Aprial 8, Saturday 

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on March 19, 2016.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Threads”

Acts 10:34-43 

And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 

One of my favorite things we do at Tapestry LA Church is what we call “Threads.” Our members share personal stories during Sunday service to the power of God in their lives, as they testify to God’s rescue, healing and restoration. I love to hear the many ways God is at work in the midst of our church family. 

Peter says, in our passage today, “And he (God) commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead” (verse 42). The word “testify” is diamartryomai in Greek, which is to “make a declaration based upon personal knowledge.” 

There is a place and a time in which to share absolute truths from the Word of God. There is something very powerful as we hear God’s Word being preached at our weekly worship gatherings. Our pastors and church leaders have the solemn duty to preach well-thought biblical messages for the well-being of the church. However, each of us are also called to preach and testify to the person and the work of Christ based on our personal knowledge of God. 

And one might even make the case that sharing personal truths can be initially more effective as a form of communication with the “gentiles” amongst us. People who are either adverse or unfamiliar with the Christian worldview may need to simply see the reasonableness of our faith in the way we live our lives. Skeptics may point to scientific inconsistencies and maybe even the problem of hypocrisy we see too often in the church, but they won’t be able to refute a truth well lived with integrity and love. If we are going to reach a new group of people, we need live in a way people are asking about our hope, as they wonder about our motivations and the clear demonstration of God’s power in our lives.  

Here is a challenge I want to leave you with this day: Do you have a testimony? Can you articulate your journey with Jesus in such a way that the truth exudes from you? How about prayerfully considering a game plan for each non-Christian relationship you have, so that when they ask about your life, you can speak to the personal truth of God’s love and power in your life. Think and prepare ahead of time, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to be intentional with all my relationships. Give me opportunities to preach Christ crucified by word and deed this day. May Your Spirit guide me and enable me to help people see the glory of Christ! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 21-22

April 7, Friday

REPOST  Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on June 24, 2016.  Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Where the Ultimate Authority Rests”

Habakkuk 2:1

I will take my stand at my watchpost and station myself on the tower, and look out to see what he will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

After a back and forth conversation between Habakkuk and God in the first chapter, the prophet says that he will go to his watchpost and wait for God’s response. Instead of speaking his own thoughts and words to the people of Judah, he chooses to go to the tower in order to keep a watchful eye for God’s answer. Here, it is easy to see that Habakkuk understood his role as a prophet well. He was not charged to speak his own thoughts but to be God’s mouthpiece. And this meant learning how to listen well with an obedient posture—not insisting on his own ways but to allow God to determine the content of his words and actions.

We as Americans struggle to reflect this humble posture. An underlying sentiment beneath the promises of the American Dream is the notion that we are entitled to absolute freedom. A product of this kind of thinking is the idea that ultimate authority rests on the self—that we hold the power to determine the course of our lives. We might allow others to offer their opinions but submission to those opinions is a rarity. And this posture oftentimes bleeds into our relationship with God. Our prayer lives are full of demands but rarely do we take time to wait and listen for the direction of God. It has become more about informing God of our needs and desires rather than intently listening to what He has for us.  Take some time to listen to God and allow Him to lead your life!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to quiet my heart from all the distractions and worldliness so that I could intently listen to Your voice.  Help me to develop a deep friendship with my Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Proverbs 2:1-5: My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.

Questions to consider

  1. What is the author of Proverbs calling the “son” to yearn for?
  2. What is the ultimate reward that wisdom affords us?
  3. Do you seek the wisdom of God or do you rely on yourself to determine much of your life?

Notes

  1. The author wants the son to desire understanding and to genuinely treasure wisdom.
  2. The ultimate reward is the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God.
  3. Personal

Evening Reflection

As you’ve been reflecting on our passage for today, take some time to to pray and ask God to give you a heart that is sensitive to His voice. 

