May 10, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 28, 2016, is provided by Ulysses Wang who pastors Renewal Church in Sunnyvale, California. Pastor Ulysses is a graduate of New York University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

“The Life of Faith and Love”

Colossians 1:3-5a

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven.”

One constant obstacle to living the Christian life is the desires of the flesh to opt for immediate gratification. Whether having to do with sexual desire, overeating, or all types of addictions (e.g., video games, drugs, gambling, etc.), persuading others and ourselves to abandon the banner that reads “let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die” (Isaiah 22:13; 1 Corinthians 15:32) is a formidable task indeed.

“Well then, let us not be so shortsighted and instead let us think towards the future!” This, however, is not without pitfalls of their own. Others, while shunning the “foolishness” of the fleeting pleasures of the flesh and/or ill-gotten gains, fall into the trap of investing unhealthy amounts of our time, energy and resources toward the creation of a financially, physically and even relationally secure future. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to retire to Florida one day with a clean bill of health. However, if this “future” is what we have our sights on, we will fall well short of the biblical mark.

What enables us to live the life of faith and love that Paul ascribes to the Colossians? The Colossians had become “famous” for their way of life, as Paul says that he had “heard of” the way in which they lived. The answer lies in where they had placed their hope: “in heaven.” While looking to the future is precisely what we ought to do, the problem is, we don’t look far enough. The more we place our hope in heaven and all that it entails, the more we will become empowered to live a life of faith and love, now. This is the whole point of Hebrews 11 – the ancients lived by faith because they were “looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God” (11:10). This morning, let us examine our hearts to see whether our faith is in God alone or in something else.

Prayer: God, forgive me for placing my hope in anything in this world, whether money or people or career. Help me to see heaven as the ancients did. Open the eyes of my spirit that I may be captivated by the coming kingdom, and live as a citizen thereof. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Exodus 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 11:1-2: Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation.

Questions to Consider

1. We are not talking about having faith in faith. What then is the object of our faith?

2. What can you do to live more by faith?

3. In what ways do you find yourself exercising faith according to the definition of faith given in these two verses?

Notes

1. We place our faith in God’s Word and His promises. Thus, we are talking about having

a reasonable, not blind, faith.

2. One suggestion: make a decision because it is the right thing to do according to God’s Word—even if it appears costly and unprofitable at the moment.

3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Before going to bed, reflect on Hebrews 11:24-27: By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.

Perhaps, you are facing a similar decision that Moses faced: having to choose between the pleasures offered by the world and pleasing God? Seek God’s guidance; pray for the Spirit’s empowerment.

May 9, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 19, 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

“What You Should Expect If You Accept the Mission”

John 1:4-5

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. 5 The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Take one quick look at the headlines, and you will find yourself wondering how to take in all the things that are going on in the world today. As a Christian, where are you to stand on things like who to vote for in the elections, how we are to view the various “_______ lives matter” movements, and the list goes on. It’s often hard to find proper methods of measuring whether or not you are being faithful to what the Lord commands of us.

But one thing that is clear from today’s devotional passage is that darkness does not comprehend the Light. In this introductory section of the Gospel of John, one of the themes being developed is that the Word that became flesh will ultimately be rejected. John is preparing his readers for what is to come—the reality that we took the life of the very One who came to give us life.

As followers of the Light, we too must accept this reality: the darkness does not comprehend the Light. We will face rejection. Not that we go out searching for conflict or rejection, but in our striving to be faithful to the Light, this will naturally lead us to butt heads with those who do not know Him.

I often find myself complaining about why life seems to go in two opposing directions, or why my thoughts and words are sometimes met with contempt. Obviously, there are times, due to my immaturity or tactlessness, that it is deserved. However, there are times in my attempt to be faithful to who Jesus is and what He desires for my life (i.e., if you accept his mission) that conflict should be expected. Rejection should be expected. Mockery should be expected.

As you wrestle with what it means to live for Him on this day, be sensitive to the ways that your faithfulness to Him might lead you to dissonance with those who do not know Him. Be comforted in those moments that you might be more on the right path than if everyone in the world accepts you.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for coming in flesh to be betrayed by the very people You came to save. Thank You for facing my rejection. Thank You for being the Light that overcame my darkness. As I seek to follow You, may I remember that no student is above his teacher. May Your acceptance be so much greater than the world’s rejection. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Exodus 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 10:26-33 (Context: This passage is found within Jesus’ commissioning of the twelve apostles. He warns them of the impending rejection and persecution that they are to face.)

