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 1^st 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 My Book: 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.”  

REPOST Today’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 of the Christ, that He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh suffer decay. 32 This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into heaven, 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 the house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom 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

1. 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?
2. 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.
3. Why is it so important to look to Jesus in the context of the Hebrew writer’s exhortation to the Church?

Notes

1. 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.
2. 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?
3. 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.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 8

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.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 6-7

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

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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

1. 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? 
2. 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? 
3. 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

1. 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. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. 

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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. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on October 6, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who, in the past, served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t Cling to Me”

John 20:17a

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father…”

I’m sure we’ve all had the experience of waking up from a really pleasant dream.  When that happens, what is the first thing you want to do?  I don’t know what you were thinking, but the correct answer is—to go back to sleep.  You want to go back to sleep, hoping you can go back into that happy fantasy world for a few more minutes.  

I have often wondered why Jesus told Mary not to cling to Him on that Sunday morning.  I used to just think that Jesus was in some quasi-spiritual state, and if Mary tried to hug him, she’d go right through Him.  But this line of thinking doesn’t make sense for two reasons:  First, later on in this chapter, Jesus tells doubting Thomas to literally touch the scars on His hands and side, so Jesus must have been tangible.  Second, and more importantly, the whole point of the resurrection is not that we will become spirits or ghosts, but that we will be resurrected in the flesh.  So I’m starting to think that perhaps Jesus was telling Mary, “You can’t cling to me as you used to do, because things have changed.”  I’m guessing that in Mary’s mind, she was hoping Jesus would stick around, and things would go back to how they were before Jesus was arrested and crucified.  But that world and that time she experienced with Christ would no longer exist; she couldn’t just go back to sleep hoping to return to that happy dream, if you will.  

Sometimes in our Christians lives, it is healthy to look back and remember God’s past goodness; however, we are never told to live there and pine for the “good ole days.”  We have to know that God has new blessings to give, and He is doing a new thing every day.  For Mary, it would have been great if Jesus could have stayed so she could cling to him, but that was not God’s plan. In fact, even Jesus says it is better that He leave and the Holy Spirit come (John 16:7), so we must believe that God has great plans ahead.  Celebrate the past, but live in anticipation of God’s new work today.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the ways I have experienced You in the past.  Thank You that You are working in the here and now, so help me to be excited to be a part of that work. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 4

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Lunch Break Study

Read John 4:31-38: Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples said to one another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them,“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. 36 Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together. 37 For here the saying holds true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor.”

Questions to Consider

1.  In this passage, what seems to be the “will” of the Father?  

2.  What do we learn about the harvest?  What did Jesus say about the harvest time vs. what others might have thought?  How do you think in comparison? 

3.  What do you we learn about the kingdom work in verses 36-38.  How is this idea an encouragement and/or challenge to you?  

Notes

1.  In this context, the will and work of the Lord was to bring people (specifically, the Samaritans) to faith.  Bringing others to Christ is generally the work that God has for us too.  

2.  Some think that there will be time to harvest later; however, being “white” implies that the harvest is critically ready (i.e., there is no time to waste or the harvest will go bad).  Similarly, I think that is how Christians view evangelism—some think there is plenty of time, while others know time is not guaranteed.  

3.  At all times, God is and has been working.  You may be called to reap a field you did not sow.  Other times you may have to sow and allow another to reap.  Either way, we need to be ready to do the work of the Lord in whatever season He has called us.  

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Evening Reflection

The theme for today was to be ready to participate in God’s work.  Do you believe that God has a new work for today (and tomorrow), and are you ready to reap the harvest?  Have you been excited or ready to do God’s work lately, or have you been bogged down by other worries?  If the latter, ask God to show you the fields and to prepare you for a new work.  

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 28, 2016, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with Thrive Church by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“You Did What?”

