June 17, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on May 28, 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

“Tell Me More About This Jesus”

Acts 28:25-27

And disagreeing among themselves, they departed after Paul had made one statement: “The Holy Spirit was right in saying to your fathers through Isaiah the prophet: 26 “‘Go to this people, and say, “You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive.” 27 For this people’s heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.

One of the greatest privileges I’ve had in my Christian journey was to share the gospel with a friend. The conversation initially started philosophically, centering on the evil of mankind. We explored some of the worst events in history along with those happening today and found no hope for mankind. I don’t know how or why, but we changed topics to the Bible—thank You, Jesus!  I conjured up as many Bible stories a churched kid could remember, starting from the Gospels, sharing the accounts of Jesus and the manner in which He loved people. He was in utter disbelief and his only response was, “Tell me more. Tell me more about this Jesus.” These were the same stories that I heard repeatedly growing up, yet his reaction amazed me—it was as if he found a new treasure. He expressed great interest in the person of Jesus, his culture, and how Jesus talked to certain people—everything. If only every member in church could listen as attentively as my friend did, the church would have revival! It was then I realized just how dull my heart had become to God’s truth. 

My point is this: in Hebrews, we read that the Word of God is living and active. So when we read it, does God’s truth convict us, resulting in actual changes? It is not that we need to be on the edge of our seats as we read through the book of Numbers, but the question remains: are our hearts alive to his Word? In this passage, Apostle Paul shows us that the hearts of the Roman Jews were dull to the truth. Charles Spurgeon warns us that “if this hardening work goes on, the day comes at last to such a man that the Word of God loses all effect upon him—whether he reads it or hears it, it ceases to be an accusing voice any longer; he rather finds a song of lullaby in it, and rocked in the cradle of his sin, he sleeps on to his own eternal ruin.” Yet we have reversed this reality by placing blame on boring preaching or lack of creativity of the Word. We end up pushing preachers to become story-filled entertainers rather than spirit-filled shepherds. The truth is that the preaching has not become mundane, but our hearts have. 

Reflect back to the first time you encountered God. Remember when the Word spoke to you as opposed to you merely reading words on a page. My conversation with my friend climaxed when I told him that Jesus was inviting him into a relationship. He couldn’t believe that a God so good could love someone so capable of evil. He was amazed that it wasn’t too late. In the same way, it is never too late for us to return to our first love. May the words we hear, read, and sing revive our souls once again. 

Prayer: Lord, we repent and confess that our hearts have become dull. We confess that Your truth has in many ways lost its power and conviction over our lives. Please soften our hearts so that Your truth may speak life to our deadened hearts and point us toward the cross. Father, we thank You that Your grace always brings us back to You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 17-18

June 16, Friday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 29, 2016.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What’s the Point of the Virgin Birth?”

Acts 2:29-30 

[The apostle Peter’s sermon] Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Jeremiah 36:29-30

Also tell Jehoiakim king of Judah, “This is what the Lord says: You burned that scroll and said, ‘Why did you write on it that the king of Babylon would certainly come and destroy this land and wipe from it both man and beast?’” 30 Therefore this is what the Lord says about Jehoiakim king of Judah: “He will have no one to sit on the throne of David; his body will be thrown out and exposed to the heat by day and the frost by night.”

What’s the point of the virgin birth?  Some say that since the original sin is transmitted through the father, if Jesus had been conceived in a natural manner, He could’ve been neither perfect nor sinless.  Paul probably would have disagreed since he wrote, “Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner” (1 Tim. 2:14).  While we can debate this point to no end, there is another compelling reason why the virgin birth was absolutely necessary. 

God’s promise to place one of David’s descendants on his throne—that is, Jesus, the final king of Israel—meant that Christ had to come from the royal lineage of David; King Jehoiakim, who came later, bore that lineage.  Now, when Jehoiakim burned the scroll containing God’s word (Jer. 36:27), God swore that none of his descendents “will sit on the throne of David.”  The problem with that is, while Jesus, the king of Israel, must come from the royal linage of David, He cannot come from Jehoiakim, who is part of that royal lineage.  

