REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 10, 2016, is provided by Pastor Barry Kang, who heads Symphony Church in Boston. Barry is a graduate of Stanford University (B.S.), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.), and Gordon Conwell Seminary (D.Min.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“God’s Grace Revisited”
Colossians 4:18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.
As Paul began his letter, so he ends—with a blessing of grace. It is the most important thing he has to offer; it is the most important thing any of us have been given. Grace. This grace underlies, overflows, and seeps through Paul’s entire letter.
So, it is important that we understand what this grace is. Grace is the offer of God’s unending presence and love. Grace is not just the forgiveness of sins. We can get a little confused about this. Sometimes we think of grace as God seeing our sins, but He sighs and says, “Okay, never mind. I forgive you because of Jesus.” If we think of grace in that way—as God’s passive response to our active sins—then of course grace will not have the power to transform us. Now grace does include the promise of forgiveness, but it is not just that. John Ortberg puts it like this: “Grace is the flow of God’s power and presence and favor in your life from one moment to the next moment to the next moment to enable you to do whatever it is that God wants for you to do.” It is given to us through the active work of Jesus Christ in His incarnation, cross, and resurrection.
It is through grace that Paul was sustained, even as he was in prison. It is through grace that the prayers of the Colossians for Paul were heard. It is through grace that we believe, are baptized, incorporated into the body, and serve. It is by God’s grace that we live, breathe and have life. It is by God’s grace that we receive power through his Holy Spirit and overcome trials. We did not deserve any of it. We can never earn it. But it’s here, and it’s for you. Grace be with you.
Prayer: Father, thank You for this grace. Thank You that You love us so much that You pour this undeserved gift upon us—the gift of Yourself. Thank You that we will never be separated from You by Your grace. Thank you. Help us to become more aware of this grace. We so often fall into the trap of thinking that we have somehow merited Your favor by our good behavior and choices. Forgive us that our relationship with You can be so transactional. We want to grow in our love for You and grow in our desire for the desires of Your heart. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on June 18, 2016, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan. Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“What To Do When We Are Weary” Galatians 6:9-10 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
As you can see from the introduction above, my wife and I have an incredibly cute newborn baby named Tyler who is almost three months old. It has been an amazing and wonderful three months taking care of this little boy, but I’ll let you all in on a little secret… My wife and I are really tired. Again it’s been a great and rewarding experience raising him, but with all the work it takes to take care of a baby, we grow weary. To confess even more, there are times where I would rather sleep or relax or watch TV than wake up at 3am every day and change Tyler’s diaper and feed him. Even though I love my son, it’s not easy to keep on doing good. I share this illustration because sometimes we have this picture of Christian life and ministry and being a part of kingdom work as being awesome, rewarding, and fulfilling without recognizing that it can also be difficult, laborious and wearying. I find that some people think that serving God out of the overflow of our hearts means that doing good to everyone is easy. Paul clearly knew otherwise when he wrote this passage. He exhorts the Galatians to not grow weary and to not give up for no other reason than that we can easily grow weary and we will want to give up! In our service to God and to the body of Christ, we need perseverance and endurance because we will grow weary. Like the seed that falls on rocky ground in Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, it’s easy to spring up quickly because it can be so fun and exciting to serve the Lord at the start, but when the excitement wears off and weariness sets in, we can find ourselves like those plants that withered because of the sun, and we stop doing the work of the Lord. How do we endure then? Paul encouraged the Galatians to press on and endure because there is a harvest to come and that should be our motivation as well. If we persevere and keep on doing good, we will have the privilege to see people coming to know the Lord. Beyond the harvest though, to endure we must remember to do this good work together and strive to bless and encourage one another to endure. If we grit our teeth and press on as individuals, we will all grow weary and give up, but we can press on when we strive to serve and bless one another in the household of God. If today you’re feeling weary of doing good, remember that there is a harvest to come and find encouragement from the body of Christ. If you’re not feeling weary, praise God and find a way to encourage your fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who might be feeling weary. Let us strive to endure to do good together. Prayer: Lord, thank you for considering us worthy to die on the cross. Forgive me for wanting man’s approval and boasting about myself. Help me when I am wearied and want to give up. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 14-15
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on August 15, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Devotional Thought for Today
“Making Who Famous?”