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

How does Jesus describe the reality in which we live when we follow Him?
What is Jesus’ command to us in the midst of such opposition?
How are you responding to Jesus’ words? Do you find them comforting or disturbing? Why do you think that is?

Notes

Jesus describes a reality in which His disciples are sheep sent out among wolves who will persecute, mock, bring false witness against them, hated by all for His Name’s sake. Jesus says that this should be expected for believers who go out in obedience.
Two commands can be taken from this passage. One, be wise and blameless (v.16), and two, do not fear (v. 19, 26). However, both reveal the same reality: the Holy Spirit is with you, both for wisdom and for courage.
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

As you have thought about how much this world stands in opposition to the ways of God, in what ways are you drawn to pray for this world? In what ways—family, occupation, ministry, etc.—do you feel like you are more like the world than like Jesus? As you journal your thoughts, lift up a prayer of repentance, asking the Lord to purify your heart.

May 8, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 29, 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 the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought For This Morning

“Don’t Believe the Lie”

Acts 13:5-12

When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John to assist them. When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar- Jesus. He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that is the meaning of his name) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord? And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and unable to see the sun for a time.” Immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking people to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul believed, when he saw what had occurred, for he was astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

One of the most powerful scenes in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy is the deliverance of Theoden, king of Rohan. Though he was a fine king, a man of respectable character in a powerful position, he sat amidst poor counsel—that of Grima Wormtongue. As a result, Theoden’s reign was reduced to a powerless, feeble, puppet-king, ceding to Wormtongue’s every lie. But Theoden’s freedom finally came when the liar was cast out.

In our passage, we find that Sergius Paulus had many things going for him: he had influence, he was a man of intelligence, and even sought to hear the word of God. But what he really needed was to kick out that liar who sat next to him, Bar-Jesus (which means “son of Jesus”). Paul quickly identifies him and calls him for who he really is—“you son of the devil”!

For years, I also dealt with a lie that said, “David, no one actually cares about you…” It seems silly to let a thought like that govern my life, but it did. During that time, every thought/word/action went through the lens of this lie. But I remember one particular night of victory, when, by the grace of God, I recognized this as a lie from the enemy. Lying in my bed that night, I called out the truth, and rejected the lie. From that moment on, it has never had power over me as it once had.

We can’t fight lies with our status, our experience, or our intelligence. We need to kick out the liar himself! If you have been living under the weight of a lie(s), call it out! In Jesus’ name, reject the lies of the enemy!

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that You are more powerful than any other thing and that we belong to You. Protect us from the schemes of the enemy. Holy Spirit, help us to identify the ways that the enemy might be attacking us and to see lies for what they are. We repent for lending an ear to the enemy; instead, fill us with your truth today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Exodus 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 13:14-29: And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them. And immediately all the crowd, when they saw him, were greatly amazed and ran up to him and greeted him. And he asked them, “What are you arguing about with them?” And someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute. And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” And he answered them, “O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to me.” And they brought the boy to him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth. And Jesus asked his father, “How long has this been happening to him?” And he said, “From childhood. And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again.” And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, “He is dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. And when he had entered the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” And he said to them, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.”

Questions to Consider

Why couldn’t the disciples drive out this evil spirit?
Jesus says, “This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer.” Where in this passage do you see a prayer happening?
What does this teach us about the power of prayer?

Notes

We don’t know what the disciples were doing before, but we know there was no prayer. Perhaps the disciples were just commanding the evil spirit to leave. Jesus makes it clear that “this kind of spirit can only be driven out by prayer.”
Although Jesus mentions that only prayer can drive out this demon, at first glance, there doesn’t seem to be any prayer happening. One of two things may be happening. It may be that Jesus is praying to God the Father, silently. But actually, there is another prayer in this passage, the prayer of the father of the child: “I believe; help my unbelief!” This is not usually the kind of prayer that we think about when we think of powerful prayer.
Prayer is our most powerful weapon against the enemy. It is not a light thing when we pray for protection or deliverance. Because of Jesus, every prayer prayed in faith has weight in the realm of spiritual warfare.

Evening Reflection

“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13).

Tonight, let’s meditate on this promise, and ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us pray with the faith that our heavenly Father is a good Father!

May 7, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on April 24, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Having All the Answers Misses the Point”

Acts 19:21-22

After all this had happened, Paul decided[d] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia a little longer.