God resolved that quandary in the following manner.  Evidently, the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew and Luke are different.  Matthew states that Jacob was the father of Joseph (1:16), while Luke says that it was Heli (Lk. 3:23).  Actually, both genealogies are similar up to David.  Matthew lists Solomon after David after which all the succeeding kings of Judah are mentioned; Joseph is of this royal line.  Luke, on the other hand, mentions Nathan after David, who was Solomon’s brother; this is Mary’s line.   So, through Matthew’s royal genealogy, Jesus is declared as the legal heir of David; but since it was a virgin birth, Jesus was not a literal descendent of David or Jehoiakim.  In that manner, God’s curse against Jehoiakim was kept.  But by making Mary—a descendent of David—the mother of Jesus, God made sure that Jesus is from David’s line.  That’s how God kept both promises at the same time—through the virgin birth.

Remember, God is faithful and His words and promises are to be trusted.  If you have been discouraged, the road to recovery begins with recognizing this very truth.  Be patient and trust in our God.   

Prayer: Lord, I sing praises unto Your holy and wonderful Name.  How marvelous are the precious words and promises of GodD!  They never fail.  I put my trust and hope in You and Your eternal truth.  May I never depart from reading, studying and meditating on the Scripture!  I love You Lord.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today:  Leviticus 16

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 10:13: “No temptationhas overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be temptedbeyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

2 Thess. 3:2-4: “And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” 

2 Cor. 5:7: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”

Question to Consider

1. In what ways does God demonstrate His faithfulness toward us?

2. What is the biggest obstacle that keeps us from trusting God? 

3. If we really believe in God’s faithfulness (I hope so), then, how would we live differently?

Notes

1. God shows his faithfulness by providing the means so that we do not fall into temptations.  Whether we take advantage of it is up to us.  The Lord also promises to strengthen and protect us when the enemy and his cohorts attack us.

2. I think one critical factor is our unwillingness to be patient and allow God to move according to His time.  Since we want something instantaneous and quick, we move by sight, not by faith. 

3. We would be more daring and risk-taking (i.e., Peter walking out of the boat while the rest stayed in it). We would patiently wait until God moves according to His time instead of us taking actions.

Evening Reflection

We learned this morning that the virgin birth is really about God’s faithfulness to His promises.  Often we find ourselves in difficult situations where we desperately need hope.  But instead of turning to God, we turn to people, substances and/or mindless entertainment.  Before we wrap up this day, let us turn to the Lord.  Be silent and meditate on His goodness, faithfulness and amazing love towards us.  

June 15, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 21, 2016, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.) just planted a church in Seattle called “Seattle Upper Room”.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Spiritual Asperger’s Syndrome”

John 1:45-46

Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

In a recent episode of the podcast Invisibilia, a woman recollects on her life where she struggled in relating with others. Although she was a highly successful physician, she had issues when it came to reading people’s emotions, body language, or other social cues. It wasn’t until at the age of 54 that she realized she had been living with Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder that prevents someone from recognizing emotions or cues within a social context. She recounts how she underwent an experimental treatment that temporarily stimulates a part of her brain, allowing her to pick up on these senses that she had been missing. “This is so much more alive, so much more real… so much deeper, more meaningful. It’s like black-and-white to color,” were her words describing the experience. 

I wonder if Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus was like that of this woman. He had lived his whole life with a particular way of understanding the world, a frame of reference if you will. And then all of a sudden, this frame is shattered in an encounter with Christ. You see his reference point: “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” reflecting a commonly held tribalism and prejudice of the Galileans. Philip simply answers, “Come and see.” And when you continue on in the passage, you see how Jesus breaks through Nathanael’s sense of norm on multiple levels, ultimately inviting him to experience even more.