John 18:28-32

Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

Of all the mistakes I’ve made so far in my life, the one I’m most ashamed of occurred during my senior year of high school. A friend of mine had just accepted Christ and he started coming out to my youth group. But one day, when I found out that he smoked cigarettes and furthermore sold cigarettes to the underclassmen, I distinctly remember telling him, “If you’re going to keep smoking, and selling cigarettes to the freshmen, don’t bother calling yourself Christian!” Oh, how the heavens must have wept when I said what I said. I wish I could go back and undo those words, because since that day, my friend stopped attending church. Ironically, I thought I was being righteous, but in my self-righteousness, I had neglected the most important thing—the gospel. I was so caught up in following the “rules,” that I missed the whole point of what Jesus did on the cross. 

I wonder if the Pharisees and officers recognized the tragic irony of their actions. These men were so caught up in following the “rules” of God, that they couldn’t even recognize God when He showed up. They preferred to maintain the image of cleanliness, while executing the Lord of Lords. How important to you is the image of cleanliness? How gracious are you when someone doesn’t quite fit your description of what a Christian should look like? 

Prayer: Lord, we repent of all the times when we’ve placed rules above the gospel. Teach us to obey faithfully without becoming self-righteous. Teach us to pursue holiness without forgetting mercy. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 3

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Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 5:27-32: After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” And leaving everything, he rose and followed him.

And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Questions to Consider

1. Why were the Pharisees and scribes grumbling at Jesus?
2. How does Jesus respond?
3. What does Jesus’ response tell us about His ministry?

Notes

1. The Pharisees and scribes grumbled because Jesus, being a Rabbi, was not supposed to associate with “sinners,” such as tax collectors, much less invite them to become His disciples.
2. Jesus says, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” This is contrary to tradition. In those times, Rabbis would only select the cream of the crop from among the students of God’s Word. Candidates for discipleship under any other Rabbi were required to have extensive knowledge/memorization of Scripture. Furthermore, they had to be virtually blameless according to the law. Jesus, on the other hand, came for the sick and the sinners.
3. Jesus’ response tells us two truths, two sides of the same coin. First, it tells us that He has come to minister to sinners. In His ministry we see that He welcomes tax collectors, prostitutes, women, men, children— people of all kinds. But there is one type of person that never comes to Jesus: the self-righteous—those who think they are already well. Ironically, these are the ones who need Jesus the most, but they are too self-righteous to come.

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Evening Reflection

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5b). 

Of all the sins we should be afraid of committing, pride may be the most dangerous. When we are caught in any other sin, the Spirit can convict us and lead us to humility and repentance. But the proud heart resists conviction; it resists humility and repentance. Tonight, do a spot check and ask the Holy Spirit to squash any residue of pride that exists within us.

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 19, 2016.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Peril of Replacing Someone”

Acts 1:20-6

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ 21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, ‘Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.’ 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.”

What’s harder than replacing Tom Brady as the quarterback for the New England Patriots?  How about replacing the father of a teenager girl. That’s the predicament an old friend faced when he married a woman with a daughter in the middle school. Unfortunately, to this teenager my friend was an unworthy replacement; suffice it to say, it didn’t end well.

Matthias also faced a similar situation.  While he wasn’t exactly replacing a “Brady,” the position itself was a big shoe to fill.  Now, it wasn’t as if he was under qualified, since he at least met the requirement of being with the Lord and the original disciples “the whole time” and a witness to the resurrection.   But Matthias might not have met the higher criteria: “The thing that marks an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles” (2 Cor. 12:12^a), which apostle Paul, who came later, met.

Now, once Matthias was chosen to replace Judas by virtue of what, to some, appeared to be pure luck (casting lots), he promptly disappeared into the annals of obscurity; he is never mentioned again after Acts 1.  Meanwhile, imagine what Matthias had to endure as a replacement, in view of the fact that some people had the gall to question Paul’s apostleship; so much so that he declared, “I do not think I am in the least inferior to those ‘super-apostles” (2 Cor. 11:5, 12:11).  They probably called Matthias the “lucky” apostle.