John 7:3-5
Therefore His brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. 4 For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For not even His brothers
The impulse to be known is undeniable in every person. And most of us not only want to be know, but we’d love to be known and adored by a lot of people – the more the better. If you told the average person that tomorrow (s)he could be famous for being great at something, it would take a lot of discipline not to jump at the opportunity, often times regardless of the cost. While fame is an unrealistic aspiration for most, the desire still exists within us. We see it in little ways when we insist on getting credit for something we did, unnecessarily mention our connections/ talents/ accomplishments (or those of our kids) in conversation, acquiesce to our environment so we can get ahead with the “in” crowd (whomever they may be), compare ourselves to show how we’re stacking up against others, or put on labels and brand names just to “stunt” (as they say where I come from) or show off. In all of these we feed this desire. A little while back I started to feel really ordinary I guess and I found myself, subconsciously, sharing about how not-so-ordinary I was during my high school days. Reliving the glory days of juvenile popularity… I caught myself eventually and shook my head at how silly it all was.
One thing I learned quickly when I became a Christian in college is that my mission in this world is to make God famous… not me, but God. Our fame and popularity are willingly submitted to the greater mission of making God’s name known. That’s a pretty humbling reality. And not in the fake way – you know when people give God credit for things they really feel like they did themselves as they soak in all the accolades – but in a genuine way, leveraging all we have, even at the expense of our own reputation, our own opportunities to shine, for God’s mission and God’s fame.
Who are you making famous in through life? Jesus chose to make His Heavenly Father famous and as a result was greatly exalted. What will we choose?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for all the gifts and talents and opportunities you have given me. Help me choose today to leverage all I have to make You famous. Help me surrender my reputation and my opportunities to be known to You. Use all I am for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen,
Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 13
Lunch Break Study
Read Matthew 6:1-6: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. 2 “So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
5 “When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.
Questions to Consider
What is the danger of practicing righteousness before men?
What is the promise that Jesus gives to those who give in secret? How does this encourage us?
What are some ways you’re tempted to practice righteousness before men (do good for the praise of others)? What are some specific ways Jesus’ teaching can help you combat that temptation. What’s one practical step you can take to that end?
Notes
Jesus warns not against all public expressions of righteousness, but instead he warns against expressions of righteousness motivated by a desire to be seen and praised by others. If we do good solely to garner the praise of other people, that praise will be our full reward. But if we do good to please our Heavenly Father, He himself will reward us greatly.
Jesus promises that God sees and will reward. This encourages us because we know that nothing done is done in vain because God, the giver of all good gifts, is watching and responding to all that we do for Him.
Spend some time in personal reflection.
Evening Reflection
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (James 4:10)
Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, 30 but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life. (Mark 10:29-30)
Spend some time reflecting on the promises from scripture above. In light of our time in the word today, how do these verses challenge and encourage you to leverage your life for God’s fame? Spend some time praying about these things with the Lord.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on August 30, 2016, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary. Jason is a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Your Option is That Simple”
John 10:17-21 (ESV)
There was again a division among the Jews because of these words. [20] Many of them said, “He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?” [21] Others said, “These are not the words of one who is oppressed by a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
Whenever anyone makes a statement, we have two choices—either we believe them or we don’t. Whether it’s me telling you I can fly, or Jesus saying He is the Good Shepherd, our options are that simple.
The Jews in John 10 are sharply divided. After Jesus claims to be the Good Shepherd, some do not believe Him. His claims are so incredible that they call Him demon-possessed and crazy, but others are not so sure.
We may be tempted to scoff at their unbelief, but are we so different? God consistently declares things that are difficult to understand, hard to believe, or outright outrageous. Let’s look at some examples: Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Is this a “reasonable” advice in the midst of financial crisis? Luke 9:24 says, “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” Is this true when we face physical—not only metaphorical—danger? Is the life Jesus offers us in John 10:10 (“I came that that may have life and have it abundantly”) actually possible or just a pipe dream? Is Romans 8:28 (“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose”) true all the time?
Jesus’ opponents were proud, selfish, and greedy, but they understood that Jesus meant what He said. At times, we find ourselves rationalizing or spiritualizing to make it seem like Jesus did not mean what He said. Fear, doubt, and selfishness can drive us to this. Of course there are extenuating circumstances and gray areas, but often we are given two simple options – to believe Him or not.
May He give us grace that we might believe, and when we walk in faith, may He prove His Word is true.