For the last couple Christmas vacations, my younger brother and I have passed away our time by buying ourselves at least one new video game to play together. This past year, we bought our game with very little time left, so we used a walk-through manual to help us. The manual gave us all the tactics to solve different puzzles and to prepare against different enemies. After playing the game for a couple of days, I felt oddly dissatisfied with the experience. We were beating the game, but having all the answers completely detracted from the joy of actually playing and experiencing it.

Isn’t it common that we also endlessly seek clarity for our steps in life? We think: “What degree should I get?” “What city should I move to?” “What ministry should I be a part of?” Sometimes, we think that it will be easier if God just lays out the steps in front of us. We might, after all, feel more in-control or assured if we just have the directions.

Good thing God knows our hearts and that, if we had all the answers, we would completely miss out on the entire process of exploring this world with Him. Even the Apostle Paul didn’t always know where He was going; even as a seasoned itinerant preacher, he still relied on the Spirit to give him direction – the phrase used here in Greek is “determined in the Spirit.” Paul could never have anticipated what would come with each day – jail, riots, beatings, or the occasional good reception. But from all accounts, he was always led by God’s Spirit and testified in joy of God’s goodness.

One analogy to help us remember this type of lifestyle is that our journey of following God is not one with the map showing all the twists and turns; rather, the journey is like following the GPS, step by step. God has a good journey planned for us. Is it the one you want to travel on? Let us give up our desire to control our paths or know all the answers. Instead, let’s continue to seek His presence and His leading at every juncture.

Prayer: Father, You know that I don’t always enjoy the unseen and unknown. It is sometimes hard to trust that You know where You are leading me and that the path is good. Help me give up on needing to have all the answers in front of me and enjoy the journey You have before me. Remind me that my good Father is working everything out for me today! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Exodus 1

May 6, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on April 3, 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 the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Relax, It Won’t Crash Because I am in It”

Acts 14:19-22

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.

A pastor was aboard a plane on an international flight on his way to speak at a mission’s conference. Seated next to him was a woman with whom he quickly made acquaintance. During the flight, the plane underwent an intense bout of turbulence, and the pastor could see out of the corner of his eye that every time the plane shook, the woman tensed up. As the turbulence got worse, the woman began to break out in cold sweat as she exhaled anxious groans. Noticing her increasing distress, the pastor turned to her and said, “Don’t worry, we will not die today!” “How can you be sure?” she replied in a shaky voice. With a small grin the pastor responded, “Because I’m on the plane.”

While the above may have been a humorous statement primarily intended to loosen nerves, there is some truth to that notion. God has a purpose for each of us that nothing, not even death, can deter. In our passage today, Paul should have died. When a crowd gathers around you, hurls stones at you, and then drags you outside the city, you’re supposed to be dead. In fact, the crowds thought Paul was dead! Yet when the disciples came, “he rose up and entered the city!” Then the next day, he continued on to preach the gospel and made many disciples. Subsequently, he RETURNS to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. This is either the behavior of a madman—or a man on a mission.

Once in a while, especially during stressful times, I think to myself, I wish I could just be in heaven now. What I’m really saying is, I’m tired of the mundane, burdensome, seemingly meaningless stuff that I’m doing. Perhaps you’ve said this or thought this to yourself at times. But the truth is, if God didn’t have a plan to use you here on this earth, you’d already be in heaven! As heaven-bound Christians, what purpose would there be to remain on this earth, other than to be used by God in some way while we’re here? Whether you’re in an exciting season of your life, or in a mundane one, or a downright stressful one, take some time today to remind yourself of this truth: God still wants to do something through you here on this earth. The fact that you still have breath in your lungs is the proof of it!

Prayer: Lord, I am Your vessel. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and awaken a kingdom-minded vision within me. Help me to see my actions as they fit into Your purposes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 8-9

May 5, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on June 3, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“People Whom God is Calling You to Correct’

Galatians 2:11-14

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. 14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?

When I first became a Christian, Paul was one of the few major Bible characters it took me a really long time to warm up to (I’m actually still working on it). This is one of the passages that contributed to that. It just seems harsh (and a little bit arrogant). However, with every passing year and greater maturity (hopefully), I’ve come to see the wisdom in Paul’s actions and the importance of what we stand to learn from them.

No one enjoys having to correct someone who is in the wrong (well, no normal person) because it’s uncomfortable. Pastor Steven J. Cole, listed several reasons why… I’ll give you his top three: (1) fear – we don’t want to upset or be rejected by the person; (2) a misunderstanding of Matthew 7:1 – we think Jesus is saying all judgments are judgmental; (3) an awareness of our own sinfulness – this is where the phrase “who am I to judge?” often come into play. Regardless of the slew of reasons we don’t offer correction when we see a brother or sister in error, the one reason we should is that we are commanded to do it. Not only this, but it’s the most loving thing we can do for them.