The words of Philip are the words that Jesus speaks to us today. In your life that is very much full of mundanity, in a world so divided by hatred and violence that has come to be so “normal” to us, Jesus invites you and me to experience a life that is so abundant, so otherworldly, and so meaningful that you will never wish to come back from it. But this can’t be explained to you. It requires you to “come and see.” How will God show you the greater reality of things today? May God open your eyes to the incredible reality of His Kingdom here on earth.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You that You have come to give us life and life abundant. Thank You that You have come to bring light into a dark world and hope into a hopeless world. Open my eyes this day to see You at work all around me. May I accept Your invitation today to “come and see.” Thank You for inviting me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 15

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 11:1-6:  When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers[a] are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is odd about Jesus’ response to John’s disciples?
  2. Based on Jesus’ response, what insight can you draw concerning the time when the Expected One comes?
  3. How does this challenge your sense of what is the norm, knowing that Christ has completed the work on the cross?

Notes

  1. What’s odd is that Jesus never really answers their question directly—is He the Expected One? Rather, He gives what seems to be a tangential report of what’s happening around Him.
  2. We can learn that the evidence of the Christ can be found in the reversal of what people have come to accept as the norm—miraculous healing and renewal. This is the evidence of the Christ. These diseases and circumstances that seemed impossible to change, Jesus changed them.
  3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

In what ways has the Holy Spirit challenged your sense of what is the norm? How have you come to expect more from life as God invited you to come and see? If there are things that you did see, jot them down in a journal as reminders of how God is at work around you. 

June 14, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 2, 2016.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“What Do You Expect to Get from Sermons?”

Acts 2:37-41

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to peter and the rest of the apostles, “brothers, what shall we do?” 38 and peter said to them, “repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of God for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 for the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”40 and with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 so those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The late great preacher S.M. Lockridge once said, “A sermon should do at least four things for you. One, a sermon should stretch your mind… you ought to be able to learn something from a sermon. Two, a sermon should tan your hide. A sermon should correct you. Three, a sermon should warm your heart. It should inspire you. Four, a sermon should provoke the will. It should challenge you to do what the Lord would have you do.” 

Whenever we receive God’s word, be it preached from a pulpit or studied in the privacy of our homes, there are a few things that happen. In our post-enlightenment, post-modern world, many approach God’s word expecting primarily to learn something. Be it learning something new, being reminded of something old, or gaining deeper insight into something familiar, we are ready and willing to engage our minds. With the dawn of the modern-worship movement, western Christianity has begun anew to engage the heart. As a result, we also expect to feel – usually to feel encouraged and uplifted.  For many of us, God’s word functions like a motivational speaker or a morning cup of coffee, preparing us to face a new day. And with the basic formula of the expository sermon now-a-days, which always ends in application (“how do i apply what i learned”), most of us are trained to draw from God’s word practical life applications. All of these are immensely important, but one thing is missing. 

When the word of God goes forth, there should be repentance – this is the Holy Spirit’s work in our hearts. When truly understood and received by a broken and sinful people (which all of us are), God’s word convicts and the only proper response is to repent and surrender to him. May we seek God in his word, not only to strengthen our minds, or to comfort our hearts, or even to guide us in a specific situation, but may it transform us as we turn from our ways and yield to his.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please “search me and know my heart, test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 14

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17: But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.16 all scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Questions to Consider 

  1. Why is it important for timothy to remember from whom he learned God’s word? How are Paul’s words to him relevant for us today? 
  2. According to this passage, why is knowledge of God’s word so important? 
  3. What are the reasons Paul says God’s word is useful? Why is this the case? How have you experienced the profitability of God’s word in your life? 


Notes

  1. The truth of God is demonstrated in the lives of the people who follow him. It’s important for timothy to remember what he learned, not only from childhood, but from Paul, because he’s seen God’s truth at work in Paul’s life (a testament to the truth of the message). In a similar way, our lives should bear witness to the truth of God’s word and we should serve as witnesses or proofs to its genuineness to an on-looking world.   
  2. It is important to know God’s word because it is “able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” It is through the scripture that we come to know God and gain wisdom. And, ultimately, the scriptures are our avenue to salvation in Christ as we come to know the gospel and put our trust in God’s salvation. 
  3. Paul gives a list – doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction in righteousness. Through knowing and yielding to God’s word, we are equipped to do good works in the world. Scripture has this effect because, although written by human agents, it is inspired by God and is ultimately a revelation of God himself to us – and he is what we need to be complete. 