Prayer: Father, I thank You that You are always faithful and true. I try to complicate things so I can hide my doubts and my selfishness, but I want to simply believe Your Word and live in light of it. Fill me with Your Spirit that I might reject the lies of the enemy. Thank You that You promise me more than I imagine is possible. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 12
Lunch Break Study
Read John 14:1-6 (ESV):“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? [3] And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. [4] And you know the way to where I am going.” [5] Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” [6] Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Question to Consider
1. Why are the disciples troubled?
2. How can the disciples be free from their troubled hearts?
3. What are the disciples to believe?
Notes
1. They do not know where Jesus is going or how to get there (v. 5).
2. By believing in the Father and the Son.
3. They are to believe in who Jesus is (the way, the truth and the life), and what He has promised (a room in the Father’s house).
Evening Reflection
Reflect upon your day. What lies were you tempted to believe? What truths did God impress upon your heart? Receive the Lord’s forgiveness for your unbelief, and ask for greater faith in His Word.
REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on August 8, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Being Overlooked”
John 5:2-6
“Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie — the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”
The last time I was at a basketball game, my family and I had a good time laughing at the Dance Cams and Kiss Cams. Part of the fun comes from watching the people on the big screen; another part is half-hoping and half-dreading that you might get picked. There are always people wildly participating, all with hopes that the cameraman will notice and broadcast them. But in a crowd of so many people, chances are that they will slip his notice.
Shifting now to a completely different environment, we might be able to imagine the same type of chaos at Bethesda. Can you imagine dozens of people showing up day after day, publicly acknowledging their needs? Not only would someone have to find some personal space in that kind of crowd, but they would also have had to jostle for attention to get a shot at healing. How discouraging it would be to get passed over day after day. When would it finally be their turn?
Sometimes it seems like we are similarly lost in a crowd of many people. Even among Christians, we might feel that our concerns are overlooked or on-hold. We know with our minds that God is with us, but it feels as though He is busy with everybody else’s lives. We tend to project human limitations onto God and live as if He’s passed over or lost track of us.
As this story shows us, our God is neither short-sighted nor unaware. Instead, our God sees us even when we are in a throng of people. He knows our condition and comes to meet us directly! No matter what type of chaos you find yourself starting off with this week, let’s remind ourselves that He is near. His eye is on you, He is wholly attentive to what you are going through, and He Himself draws near to you.
Prayer: Father, I know You are with me. You do not pass over or forget me, even if I am one of billions on this Earth. Remind me that You are a perfect shepherd with an eye on me. Help me to trust and see that You are present in every circumstance I face.
Bible Reading for Today:Numbers 11
Lunch Break Study
Read Genesis 28:10-17: Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Harran. 11 When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.12 He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.13 There above it stood the Lord, and he said: “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying. 14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and to the east, to the north and to the south. All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he thought, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.”
Questions to Consider
Jacob encounters God on this journey fleeing from home. What type of encounter did Jacob have (versus one he may have expected)?
What is the significance of God’s blessing for Jacob in verses 13-14?
In addition to the blessing of abundance, what are the additional promises God gives Jacob? Is this a promise that we can partake in?
Notes
Jacob, as a fugitive and having stolen the blessing from Esau, might have dreaded punishment in the presence of God. However, God does not condemn him but, in mercy, reveals Himself to Jacob.
Jacob receives promises for future hope: numerous descendants, land for those descendants, and the opportunity to be a source of blessing to the earth. This is the favor that he tried to secure through deception; however, God Himself now confers the blessing onto Jacob. God has confirmed that it belongs to him.
Isaac could only bless Jacob’s propserity and future descendants. However, God ups the ante by promising His continued presence through the fulfilling of the the blessing. God’s promise extends through generations. Since we are spiritual descendants of Jacob, we get to partake in the promises of God’s provision and presence
Evening Reflection
Today’s passages were about trusting that God is present in (and attentive to) our lives. Did you sense His presence or His hand in your daily living? Look towards tomorrow – let’s ask that He will impress upon us greater awareness of where He is.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 26, 2016.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“Don’t Just Accept Anything Just Because It Is Said By Your Favorite Preacher”
Acts 2:16-21
“‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”
When my kids were little, I would remind them how it was going to ruin their vision whenever they would read in a moving vehicle. It worked for awhile—until my oldest son showed me a research that disapproved it. Similarly, some things told from the pulpit may just be urban theological legends. Before proceeding, remember this: in order for the teachings in Acts to be deemed as valid for today, they need to be confirmed by the Epistles that delineate doctrines and practices normative for the church.