When Paul describes his correction of Peter in verse 11, the reason he gives for doing it is that Peter “stood condemned.” Not only was Peter wrong and leading those who followed him astray, but he himself stood condemned before the Lord for his sin. That’s a big deal! When we see our brothers and sisters in error, we should be mindful that their sin ruptures their relationship with God and, if we love them at all, we should feel compelled to come alongside them in mending it. And we should appreciate others who do the same for us as well. Are there people in your life God is calling you to correct? May you do so by speaking the truth in love. Is there correction God is calling you to receive? May you do so with humility and appreciation.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me the courage and love to offer a word of correction to those around me who need to hear it. Help me to have a heart of humility that receives correction from others with an open and humble heart. In Jesus’s name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 7

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26: So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Questions to Consider

According to verse 22, what should we as believers be constantly pursuing? Think about your typical day – how much of your energy and attention is devoted to the pursuit of these things?
Paul lists several characteristics that should be present in the person who is offering correction to others. What are they?
What should be our motivation for correcting those in the wrong?

Notes

We should be pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
Paul encourages Timothy (and each of us by extension) to be kind, able to teach (both possessing knowledge and an ability to communicate it), patient, and gentle in our correction of others.
That they may escape the snare of the devil. We want to protect them from the schemes of the enemy so they are free to live the abundant life God offers.

Evening Reflection

How do you typically respond to correction by others? Are you defensive and dismissive or are you thankful and thoughtful? How do you respond to situations where you have to offer correction to others? What, if anything, keeps you from challenging a brother or sister when you see them in the wrong? Spend some time reflecting on these things with the Lord.

May 4, Thursday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, which was first posted on January 14 , 2016, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang who serves as AMI Teaching Pastor.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t Take What’s Not Yours”

Acts 1:15-6

In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.”

Matt. 26:14-6

Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

The TV show 48 Hours deals with murders involving middle-class Americans who have good jobs and live in nice houses. Viewing just a few episodes is all it would take to notice two repetitive themes regarding whodunit and why. As to who, likely your spouse; as to why, money! In one episode, a young professional with an M.B.A. kills his beautiful wife, even shooting himself 4 times to make the police believe that it was a robbery gone bad. But once the police discovered the $2 million life insurance on the wife, they had the motive to go with his inconsistent testimony.

So, why did Judas really betray Jesus? Some say that Judas the revolutionary hoped that Jesus would use his incredible power to drive out the Romans from the Holy Land. How disappointed Judas must have been when “Jesus, knowing that [the Jews] intended to . . . make him king by force, withdrew . . . to a mountain” (Jn. 6:15). So, the frustrated Judas tried to force Jesus’ hand by getting him to react so that it would begin a chain reaction to overthrow the Romans.

The Bible, however, gives a simpler reason why Judas “served as guide for those who arrested Jesus”: greed. After all, Judas said to Jesus’ enemy, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you.” By all account, “thirty pieces of silver” was a large sum of money then (as much as $15,000 today). An older John, recalling the events that occurred some 50 years earlier, wrote, “. . . [Judas] was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it” (Jn. 12:6). In other words, betraying Jesus for a small fortune was too good of an opportunity for this small-time thief to pass up.

One Korean proverb says, “One who steals needles will one day steal cows.” The story of Judas, as well as many episodes of 48 Hours, is a powerful reminder to cut the cord to our greed before it begins to control us. Some suggestions: first, don’t take what’s not yours; second, be generous; and third, tithe, which is one effective way to rein in your appetite for more.

Prayer: Father, I’m so amazed by how Your Son Christ dealt with Judas until the very end. It encourages me to no end, seeing that Christ loved his betrayer, even calling him friend. I know that You have done the same for me. So help me to be more generous toward your work. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 6

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Tim. 6:10: For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

James 1:14-5: but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Question to Consider

1. What is a root of all kinds of evil: money or the love of money? Why is this distinction important?

2. How does greed work? How does a needle robber grow to be someone who steals cows?

3. Recently, God laid on my heart to send a check to someone to encourage that person; but I hesitated. Then a close relative sent me a check as a gift and that amount was larger than what I planned to give. What would you do in that situation and why?