April 6, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 13, 2016, is provided by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church (Raleigh).  David, a graduate of Drexel University and Columbia International University (M.Div.) is married to Helen (“Pie”) and they have three beautiful daughters (Cara, Phoebe, and Ruth).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Sovereign”

Acts 25:1-7

Now three days after Festus had arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they urged him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he summon him to Jerusalem—because they were planning an ambush to kill him on the way. 4 Festus replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself intended to go there shortly. 5 “So,” said he, “let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them bring charges against him. 6 After he stayed among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 When he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him that they could not prove.” “To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the Almighty, the Possessor of all power in Heaven and earth, so that none can defeat His counsels, thwart His purpose, or resist His will. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is “The Governor among the nations”, setting up kingdoms, overthrowing empires, and determining the course of dynasties as pleaseth Him best. To say that God is Sovereign is to declare that He is the “Only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords”. Such is the God of the Bible.” -A. W. Pink, The Sovereignty of God

The word ‘sovereign’ is common in Christian circles today. But what is not as common are believers who are so convinced of God’s absolute sovereignty that their lives bear a marked difference. As believers, if we understood and trusted in God’s sovereignty, it would gives us greater hope, peace and security as we live out God’s mission in our lives.  

The Sovereignty of God is the biblical teaching that all things are under God’s rule and control, and that nothing happens without His direction or permission.  As we read today’s passage, it is evident that Paul trusted in God’s sovereignty as he was going through his trial to defend his faith.  Paul was now facing the new Governor Festus and many commentators say that though he was a good administrator, his main flaw was that he wanted the approval of people too much, which is why he kept Paul under his authority.  He would not make his own decision on releasing Paul fearing that he would disappoint the chief priests and religious leaders.  The writer Luke writes that they could not prove the charges against him, which were a disregard of the Law and treason (v.7).  Even in this unfair situation, Paul still trusted that God was working for his good and had a purpose for him.  

As you examine your own life, do you have trust in God’s sovereignty as you strive to obey Him?  Maybe you do not understand why certain events or relationships are going the way they are but in the midst of it, are you trusting that God absolutely knows what he’s doing for His glory and for your good even though it maybe painful?  Pray that you would surrender and trust as you begin your day.  

Prayer:  Lord, help me to trust in your sovereignty today.  I want to look to you as my source of strength and joy because of your perfect rule over my life.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 19

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:13-16: Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 

Questions to Consider 

  1. What’s the main point James is wanted to get across to his readers?
  2. How should we view at our lives from what the passage says?
  3. What does this mean for you?

Notes

  1. We are not in control of our own lives and if we think we are – we are being prideful.  To think, “I am the ruler of my life, I am the king of my own life, I will be sovereign in my own life” means that we are arrogant in the eyes of God.  
  2. We should view our own lives with humility knowing that God is in control of even how long we will live on this Earth.  Our lives are just like a midst – here one minute and gone the next.  It should lead us to a state of surrender knowing that every detail of our lives are under His sovereignty.  
  3. Personal application.  

Evening Reflection

What area in your life do you need to have greater trust in?  Spend time lifting up those areas specifically in prayer and ask that you surrender to His sovereignty.  

April 5, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 15, 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.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Missing an Ingredient”

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

On occasion I enjoy trying out a new recipe.  For some reason, it’s fun for me to experiment with a dish that I’ve never made before.  So I’ll pull up a recipe on my iPad, go into the kitchen and start mixing, chopping and mincing things.  I’ll go step by step through the recipe, following all of the instructions, but unfortunately, one problem that I have (as my wife can attest to) is that I’m not always the most thorough person. So at least 10 times in my life, I’ll get to step 7 of 10 of a recipe and realize… I AM MISSING AN INGREDIENT.  This, of course, is not good for cooking.  I, somehow, have to stop sautéing, simmering, or baking, go outside, run to my car and buy the missing ingredient—or else my great dish will be incomplete.

Many people often look at this list of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians and think of them as ingredients that are part of a great recipe for Christian life.  And similar to my many mistakes in cooking, when they don’t seem to have one of these fruits of the Spirit, they might think that there is something incomplete with their faith.  We have a tendency to think that we have to try to produce these good qualities of the Spirit in our lives in order to be righteous.  

Yet it’s important to recognize that these qualities are not requirements for salvation.  Paul’s purpose in his letter to the Galatians was to combat the false teaching that good works were required for salvation.  Instead, these nine qualities are fruits of the Spirit—meaning that a life lived walking with the Holy Spirit will produce these fruits.  As we experience more of the Spirit in our lives, we produce greater fruit.  