First, contrary to the doomsday prophets to whom no war is too small as a prop for their message of, “The last days are finally upon us,” it has been the “last days” since the 1st century when Peter applied Joel’s prophecy (800 BC) to what occurred at Pentecost. Later, the Hebrews writer confirmed this when he said, “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (1:2). So live each day alertly!
Second, contrary to cessationism that posits that “the ministry of prophet . . . gradually died out . . . and their place . . . was taken by the regular local ministry of pastor-teachers,” prophesy—speaking the words prompted by the Spirit—is still operative, as long as the Spirit is poured out on His people. Later, Paul confirmed this when he distinguished between prophets and teachers (1 Cor. 12:29) and added, “Eagerly desire . . . the gift of prophesy” (1 Cor. 14:1).
Third, notice that the Spirit will be poured out on female servants who, as a result, will prophesy. Contrary to some complementarians who forbid women to speak in the church (1 Cor. 14:34), women can prophesy—even in the church. Paul later confirmed this when he took it for granted that women would prophesy in the church while addressing a certain church matter (1 Cor. 14:5).
Folks, don’t just accept everything your favorite preacher tells you. Rather, be like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts. 17:11). On the flip side, though no one was better equipped to teach the Bible than Paul, he was okay being scrutinized—then so should we! Just be fair and loving.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, in awe of your Son Jesus, I praise and worship You this morning. Thank You for your eternal word written in my language so that I can always be blessed by it. Help me to be part of the effort to get the Bible translated so that those who still don’t have it in their own language, will soon have it. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 10
Lunch Break Study
Read Mark 7:3, 5, 9-13: “(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. . . .) 5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” . . . . 9 [Jesus]said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ 11 But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)— 12 then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. . . .”
Question to Consider
1. In what ways are the erroneous teachings of the Pharisees similar to some teachings taught by, otherwise, good and sincere Christians today?
2. In light of what Jesus said to the Pharisees, what would Jesus say to the teachers of today?
3. What are some things that you used to believe sincerely but no longer (at least not that
dogmatically) after discovering that they aren’t clearly spelled out in the Bible?
Notes
1. Inasmuch as “excessive ceremonial washing” and “corban” were not biblical, “equating prophesy
with teaching” or seeing the last days as futuristic (instead having already come) are not biblical
either. These are stuff made up by men with an ulterior motive or who lack biblical knowledge.
2. There may not be a single message that would fit everyone. To the doomsday prophets: “Stop
stirring fear in people; stop fleecing them”; to the complementarians, “Several women have
been featured in MyBook: Judge Deborah; Priscilla who taught Apollos [Acts 18:26] and led a
church along with her husband [1 Cor. 16:19]; the following prophetesses: Huldah [1 Chron. 34:22],
Mrs. Isaiah (Is. 8:3), Anna [Lk. 2:36] and four daughters of Phillip [Acts 21:9]. So don’t be too shocked if I continue to use women in My work.”
3. Personally: rapture, some form of inner-healing (that is, not the way I used to), demons as the spirits of the deceased unbelievers (which my old pastor taught me), etc. We need to study the Bible on our own.
Evening Reflection
How often do you read the Bible? What my old pastor taught me was a mixture of much good and some bad. One good thing he taught me was reading the Bible every day (that’s how I found out that his teaching on the origin of demons was unbiblical). Did you read Genesis 18 yet? Read it now. Also, read Palm 118. Remember John 17:17:“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 1, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“The Truth and Trustworthiness of Scripture”
Acts 2:31-36
He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection ofthe Christ, thatHe was neither abandoned to Hades, nor didHis fleshsuffer decay.32 This JesusGod raised up again, to which we are allwitnesses.33 Therefore having been exaltedto the right hand of God, andhaving received from the Fatherthe promise of the Holy Spirit, He haspoured forth this which you both see and hear.34 For it was not David who ascended intoheaven, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’ 36 Therefore let all thehouse of Israel know for certain that God has made Him bothLord andChrist—this Jesuswhom you crucified.”