Evening Reflection

What are some ways God has called you to repentance through his word recently? Think back to Sunday’s sermon, small group bible study, or your personal time in the word. Spend some time in repentance. Offer those areas to God, acknowledging your error, receiving his forgiveness, and surrendering your ways to his ways. 

June 13, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on February 23, 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

“What Do You Want from the Lord?”

Acts 4:29-30

And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Do you ever play armchair quarterback when you read the Bible?  So, this is when you read something, you start second guessing the character’s actions and/or choices.  For example, in 1 Kings 3, God tells Solomon in a dream that he can ask for anything he wants; and Solomon chooses… wisdom.  God considered it a great choice (I would have probably asked for something more “shiny”).  Anyway, we see here that after Peter and John get out of jail, they start praying; and after thanking the Lord for His sovereignty, they make their supplications.  Now, what did Peter and John ask for?  Protection from their persecutors?  Nope.  Favor from the Jews?  Nope?  Effectiveness in preaching?  Nope.  They asked for more boldness to preach God’s Word (while God performs signs and wonders).  

As I read this account, I realized how much I underestimate the value of certain things that God values—such as wisdom and boldness. From the beatitudes alone, we see all the qualities that God values: meekness, poverty of spirit, purity of heart, merciful spirit, etc.  Going back to boldness, isn’t fear the real reason we don’t share the gospel as much as we should?  We don’t want others to think we are religious fanatics, fundamentalists, or intellectually lacking.  Isn’t fear the reason why we don’t speak into other people’s lives?  We don’t want to offend or damage the relationship.  For you singles, isn’t fear the reason you don’t ask out that girl (or say yes to that guy)?  Low blow, I know, but let’s face it—we are going to face rejection or heartbreak.  But think about how awesome your Christian life would be if you were bold and feared only God.  You could share the gospel with that friend, correct that brother with love—or even get that girl.  Do not underestimate the value of boldness.  Let’s ask for the boldness that comes through the power of the Holy Spirit! 

Let me close with one quick story.  I had this neighbor who many would call her “shameless,” but quite frankly—she was bold.  Within two minutes of meeting a person, she would ask questions like, “Why aren’t you serving in church now?” or “Why aren’t you tithing?”  She would also ask people outside the church, whom she’d just met, “Will you visit our church?” or “What do you think about Jesus?”  She inspired me to desire to be more bold.  

Prayer: Lord, give me boldness through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Help me to fear You, not people.  Let me stand up for what You think is right today, and give me an opportunity to share about You to someone—even if it makes me feel uncomfortable.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Leviticus 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 10:24-33:A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.25 It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher, and the servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign those of his household.  26 So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Questions to Consider

1.  Based on this passage, how should a follower of Christ expect to be treated?

2.  In vv. 28-30, Christ gives us some reasons why we shouldn’t fear people.  What are they?  

3.  What are the rewards for those who stand up for the Lord?

Notes

1.  Christ tells the Twelve that people have accused Him of working for Satan and maligned Him as such.  Therefore, His followers should expect similar or worse treatment.  A disciple is not greater than a teacher, nor a slave is greater than his master.  They hated Christ; they will hate us too.  

2.  First, fear of man is irrational because man can only harm our physical bodies; God can destroy both the body and the soul (v. 28).  Ultimately, Christ points us to the love and care that the Father has for us as the reason to not fear people.  

3.  The one who acknowledges God before mankind will be acknowledged by God in heaven (v. 32).  This is our reward. 

Evening Reflection

In general, do you fear looking silly in front of others or being rejected?  Do you lack boldness?  Were there ways in which you were given the chance to grow in boldness today?  Did you take them?

June 12, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on February 15, 2016.  A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Who Really is in Control?”

Acts 4:1-4

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.

In my current job, I work on the release of tech products. There is much momentum as we work on the hottest new trend and put great effort into launching the product; but then once we finish and release it, there is a lull. Since we are not in sales, we do not know right away how the product is doing in the market—and so all we can do is wait and see.