Notes

1. Money itself is not the root of all evil but the love of money is. It is an important distinction because there is nothing wrong with trying to make money as long as it is done ethnically and without neglecting important responsibilities of life. Without money we cannot pay our bills, buy needed things, or support missionaries. But when we love it, we hoard it, becoming stingy and preoccupied with making more, which means little or no time for other things like doing God’s work.

2. The component to greed that can turn into a lethal weapon is the feeling that no matter how muchyou have, you always feel like you don’t have enough. That feeling, given time, grows to become a force of its own and motivation behind all kinds of evil, such as impulsive investments, cutthroat business practices, and according to 48 Hours, even murder.

3. I sent out the check right away after receiving the gift from my relative. The reason: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). A lesson learned: what God gives you is more than what you give back to Him or others in need (Mal. 3:6-12).

Evening Reflection

Since we aren’t living in an Islamic or communist state, we aren’t likely to face a situation where we have to choose between death or denying Jesus; but instead, our denial of Jesus is more subtle. Perhaps only you and God know what really happened. What are these ways? Did it happen today? What makes us such weak witnesses? How can we be more bold and authentic witnesses for God? Reflect. Pray. Change.

May 3, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on June 20, 2016. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Injustice in Our World”

Habakkuk 1:1-4

The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you, “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.

There are no shortages when it comes to examples of injustice in our world. From the recent Orlando shootings to other forms of terrorism—there is a surplus of evidence that exposes our inclination toward disorder and evil. In fact, news outlets never have to worry about running out of stories to report on because humanity will always supply them. Furthermore, these examples are not only found on the world stage but also within our own personal lives, where relational strife and deceit run rampant all around us. It goes without saying that we’ve all been touched in one form or another by the sinfulness of humanity.

Similarly, the prophet Habakkuk witnessed an epidemic of corruption in his own time. Serving as God’s mouthpiece during the reign of King Josiah, the prophet could not help but to see that God’s law no longer had governing power over the people of Israel. He says that the “law is paralyzed” and that “destruction and violence are before me.” Although King Josiah implemented a massive reform to remove pagan idols and unlawful practices, it was not enough to restrain the sinful tendencies of Judah—they remained mired in sin.

What stands out in our passage for today is not that Habakkuk recognized the iniquity around him but his genuine hatred for injustice and sin. You can sense his disgust in his opening words, when he cries out in frustration to God for idly standing by while “justice never goes forth.” You can almost hear his desperation when he prays, “How long shall I cry for help?” What’s important to recognize here is that Habakkuk is not only feeling bad about the injustice around himbut he’s also fighting for change in prayer; he doesn’t merely get angered for a moment and return to the normalcy of his life but continues to faithfully plead with God until divine action is taken. You see, far too many of us are satisfied with our hollow responses. We post a few Facebook statuses, say a quick prayer, and return to our lives as if nothing happened. It seems that we have lost the ability to genuinely mourn for the brokenness of the world as we give lip service to justice but rarely move to do anything about it. However, as God’s people, we have been called to respond to injustice; not with momentary emotions but with sustained prayer, informed action, and righteous anger that seeks the welfare of this world. Consider today the injustice you see around you. How has God called you to respond?

Prayer: God, help my heart to break for the things that break Yours and to learn how to hate injustice and be moved into action. Use me to bring Your shalom and goodness into the world around me! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 5

Lunch Break Study

Reading Matthew 23:37-39: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again, until you say, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

Why is Jesus grieved?
What does Jesus desire for Jerusalem?
When was the last time you grieved over something outside of yourself?

Notes

Jesus is grieved at the unrepentant heart of the people of Israel who have failed to live the way that God has called them. Although God by His grace sent prophets and others to right their way, Israel responded in sin. Injustice, sin, and stubbornness run rampant in the people of God.
Jesus desires that they would be brought under His care; He desires to see repentance and to recognize Him for who He really is.
Personal

Evening Reflection

We spend so much of our time thinking about our own personal concerns. Our prayer lives are oftentimes only about us. In light of Habakkuk, take some time to think about others. What are some of the injustices you see around the world? What are some injustices and signs of brokenness you see in the community around you? How do you think God has called you to personally respond to some of these? Take some time to pray for some of these things.