So, whatever happened to him?  Sometimes no news can be good news; and since we hear neither good nor bad news about Matthias, here is hoping that there was no bad news to report because he stayed out of trouble, unlike Judas.  As for the absence of good news, perhaps his ministry philosophy was founded on Matthew 6:1: “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them.’”  And then he might have clung to 1 Corinthians 4:5^b:  “Wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart.  At that time each will receive their praise from God.”   I hope Matthias was praised.   Meanwhile, let us cultivate a spirituality that does not seek attention from people. For instance, resist the urge to post your latest spiritual accomplishment on FB.  How about keeping it just between you and Jesus.

Prayer: God, though I say You are the Chairman of the board of my life, I often seek to be noticed by men; I’m not even sure why I post what I post on my FB.  Teach me to worship and serve You, my King, in secrecy.  Teach me to cherish Your approval in Christ.  May the Spirit fill me today for a fruitful labor.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 2

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 6:1-4: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 2 So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

Col. 1:3-4: We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—

1 Cor. 14:18: I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.

Questions to Consider

1. It is the new norm to expose ourselves to the whole world to witness what we are doing, including our private time spent with God.  In light of the Matthew passage, what should we watch out for?

2. Matthias, once chosen to be one of the twelve disciples, disappeared into obscurity as far as history is concerned.   If you were Matthias, what would you have hoped as you breathed your last breath? 

3. In what ways did Paul “expose” his private spiritual life with the public?  When it is okay to do it?  How are you doing with this?  Please think before you post on the social media; don’t do it mindlessly. 

Notes

1. We need to watch out for overexposing our spirituality and good deeds in the name of ministry or just wanting to “share.”   As 1 Cor. 4:5 asserts, we need to check our motive before we publicly share what we do in private.  It is something that we need to struggle with because we do need to share!

2. Matthias might have said: “I don’t care what people think of me; as long as God approves of my life and rewards me in heaven for what little I did in His name, I am okay with being obscure among men.”

3. Through these two verses, we find that Paul was praying for the Colossians and spoke in tongues more than anyone else.  Here, Paul’s motive is more important than the act itself.  In the case of the Colossians whom he had never met, his disclosure probably made his epistle more personable to them.  With respect to the Corinthians who were abusing the practice of speaking in tongues, Paul was, in fact, saying, “Hey, I speak as a seasoned practitioner; stop abusing that gift!” 

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Evening Reflection

Everyday life is such that we say and do things without any rehearsal beforehand.  Undoubtedly, the “raw” things we say and do as an unfiltered reaction to others show the core of our being.  So, in looking back to today, what did you discover about yourself with respect to God?  Do you care more about what men think of you than what God thinks?  Do you love the praise from men more than from God?  These are sobering questions—but necessary ones.  Reflect.  Make adjustments as you repent. 

Today’s AMI Devotional QT, first posted on September 5, 2016, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun through whom God founded the Radiance Christian Church in 2012. Mark, after recently stepping down as its Lead Pastor, is currently on a sabbatical.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Yes, Extravagant Worship is Wonderful But … ”

John 12:1-8 (ESV)

Six days before the Passover, Jesus therefore came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at table. 3 Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was about to betray him), said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and having charge of the moneybag he used to help himself to what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, “Leave her alone, so that she may keep it for the day of my burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me.” 

In contemporary Christianity, extravagant worship is often equated with the extent and quality of its production.  We assume a stage of good musicians, accompanied by floodlights and special effects playing in front of a filled auditorium, constitutes worship that is acceptable and worthy of God.  Many of us enjoy these times of corporate worship, and I would certainly include myself as a fan of church services that are well put together.  However, Christ seems to prefer something far more intimate and personal than just a good performance in His name.  

The anointing of Jesus’ feet by Mary is a display of personal extravagance that is rare and uncommon to the modern Christian.  The thought of pouring out expensive ointment that was valued at a year’s salary would seem excessive and wasteful, even if it was meant to cover the feet of our Savior. Perhaps, if we were there we would have said the same words as Judas, that the money could have been better used to serve the poor.  There are times when our pragmatic and utilitarian view of the gospel keeps us from lavishing Christ with our personal devotion and love.  