In some ways, this is what Peter and John may have been feeling. They had been ministering to people, Peter had just given a powerful sermon, but now they were sitting in prison, blind to what fruit that may have resulted from their ministry.

Yet, we as readers of the Bible know what happened: “many of those who had heard the word believed” (v.4). Though Peter and John were not aware of this at the time, God was at work, drawing thousands of people to Himself. What they needed to do was to simply wait and see what God was doing, because ultimately He was the One in control.

In our ministries, we need to remind ourselves who is in control. We often can get so result-oriented that we forget that God is the one who is at work, not us. And then we lose heart because we do not see immediate fruit. But instead of worrying—wait and see. Wait and see what fruit God is going to bring through your ministry. Wait and see how God is at work around you. Wait and see that our God is faithful to us.

Doing any sort of ministry is challenging—we want to see results. But God is in control and He is the One we need to trust. Today, let’s surrender our work, our ministries, and everything else to Him!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for being in control. So often we try to take control of our lives, orchestrating our own success, our own results, when really everything is in Your hands. Help us to surrender to You, to trust that You really are sovereign. Come and have Your way in our lives!

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 12

Lunch Break Study  

Read Psalm 127:1-2: Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 

Questions to Consider

  1. Why is it “vain” to build without God or watch over the city without God?
  2. How is sleep or rest a sign of trust?
  3. Are there any “houses” that you are building in vain? Reflect on how you trust God with these things.

Notes

  1. Remember the message of Ecclesiastes: anything done apart from God is vanity. All work, all pursuits are vanity when not done with God, because He is the one in control and He can easily disrupt our plans—just like He did at Babel!
  2. When we rest or sleep, we choose not to do some activity or task. While this could seem like laziness (and it sometimes can be!), choosing to rest instead of getting something done is showing that we trust God more than ourselves. Remember, “It is vain that you rise up early and go late to rest”! 
  3. Think carefully about this. Try to practically apply this truth in your life, trusting God to be in control of all your pursuits.

Evening Reflection

Are you nervous about something coming up, or maybe worried about the results of something you are doing? Lay these things up to God and allow Him to bring you peace and comfort. Trust that though you may be sleeping, God is always at work around you, and He is the one in control.

June 11, Sunday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on June 19, 2016, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.  Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Do You Like to Talk About Yourself?”

Galatians 6:14-15

May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.  15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.

There’s something about people who like to talk about themselves:  what they have accomplished, bragging about all of their awards and accolades—and no one likes boastful people.  I would guess that even boastful people don’t like other boastful people.  So I doubt very few of us would admit to be boastful, because we’re not like those loudmouth, boastful people.

Perhaps it is this picture of boasting in our minds which takes away from the extremity of what Paul says in this passage.  When Paul talks about “boasting,” he’s not talking so much about bragging, but taking pride in what Jesus accomplished on the cross.  It is not taking pride in our education, careers or titles.  It certainly is not taking glory in the praises and approval of man, though we often try to   find our worth in our social status, relationships, or our net worth.  Now, even as believers, we often boast even in our knowledge of the Scriptures, how often we fast, pray, give and serve.  We can recognize this type of boasting when it makes us feel superior, accomplished, or put on a pedestal.  It is anything that we can look at or we want others to look and see glory.  Paul would have none of that. 

Paul says he desires to not boast, find glory, pride, or worth in anything else in this world, except that of the cross of Jesus Christ.  Paul is declaring that the only thing in his life that he wants to find worth in is of a picture of Jesus beaten and bloodied, hanging and dying to a cheap piece of wood.  Nothing else in this world gives him any meaning, purpose, or worth, except that of Jesus being shamefully executed on a tree.  In Philippians 3:8, Paul says, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”  

Even as followers of Christ, we still tend to stray and boast in ourselves or our own accomplishments. If we are not careful, we can grow complacent and comfortable in this area.  The exhortation for us in Galatians is that we live with extremity, and let the world and our boasting be crucified to us—not just for the sake of suffering but for the sake of knowing Jesus Christ and finding our glory and worth in Him.  On this Lord’s Day, let us boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ!