Joshua 21:45
Not one of all the LORD’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
My journey into Christian faith consisted largely of wrestling with the truth and trustworthiness of Scripture. One of my dearest resources during that time was my dad who graciously spent inordinate amounts of time answering my questions and helping me process my thoughts. One phrase I’d constantly repeat in our conversations was, “Yes, but how do you know that?” I wanted to understand how he had become so persuaded that what Scripture was saying was true. How could he be certain? Among the slew of things that bolstered his assurance were the prophesies. I remember reading a compilation of promises and prophesies of God from the Old Testament listed beside accounts of their fulfillment (both in Scripture and in the life of the Church). It didn’t convince me at the time, but I remember one day when it clicked. I was amazed. One prophesy come true I could chalk up to coincidence, maybe even two or three. But after a while, it would have taken more blind faith to believe it was mere coincidence that aligned so many Old Testament prophesies with New Testament realities.
It’s not often as modern day Christians that we appeal to the Old Testament the way Peter did in the passage above. We, after all, are much more familiar with New Testament Scripture than the Old Testament stories Peter’s listeners would have know so well. But through the power and insight of the Holy Spirit, Peter is able to make connections between the words of David centuries prior and the events they’d themselves witnessed in the person of Jesus – and through this his listeners could “know for certain” that Jesus was the Christ. The Jesus Storybook Bible (a retelling of the Biblical narrative for children) explains well that the Bible is ultimately a Story – a story of a God of love and how He rescues His people. As we search pages of Scripture for truth for the day and insight for living, let us do so remembering the whole story, and may it (as a collective witness) grant us certainty of God’s love and salvation.
Prayer: “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness continues throughout all generations;” (Psalm 119:90) As I read and internalize your word today, may your Holy Spirit grant me confidence in your faithfulness and certainty of your love for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 9
Lunch Break Study
Read Hebrews 12:1-2: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Questions to Consider
What is the object of the great cloud’s witness? (In other words, what is it that the saints of old bear witness to?) How does this encourage you?
Re-read the latter portion of verse 1 with emphasis added – “and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (emphasis mine). How does that influence the way we understand what the Hebrew writer is saying to us.
Why is it so important to look to Jesus in the context of the Hebrew writer’s exhortation to the Church?
Notes
Ultimately, they are witnesses of the faithfulness of God. If we turn back to chapter 11 (affectionately known as the “Hall of Faith”), we are confronted with story after story of people who put their faith in a God who we’ve now seen fulfill His words of promise to them. We should be stirred by their faith, yes, but all the more by the object of their faith – the God who kept His word.
It’s easy to focus on the cloud of witnesses and marvel at the great things God has done in the past. But one important portion of this text is the exhortation to run with faithful endurance because there is a race set before us. The saints gone before us ran their race, and now we have to run ours. God is still at work, writing His story of faithfulness. We have a specific work to do in our specific time and place in history. The question, then, is, are we willing to join the cloud and complete our leg of the race?
Jesus is the ultimate word on God’s faithfulness. Not only is He the fulfillment of so many of God’s promises from the Old Testament, but His life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate expression of God’s love for us. As we join the cloud of witnesses, we do so with a greater revelation of just how trustworthy God is and with a greater certainty because of all He has done than those who went before us.
Evening Reflection
What are the specific promises of God that you’ve seen fulfilled in your life? Can you recall specific prayers that He’s answered? Spend time thanking God for His faithfulness. Are there promises you’re still waiting to see fulfilled? Are there areas in your life where you are still awaiting the salvation of the Lord? Offer those to God anew, declaring your trust in His faithfulness as demonstrated throughout history.
REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on May 29, 2016, is provided by Andy Kim who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“For Those of Us Who Lack Valor”
Acts 28:28-31
“Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” 30 He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him,31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration one can receive in the US, awarded directly by the President himself. It is for those who have shown the greatest bravery in a time of great need. An example of this is Master Sergeant Roy Benavidez, who risked his life to save 12 men by boldly stepping into enemy infested territory. One survivor highlights how Benavidez was shot over 20 times, suffered a grenade explosion, and yet crawled to his men to give out water and ammunition.
When I think of the words “bold” and “courage,” he is certainly someone that embodies them, and in many ways, these words also reflect the life that the apostle Paul lived for the gospel. In fact, today’s passage is an accurate mission statement of Paul’s life. As we conclude the book of Acts, we look at the early church fathers and see that they were all very bold in their faith. Even the Pharisees were amazed that such ordinary men who had cowardly run away during the time of Jesus’ death, were now boldly preaching the gospel.