Love is often expressed through extravagance that can be mistaken as a waste.  This is the only way to explain why men use three months of their salary on the average to buy a ring that will spend most of its time in a jewelry box.  Whenever our anniversary comes around, I take my wife to restaurants that I would never consider for myself.  I tend to be fairly cheap so I don’t really see the value in paying 30 or 40 dollars for a plate of food, because there are so many other things I could do with that money.  Yet when it comes to spending money for a special evening with Mira, my financial preferences take a back seat to the love that we have shared over the years.  

In the same way, Mary is pouring out her love upon Jesus in a way that doesn’t make sense to those who have never experienced this love.  By anointing His feet with the ointment and washing them with her hair, Mary fills the room with worship that is as sweet and fragrant as any costly perfume.  Each morning, we have an opportunity to express our devotion to the Lord, to pour out our love, and to live lives of extravagant worship.  

Prayer: Lord, I pray that we would become worshippers who understand what it means to worship in Spirit and in truth.  Teach us how to offer up our lives as a living sacrifice and to hold nothing back, regardless of cost.  May we learn to give you the extravagant worship that You are so worthy of.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Numbers 1

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Lunch Break Study

Luke 7:36-50 (NIV): One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” 

Questions to Consider

1. Is this account the same as the one from this morning?  How are they similar?  How are they different?  
2. Why did Simon really invite Jesus for dinner?
3. Who has the greater sin in this story?  

Notes

1. Although the two stories are similar in many ways, it is clear that these are two completely different events based on their setting and others who are involved.  Therefore, we can assume that Jesus moved two individual women to pour out oil over his feet in an act of worship and love.  
2. As the story unfolds, it is evident that the only intention that Simon the Pharisee had was to entrap Jesus.  By withholding the common cultural courtesies, Simon revealed his open disdain for Jesus.  
3. I really enjoy the way John Ortberg summarizes the end of Jesus’ dinner with Simon, the Pharisee.  He writes:  

There is great sin defiling this room.  But it is not the sin that Simon thinks.  It is the sin of

Lips that won’t kiss

Knees that won’t bend

Eyes that will not weep

Hands that will not serve

Perfume that will never leave the jar

It is a sin of a heart that will not break, 

A life that will not change,

And a soul that will not love.

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Evening Reflection

Have you spent some time today in intimate communion with God?  Are you listening for His voice?  What, if anything, did He say?  Take time to write down your thoughts and to respond to Him in worship.    

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on June 26, 2016.  Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Hope and Life”

Habakkuk 2:20 

“But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” 

Viktor Frankl, a psychologist and a holocaust survivor, made an interesting observation during his imprisonment. He began to notice that those who held unto hope were more likely to survive. People who were filled with despair or hatred were more susceptible to death than those who held unto the hope of one-day reuniting with their family or seeing the Allies bring freedom. In other words, future hope gave them the fortitude and strength necessary to persevere and thrive even in the worst of conditions.  

In the same way, we hear a promise that provides the necessary hope to endure the coming suffering for the people of Israel. In chapter two, we see a series of woes pronounced on the nation of Babylon. They are condemned for their violence upon the nations and their unjust manner of life. They are denounced for their profound idolatry as they worship speechless idols who cannot do anything for them. Although, they experience much success and power at the present time, God will establish justice and seek the welfare of the righteous. It is only a matter of time because God is the sovereign one, not the mighty empires of the earth. The people of Israel were called to hold onto this hope. 

As Christians, we have been given a similar promise. No matter how much suffering is given to us at the present time, we know the end of the story. Through the gospel of Jesus Christ, the world is being redeemed and remade, and we are part of that new creation. Although our present sufferings might suggest that we are destined for a miserable ending, the story of God tells us that the ending is one of joy and victory. As Christians, we are called to hold onto this future hope in the present. It is what gives us the strength and joy necessary to follow Christ no matter the cost. It is what sustains us in our time of need. Let us rejoice that God has brought us into His story! 

Prayer: God, I thank You for saving me from my own story and bringing me into Yours. Help me to live in light of your story rather than my own. Especially in times of trouble, give me an eternal perspective that draws strength from the hope given to me through Your gospel! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 27