and new has come (1 Cor. 5:17), as Jesus’ body was not in the tomb.  When Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of James, arrived at the tomb to endow spices upon the Lord’s body, an angel tells them, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as He said…” (v.6). Then he instructs them to go quickly to tell the disciples that He is risen! Jesus had resurrected as promised. 

This is glorious news, because the power of His resurrection also privileges us today. It has given us a new life through Him, as well as granting us access to the power of the living risen Christ! What does this mean?  For one, the penalty of sin has been completely paid, and we are no longer slaves to its power (Rom. 6:14).  We can overcome sin and temptation and choose to  live out of the Spirit of God in us.  Jesus has deemed powerless sin’s power by taking on all of its effects on the cross and making us the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21). We are on the winning side.  Secondly, the resurrection power of Christ overcame death and death will no longer have any sting on us (1 Cor. 15:55). Eternal life is a promise that we are beholding even now—not only when we die. This means that we ought to live everyday from an eternal perspective. 

Finally, Christ’s resurrection has given us access to its very power to carry out the Great Commission and the work of God, which has been prepared for us to do in advance. Ephesians 1:19-20 says, “…and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” We are now able to partner with the Holy Spirit to carry out the work of God in the same way that Jesus did: preaching the gospel, healing the sick, and casting out demons (Luke 9:2; Matt. 10:8). We are able to do this because the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in us (Rom. 8:11). 

These are privileges we have inherited because of our Savior’s victory over the grave, and when we access its presence in us, our lives will testify that Jesus has indeed risen! And that’s what next week’s Easter Sunday is all about. Let’s prepare our hearts for it this week.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the finished work of Christ on the cross! Thank You that this is truly the good news, and its power of resurrection has been made alive in me. Please help me to not keep it to myself but allow its power to be activated in my life by sharing with others that the Lord has risen. Thank you!  Amen.

Bible Reading for today: Judges 12

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, originally posted on July 20, 2019, 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.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Waiting Faith”

Jeremiah 42:7-14

At the end of ten days the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. 8 Then he summoned Johanan the son of Kareah and all the commanders of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least to the greatest, 9 and said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your plea for mercy before him: 10 If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I relent of the disaster that I did to you. 11 Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the Lord, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. 12 I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. 13 But if you say, ‘We will not remain in this land,’ disobeying the voice of the Lord your God14 and saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there’ . . .

I believe that faith fundamentally comes in two forms: faith to act and faith to wait. People generally tend to gravitate toward the former as “real” faith, because people who act in faith don’t just sit around and let the world pass them by; they boldly go out in the name of the Lord and conquer lands and win souls. These people are like the action heroes of Christianity.

Rightly so, we admire guys like Hudson Taylor who pioneered missions to inland China, or Jim Elliot who gave his life in preach to the Auca tribe in Ecuador, or even our many AMI missionaries who serve the Lord abroad in various countries. The Bible even seems to support the notion that faith to act is a superior form. Read Hebrews 11: everyone mentioned was commended for some kind of action. If you need further convincing of this, look no further than the apostle James who declared, “Faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26).

But every so often, the Bible gives us a glimpse at what waiting faith looks like. Waiting faith hears the gentle whisper of God that says, “Stay where you’re at, even though the circumstances look bleak. Trust Me, I’ll turn things around.” In a lot of ways, I think waiting faith is harder than “faith in action”, because when we are doing something, at least we feel like we have some control over the circumstances. But waiting that requires us to stretch muscles we are not used to moving is easier said than done. It requires us to trust, pray, persevere, hope, and stay optimistic, all of which I would argue are also actions.

I understand why the remnant of Israel would want to go to Egypt. Look at vs. 14: Egypt seemed like a land of peace, abundance, and opportunity. For the last how many years, Jerusalem was a warzone, people went hungry, and the threat of being conquered constantly loomed overhead like vultures circling a carcass. Simply put, the Israelites were tired, and Judah probably looked like Pride Rock after years of being ruled by Scar. (Did anyone see that movie last night?). So why would they want to hanging on, in Israel? But despite all this, the Lord tells his people to stay in Judah and trust Him—talk about a seemingly powerless position.

This morning, let me ask you this: Is there something that you feel like the Lord is telling you to wait on? Isn’t it funny how it seems like when the Lord wants you to act, He practically shouts, but when He wants you to remain, it feels like He’s whispering? He’s there—you might just have to learn to distinguish His gentle voice.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to walk by faith and not by sight. If You want me to wait, let me do so in prayer, patiently, steadfastly, and hopefully. Help me to trust You, especially when I don’t see a way out of this situation. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Judges 10-11