The Huffington Post also identifies bold people as those who “possess a radical vision, face and overcome fear, persevere through suffering, willing to go the extra mile, trust their gut, etc.” As I read the list, I automatically made a checklist for myself, and sadly enough, I would not be considered a bold person by these standards. Not even the 12 disciples would reach these standards.
However, as believers we hold onto the promise and command that Jesus gives in the beginning of Acts: the Holy Spirit. It is not our abilities or even our characteristics, but it is the very Spirit of God inside of us that makes us bold. This Spirit emboldens us to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to teach about our Lord Jesus Christ, unwavering from the truth to even face death itself. His Spirit (not some medal) is the highest guarantee that believers can receive which is given only by Jesus Christ himself, and we receive it based solely on the work of Jesus Christ.
J.B. Polhill comments concerning the surprising conclusion of Acts, “He (the writer of Acts) ended not on Paul but on the gospel, on the message of the kingdom. The word of God in Christ – not Peter, not Paul – is the real hero of Acts.” May we live boldly for Christ, proclaiming the truth to those around us, no matter the cost. Let us take full comfort, knowing that the gospel will advance through chains and bonds, persecution and storms, and even through unbelief and opposition – and that those who are willing to carry the gospel boldly will triumph!
Prayer: Lord, make us bold for You and may You be glorified. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit who empowers us to preach Your truth faithfully and with courage to the people around us. Father, may we be unashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of our salvation for all people. Help us to overcome our fears and insecurities believing that Your Word will triumph for eternity. Amen.
REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on June 11, 2016, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).
Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend
“Counterfeit gods”
Galatians 4:8-20 (ESV)
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were enslaved to those that by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how can you turn back again to the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid I may have labored over you in vain.12 Brothers,I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you, 19 my little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.
We are all susceptible to having counterfeit gods in our lives. What are counterfeit gods? Timothy Keller explains it as “anything in life [that] is an absolute requirement for your happiness and self-worth.” We can easily jump from one idol to another, thinking that we have overcome idolatry, but actually falling prey to another false god. There are so many false idols in this world that continue to pull for our attention—power, sex, social media, etc. But often the moment we feel like we have broken free from the grips of one god, we realize we have been enslaved by another god.
The Gentiles whom Paul was writing this letter to must have been shocked to read this letter, accusing them of turning back again to false gods. Though they were once enslaved by pagan idolatry, they thought that they were now true worshippers of God—how could Paul accuse them of such a thing? Yet Paul was talking about a different false god: the Law, given by God himself. These Gentiles may not have been worshipping false gods, which their culture had erected—but they were worshipping the Law. Paul says that the Law has no power to save, but they were treating it as a god who could save them.
But today, I want to focus on Paul’s genuine concern for these Galatians as a spiritual father. Not only as a father, but also as a concerned mother who is in the process of childbirth. He is in deep anguish that his spiritual children are turning to false teachings. When we take an inventory of our relationships with our family, our friends, and the brothers and sisters in our church, do we have a concern for them in this way as Paul did? On the other end, do we have people who are concerned for us in this way? This is the importance of the community of faith. We need those who are genuinely concerned for us and are willing to point out the counterfeit gods in our lives—particularly in this “do-anything-your-heart-desires” world. If we are not actively involved in a local church, we are missing out on an important element of the Christian faith—people who love us enough to point out these false idols.
If I have a false idol in my life which I can’t see or won’t admit to, I would want those who genuinely care for me to point it out graciously. Wouldn’t you? Of course, it’s uncomfortable and we might get defensive at first, but hopefully, we will realize that it is for our good and that these idols can be rooted out. Surround yourselves with people who care for you and take a moment to thank them.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the many spiritual fathers and mothers who have poured into my life, making sure that I am not following after false gods, but that I am worshipping and honoring the true and living God. May You surround me with more people who will care for me in this way, and may you use me to care for others in this way. Amen.
REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 5, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.
Devotional Thought for This Morning
“A Good Old Fashioned, NT Healing”
Acts 3:6-10
Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Very few Christians in America have ever seen a good old fashioned, New Testament healing. I personally have never seen a lame man get up and walk at a mere command. Part of me wonders if the infrequency of the miraculous is due to our lack of felt-need for God’s supernatural power. When Peter and John encountered the man in the passage above, he asked them for something – not healing, obviously, because he didn’t imagine that was something they could give, but money, a more reasonable request. However, Peter first responded by acknowledging his lack and what he didn’t have – I don’t have any money – and his dependence on God for provision – but I do have the power of the name of Jesus.
