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

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on May 21, 2016, is provided by Mei Lan Thallman—now a friend of AMI—who had served at Grace Covenant Church (Philadelphia) for a long time.   

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“God’s Presence Amid Fear and Anxiety”

2 Kings 6:15-17 (NIV)

When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked.  16 “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.

Recently, as I was preparing myself to go back to Taiwan, my “earthly home country,” I was overcome with a deep sense of overwhelming and paralyzing fear and anxiety. Yet I had to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually prepare myself to enter the mission field of my family. Past experiences have “trained” me to brace myself for the worst that maybe coming, and this time was no different.  Without exaggeration, each time I prepare to make the long journey home, I literally have to pinch and talk myself into accepting the reality—it is what it is.

This time, however, I experienced a perspective makeover, like the experience of Elisha’s servant.  As the Scriptures indicate, both Elisha and his servant were faced with the same hostile circumstance.  But Elisha, seeing through the eyes of faith, had a superior insight and confidence to face off the enemy that made absolutely no sense to Elisha’s servant—until God supernaturally opened his spiritual eye sight. Once he saw what Elisha saw, all fear vanished because a greater reality was in operation: their God had them covered in the midst of danger with the angelic army and chariots of fire!

When I arrived in Taiwan, I saw that the devastation of the people and the circumstances were not much different from my last visit.  However, I experienced an inner transformation that changed my perception of how I view and interpret the reality.  In the midst of difficult circumstances and the lostness of my family members, I saw God actively and powerfully at work.  He met me; He provided, protected, and used me every step of the way.  Instead of seeing despair and hopelessness, He opened my eyes to see a greater spiritual reality that was in operation—His great, ongoing salvation and redemptive work that is simply unstoppable.  Regardless of the situation and people’s response or lack of response, He remains true and faithful.  Nothing can change His love for the nations.  Jesus’ finished work on the cross and His resurrection is the ultimate reality of all time, and I am a part of that redemptive plan. 

What difficult circumstance or people are you facing today that cause you to feel alone, afraid, and overwhelmed?  Come to Jesus and ask Him to open your eyes and empower you to see your challenges in light of the ultimate spiritual reality—the reality that He is with you, He is mighty to save, He has overcome sin, death, and hell, and through Him you have the power to overcome.

Prayer:  Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you for Your finished work of salvation and Your ongoing redemptive plan of the world.  Thank you that the powerful light of the gospel is able to penetrate through the darkest places through Your children, for Christ in us is the hope of glory.  Help me daily to have the faith and courage to keep shining Your light and hope into the world.  To You be all praise, honor and glory!  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 25-26

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 29, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Is It Because of the Messenger or Despite of Him?”

John 4:28-30

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, 29 “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” 30 They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

I think everyone, at least at once in their lives, has felt like they have ruined their witness for Christ.  Here are a few of mine:  In college, my hall mate confronted me about things I allegedly said behind her back (to this day, I still deny it).  At work, my boss called me out for goofing around when we had a project due (yup, I deserved that).  And at my son’s soccer game, I showed up with a less than healthy snack and got in a huge fight with that overly involved soccer mom, who is also the president of the PTA (okay, this hasn’t happened yet, but I feel it coming soon).  I confess that I may not be Christ’s best representative, and I’m not trying to come off sounding like Judgy McJudgerson, but here’s the deal:  at least I’ve never had five wives and a sixth “roommate,” like this Samaritan woman (she had husbands, but you get the point).  

What I find so fascinating about this account is that the townspeople actually listened to this woman about matters of faith.  She was the one who introduced them to Christ.  You know, this town was small and news travelled fast; everyone gossiped about her, warning their daughters not to become like her, and their sons not to associate with women like her. Talk about the most unlikely messenger of Christ!  But here we see that God used this woman to bring an entire village of Samaritans to Christ.  The purity of the message is clearly more important than the purity of the messenger.  

Obviously, I am not advocating that you all go out and act and do whatever you want, and then try to win over your non-Christian friends, because it worked for the Samaritan woman.  But what I am saying is that sometimes well-meaning Christians get stifled in their attempts to share the gospel, because they feel that they just haven’t been a good enough representative for Christ.  If that is you, then I encourage you to stop looking at yourself, stop listening to the enemy, and start looking and listening to Christ.  The next time you are hesitant about sharing Christ, because you feel like a hypocrite, don’t be— just share. Maybe God wants to use you—despite your shortcomings.  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gospel.  Thank You that imperfect people can share and be a part of a perfect message.  Help me to honor You as best I can, but also help me to share about You boldly.  Please bring people in my life that need to hear about Your love.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Leviticus 24

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 7:1-6: Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.  6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Questions to Consider

1.  In your opinion, what does it mean “to judge”?  How do you distinguish between judging and speaking the truth?  

2.  What was Jesus condemning in this passage? 

3.  What do you think v. 6 means?  How does it apply to your life?  

Notes

1.  We are told to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15), and there are numerous passages encouraging us to correct each other, so we must not misunderstand this passage to mean, “Don’t ever say anything.”  Correction comes with love for the person and God; judgment is condemning and motivated by self-righteousness.

2.  If you read this passage carefully, you will see that Jesus wants us to correct each other.  What he was condemning was hypocrisy—meaning, don’t try to pull out a speck when you have a plank; remove your plank first, and then get the speck out.  

3.  Sometimes good and well-meaning words can fall on deaf ears, or the hearer will react negatively.  But remember, you could still be sharing “pearls.”  

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Evening Reflection

The theme of today was hypocrisy.  This morning, we glanced on the idea of not letting the fear of appearing like a hypocrite stand in the way of witnessing; and this afternoon, we talked about hypocrisy in correction.  Take a look at your life: Are there areas of your life in which you’d like to become more blameless?  Do you fear sharing your faith for personal reason?  What would the Lord have you do?