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for considering us worthy to die on the cross.  Forgive me for wanting man’s approval and boasting about myself.  Help me to boast in nothing else but what you have done on the cross.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Leviticus 11

June 10, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on May 14, 2016, is provided by Pastor David Kwon who leads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina.  David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.), was recently ordained. Congratulations. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Being Falsely Accused”

Acts 25:8-12

Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, said to Paul, “Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. To the Jews I have done no wrong, as you yourself know very well. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with his council, answered, “To Caesar you have appealed; to Caesar you shall go.”

Have you ever been falsely accused of something?  How did it make you feel about the situation, but more importantly, how did it make you feel about the accuser?  I have a childhood memory in elementary school where one of my classmates falsely accused me of stealing their lunch money.  Ironically, after he accused me, he found the money in his pocket—he forgot that he put it there.  I remember even at a young age, how upset and betrayed I felt.  

Paul, in this passage, is being falsely accused of being a wrongdoer.  They had accused him of stirring up trouble all over the Roman Empire, but they did not have any witnesses.  They had accused him of sacrilege, but they could not prove it.  They had accused him of speaking against Caesar, and they could not prove that either.  Even though he could have faced death for these charges he did not commit, he was bold enough to say that death is something he did not wish to escape (v.11).  If you were in Paul’s position, how would you have felt towards your accusers?

One of the most challenging teachings of Jesus is to love our enemies – even those who have wronged us.  He says in Matthew 5:43-47: 

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

Is there someone you need to pray for who has wronged you?  Is God asking you to forgive someone who might have falsely accused you through criticism or slander?  Ask God for the strength and courage to pray for supernatural love for those people in your life.  

Prayer:  Lord, we want to pray for those who have hurt us or wronged us in the past.  We ask for your love and strength to forgive them.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 9-10

June 9, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 22, 2016, is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot Theological Seminary (Th.M.) just planted a church in Seattle called “Seattle Upper Room”.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Two Larger-Than-the-Average Persons Sitting Next to Each Other”

John 2.8-11

And [Jesus] said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So [the servants] took it to him. 9 When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.”

I was on a flight early in the morning, and all I wanted was some sleep before I landed. Being a “larger-than-the-average” Asian man, the worst thing on a plane is to sit next to another “larger-than-the-average” person. The gentleman who sat next to me was this “larger-than-the-average” dude. He looked like a bouncer that stands in front of clubs. Turns out he was a bouncer that stands in front of clubs. I just wanted to sleep, but God kept pressing me to talk to him. 

It seemed crazy to think that this guy would even want to talk to me. But in a pathetic attempt at small talk, I joked, “They should really have sizing charts so that big guys like us don’t end up next to each other.” He responded with a half grunt/half laugh. By the end of the flight, two “larger-than-the-average” men were sitting there in tears because of how faithful God was in their lives. 

In the passage, we see a group of servants in the midst of a wine-crisis. We today cannot grasp the cultural magnitude of running out of wine at a wedding ceremony, but it was serious. Then this man named Jesus responds to the crisis by having them take water, fill up the ceremonial waterpots, and then take some of that same water to the headwaiter. You can imagine what the servants are thinking: “Is this a joke? This is crazy!” But can you imagine the awe that fell upon these servants (John emphasizes that only the servants knew where the wine came from) as they heard the headwaiter’s praise of the wine?

Our complimentary water bottles didn’t turn into wine. But God definitely amazed us in that plane. And despite the fact that it was all His doing, for some reason He shared the credit with me. My new friend thanked me for encouraging him. He thanked ME. I didn’t do anything. In fact, I resisted wanting to do anything. And yet God allowed me to be the recipient of his thanks on behalf of Him, much like the bridegroom at the wedding. 

In what ways is God inviting you to join Him in His work today? The reality is that He doesn’t need us, but what He does want is for us to share in the joy of that work. Will you respond to that invitation today?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You that You want to share the joy of Your work with me. Forgive me for taking Your invitation as an obligation. I want to enter into the Master’s joy! Give me the grace to not only recognize Your invitation, but the grace to be able to walk in obedience to it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 8

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 25:19-23: After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ 21 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ 22 “The man with two bags of gold also came. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with two bags of gold; see, I have gained two more.’23 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!