Self-reliance can lead us to miss the opportunity to experience the supernatural work of God in our lives. In some ways, it’s understandable – we have modern medicine and therefore don’t need to command healings. We have food and money and material resources and therefore can give of those things when we are asked. And that all makes sense, as these things are gifts from God. But I wonder how often we miss an opportunity to see God at work in ways beyond what we’ve imagined possible when we don’t stop to acknowledge our dependence upon Him.
No matter how much we have and how advanced we’ve become as a society, we are still dependent on God. Even in operating rooms and at ATMs, God is the ultimate provider of every good gift. And when we are asked by others for help, we might want to stop for a brief moment and ask the Spirit within us how He wants to meet that need through us. Oftentimes He will do the expected, and has already empowered us through our material resources to be a blessing. But every now and again, He may have something in mind that is immeasurably more than what we thought or imagined possible. May we not miss it because we never stopped to ask.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that You are my provider and I am dependent upon You always. Thank You for the many resources You’ve given me and the many ways You’ve blessed me. May I use them wisely to be a blessing to others. And if there are ways You want to move through me that are outside of my material resources, make me sensitive to the promptings of Your Spirit within. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 5
Lunch Break Study
Read James 1:9-11: Now the believer of humble means should take pride in his high position. 10 But the rich person’s pride should be in his humiliation, because he will pass away like a wildflower in the meadow. 11 For the sun rises with its heat and dries up the meadow; the petal of the flower falls off and its beauty is lost forever. So also the rich person in the midst of his pursuits will wither away.
James 4:13-17: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into this or that town and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” 14 You do not know about tomorrow. What is your life like? For you are a puff of smoke that appears for a short time and then vanishes. 15 You ought to say instead, “If the Lord is willing, then we will live and do this or that.” 16 But as it is, you boast about your arrogant plans. All such boasting is evil. 17 So whoever knows what is good to do and does not do it is guilty of sin.
Questions to Consider
Many people interpret James’s words in 1:13-17 as a condemnation of being rich. But with his words in 4:13-17 in mind (where he speaks again directly to the rich Christians), what is James actually condemning and why is it dangerous?
How do James’s words in the 4:13-17 challenge you? What are the areas in your life where you tend to fall into this line of thinking?
What would it look like for you to take a “if the Lord is willing” posture in your life (maybe in the areas you mentioned in question 2)?
Notes
James’s words are a condemnation not of being rich but of being prideful and self-reliant. Wealth and material resources often woo us into a false sense of independence. When we don’t have any felt need from the people around us, we begin to convince ourselves that we don’t have any need at all – even from God. We believe the lie that we are the source of what we have and find security in our wealth. This is dangerous because, as James explains, we are still dependent, even our lives are not our own, they will one day fade away and that’s completely out of our control. When we have the freedom that wealth affords in the material world, we have to be careful to remember our dependence on God.
Most people in America have their basic needs met and have never experienced true hunger or poverty. Because we go to work and receive a paycheck on schedule, progress through school in a fairly pre-defined manner, begin a career and expect to advance on a certain time table, we tend to know what to expect from life. And we often make plans based on those rhythms with little consideration for God and what He may be up to and desiring for us. Not that it’s wrong to make plans, but it’s important to remember that we are dependent on God and to pause from time to time to give Him room to lead us according to His will.
Spend some time in personal reflection. For most of us this comes down to creating greater margins – in our budget, in our daily schedule, in our plans for the year—and we need to leave room for God to do something different. For others of us it comes down to opening our hands – instead of holding our plans so tightly, we may need to be a bit more flexible when we do sense God moving us in a different direction.
Evening Reflection
While self-reliance often hinders us from experiencing God at work in and through us, there is another obstacle many of us face: busyness. When Peter and John were approached on their way into the temple, they took the time to actually have a person-to-person interaction. It’s not that they weren’t busy (they were “on their way” to do something), but they took time out of their schedule to be a blessing. Are there people in your life today who have needs that God may desire to meet through you? Ask the Lord to bring to mind a specific person and one tangible way you can be a blessing to him/her this week.