May 2, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on June 1, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Our Personal Testimony”

Galatians 1:13-17

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

“When one of my friends becomes a Christian, which happens about every 10 years because I am a sheep about sharing my faith, the experience is euphoric. I see in their eyes the trueness of the story.” (Donald Miller, Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality)

Over the years, I’ve come to believe that the most powerful testament believers can offer to the goodness of God and the trustworthiness of His Word is our own personal testimony. Presently, in the children’s ministry at my church, we are reading The Jesus Storybook Bible, a book that walks though the entire Bible (Genesis to Revelation) in narrative form. The premise of the book is that “every [Bible] story whispers his (Jesus’) name.” In other words, through the stories of the lives of ordinary people, we can see who God is and what He’s up to in the world. God is writing a story in each of our lives as well, and those stories reveal to us and to others who He is in particular and powerful ways. The truth of the gospel often comes through louder and clearer in the life of one who believes it than it does in the communication of abstract facts and figures.

When Paul had to make a defense of the legitimacy of the gospel he preached, he did so by telling his story – what God did in his life in revealing the Good News to him and how the Lord led him after that. The late, great Howard Hendricks (beloved professor of biblical exposition and hermeneutics at Dallas Theological Seminary) once said, “In the midst of a generation screaming for answers, Christians are stuttering.” This is often true because we don’t believe we know enough or understand enough to articulate the truth of God to someone else. While I believe every believer should devote the time and energy required to study and articulate the Scripture well, I am also persuaded that we have another tool in our arsenal – our own personal stories.

God is doing a mighty work in you! Find someone to share it with today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the story You’re writing in my life. Thank You for the journey that we are on together. Help me to be mindful of the ways You are moving in me. Grant me an opportunity today to share my story so that someone else may come to know more about You through me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 4

Lunch Break Study

For our lunch break this afternoon, let’s spend time in extended meditation on the verses below.

Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-14: Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 11 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 12 Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced, 13 you his servants, the descendants of Israel, his chosen ones, the children of Jacob. 14 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.

What are some things God has done in your life recently for which you are thankful. Write your own psalm of praise to the Lord in response to what He has done.

Evening Reflection

Who are the people in your life who could benefit from hearing your story? Pray and ask the Lord to identify specific people. Ask for wisdom and insight on when and how you can share with them. Make plans to do so in the coming weeks. Is there anything that keeps you from sharing with others (fear, discretion, etc.)? Ask God to give you courage and openness to be used by Him in this way.

May 1, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 25, 2016, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary. Jason is a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Violence”

Acts 12:1-5 (ESV)

About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. [2] He killed James the brother of John with the sword, [3] and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. [4] And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. [5] So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

We live in a world of violence. In the West we can easily forget this, but recent tragedies in Paris and Brussels bring this uncomfortable reality to the forefront. Violence can possibly invigorate a movement; it can also destroy a movement.

In Acts 12:2, we read of the martyrdom of James. Formerly a Son of Thunder, James is the first of the apostles to give his life for Jesus. Peter is apprehended as well, and apart from the supernatural intervention of God, his death is imminent.

The question becomes, will violence and suffering stifle the movement and the message of God?

A pastor who serves in a Muslim country was arrested and interrogated. In response to threats on his life made by government officials, he responded that they might in fact be doing him a favor. His sermons were already distributed throughout the region. If the people knew he was willing to die for his faith, they might listen again and take more seriously a message sealed in his blood.

The gates of hell cannot prevail against Christ’s Church.

At one time, the disciples saw their Lord arrested, and they fled. Peter, the leader of the disciples, denied Jesus three times when confronted by a servant girl. But this was before the resurrection of the Son of God. This was before the giving of the Holy Spirit. In Acts 12:4, Peter awaits his execution but he does not waver. Likewise, the church prays and waits. Regardless of the outcome, they will not abandon their faith or their witness.

They do not know what will happen to them in their earthly lifetimes, but they are crystal clear as to what is to come at the end. Jesus will receive His glory. Death will be defeated. The people of God will reign with Him in eternal joy forever.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You sustain Your Church; and though the devil and the nations may rage against You and Your people, You give us strength to stand. May I be certain of what is it come that I may not fear what is here today. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Amos 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Revelation 21:1-4 (ESV): Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. [2] And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. [3] And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. [4] He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

Question to Consider

According to v. 1, what will ultimately pass away?
According to v. 4, what former things will also pass away?
According to v. 3, what things will be true of the new heaven and new earth?

Notes

The first heaven and the first earth will pass away.
Death, mourning, crying, and pain will pass away.
In the new heaven and new earth, God will dwell with His people. Also, God and His people will belong fully to one another.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to reflect. During your day, did a desire for safety ever prevent you from following the Lord Jesus more fully? Did God present you with any risky opportunities to serve Him or others? Pray that He might give you the eyes to see and the courage to follow Him.