Questions to Consider

  1. What do you notice about the master’s response to the one who brought back five more talents versus the one who brought back two more talents? What do you learn about the master based on his response?
  2. What is the reward for the faithful servants?
  3. If you have time, read the interaction between the last servant and the master (verse. 24-28). In what ways are our responses like that of this servant, and what does this mean in terms of our relationship with God?

Notes

  1. The response of the master is exactly the same, which shows us that the amount that they brought back isn’t necessarily what matters to the master. It can be assumed that if the last servant had brought back one other talent, the response would be the same. 
  2. The reward of the faithful servants is to enter into the joy of the master, to enjoy and celebrate the same things that the master enjoys and celebrates.
  3. Personal response. Note that the last servant did not understand who or what the master was doing. He didn’t see it as an invitation; rather, a burdensome task.

Evening Reflection

In what ways do you feel like God invited you to His work today? How did you respond to these invitations? What have you learned about God through this process? What have you learned about yourself? Take some time to jot down your thoughts.  

June 8, Thursday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on August 18, 2016.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“When Jesus Surprised Everyone”

John 8:3-5

The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the center of the court, 4 they said to Him, “Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; what then do You say?”

There were so many things Jesus could have said. I know what I would have said – “Where is the man with whom this woman was caught in the very act? I assume he was also there.” Or maybe, “How precisely did you catch these two in the act… I mean, really… all of you just stumbled upon them….” (I’ve always wondered exactly how this all went down.) 

Nevertheless, Jesus surprises everyone, including the woman, with His response: “He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her” (Mt. 8:7). I can only imagine the tension in the crowd as they waited in suspense to see who would be first. And when they all eventually dropped their stones and walked away, too aware of their own sin to condemn another for hers, I imagine the woman waited with bated breath for Jesus to do the job. But the jaw-dropping story continues. “Woman, where are they? Did no one condemn you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more” (Mt. 8:10). The only one with the right to condemn (the only sinless one), chose instead to offer forgiveness and called her to a new way of life.  

This story is painfully familiar to most of us I know, but it is just too good to pass over. This is how Jesus deals with sinners who come before Him – He forgives and offers a new life. He went the distance to condemn sin so that never again will a sinner have to stand condemned. This is a picture of the gospel in one woman’s life, and we each have similar pictures of the gospel at work in our own.  

Is there sin you’re battling today? Are there crowds condemning you (real or imaginary)? Maybe you are your own loudest crowd of condemnation. May you remember the gospel today and know that one voice not in that condemning crowd is the voice of Jesus. He instead bids you come, be forgiven, and live anew. 

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for Your forgiveness in Christ. May I take hold of it today and live anew through the power of Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name.     

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 7

Lunch Break Study

Read the following passage through a few times, meditatively

Psalm 51:1-4, 10-13: Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness;according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquityand cleanse me from my sin.3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.4 Against You, You only, I have sinned and done what is evil in Your sight,so that You are justified when You speakand blameless when You judge. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,and renew a steadfast spirit within me.11 Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvationand sustain me with a willing spirit.13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,and sinners will be converted to You.

Questions to Consider

  1. On what grounds does David appeal to the grace of God? 
  2. What do vv. 2-3 teach us about the importance of confession? 
  3. What should believers do once their sins are forgiven? What should receiving God’s grace compel us to do? (HINT: see v. 13)

Notes

  1. David appeals according to God’s lovingkindness (or mercy) and God’s compassion for him. 
  2. David doesn’t ignore his sin or downplay it. He knows his sin well and acknowledges it. This allows him to confess it to God and receive forgiveness. 
  3. Share about God with others. Anyone who has freely received something so amazing wants to share it with others. Is there anyone in your life with whom you can share of God’s love and forgiveness? 

Evening Reflection

The only prerequisite for receiving forgiveness is confession of sin. Psalm 51 that we partially read this afternoon is David’s famous prayer of confession. Spend some time reading through Psalm 51 and praying it in your own words. Ask the Lord for a clean heart and receive the forgiveness that He freely gives.