As you look through these fruits of the Spirit, are some of these qualities lacking in your life?  We all lack in some of these fruits of the Spirit, and we should still strive in some part with our own effort to be more loving or more joyful or more patient or have more self-control.  But as we desire to be more fruitful, the solution isn’t trying with our works or effort, but it is through living and experiencing more of the Holy Spirit within us.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Numbers 18

Lunch Bible Study

Read Matthew 15:10-20: And he called the people to him and said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” 12 Then the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?” 13 He answered, “Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. 14 Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” 15 But Peter said to him, “Explain the parable to us.” 16 And he said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not see that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is expelled?18 But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. 19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. 20 These are what defile a person. But to eat with unwashed hands does not defile anyone.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What did the Pharisees believe about what defiles a person?  
  2. According to Jesus, what defiles a person?  
  3. How can a defiled person be redeemed?

Notes

  1. The Pharisees thought that it was what people ate or touched that defiled a person.  That’s why they focused on handwashing and dietary restrictions.  They believed that it was merely bad works that made person sinful, and on the flip side of that, they believed that it was good works that cleansed a person.
  2. Jesus tells us that it’s not the bad works or external sins that defiled a person, but instead, it is the heart and what comes out of the heart.  All of the bad things that a person does are the fruit of a bad heart.  It is not the external things, like eating with unwashed hands.
  3. The only way a defiled person can be redeemed is with a new heart.  We cannot be redeemed through human effort or good works, but only if our bad hearts are made good.  The only way our hearts can be redeemed and be made righteous is through the work of Jesus within us.  In Ezekiel 36:26-27, God says, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.  And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.”  

Evening Reflection

Did you feel “fruitful” today?  Whether you did or did not, take some time now to spend with God.  Pray that you will walk with the Holy Spirit and that in doing so, pray that the fruits of the Spirit will become more evident in your life.

April 4, Tuesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, which was first posted on May 18, 2016, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang who serves as AMI Teaching Pastor.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“When Talking About Yourself Repeatedly Glories the Lord”

Acts 26:9-11

I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people in prison, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

Since I hadn’t spoken at my old church in Los Angeles for three decades, it was very emotional for me as I preached there recently.  The sermon was mainly testimonial—about how God used the senior Pastor John to save and then train me.  I began with a story of how Pastor John shared the gospel with me within minutes after we first met in 1981.  Being surprised by how well this Korean man in his late 40s spoke English (very rare then), I asked, “How do you speak English so well?”  Unbeknownst to me, Pastor John used that opportunity to share the gospel by way of sharing his testimony, beginning with being adopted by an American family after being orphaned. 

Paul, then a prisoner, does the same.  After being told by his interrogator, “You have permission to speak for yourself,” (26:1), he uses that opportunity to share the gospel through sharing his testimony.  In the above passage alone, which is a small portion of Paul’s full presentation recorded from vv. 4-23, the apostle uses the first-person pronoun “I” nine times—27 times in total.   There is a lot of “I” in a first person-narrative about “how the gospel became real in [one’s] life,” as Alister McGrath notes.  He adds, “Telling your personal story of faith is one of the best ways of declaring the transformative power of the gospel.”  This, then, is just about the only situation in which talking about yourself repeatedly can glorify the Lord since you are telling the world what Christ did to save you from the pit of hell. 

Now, finding a good entry point isn’t as easy as what Pastor John and the apostle Paul experienced since they were simply asked to respond.  In fact, Paul himself says, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Col. 4:5).  Wisdom is needed because the opening for an effective sharing may not be as obvious, unless we are led by the wisdom from above (James 3:17).  

Before becoming Christian, I used profane language; so whenever I meet a person who cusses a lot, I say, “I used to speak good French like you, but I don’t anymore.” And then, I would explain why Jesus took away my reasons for using foul language to express my frustrations and disdain for people.  So, what is your entry point to share the story of Jesus’ transformative power?  

Prayer: Lord, I am so thankful that I have had a personal encounter with the God of this universe who so profoundly transformed me.  As I see many people in need of the same change, help me to be both wise and bold to share my story of Your amazing love.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 17

Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Timothy 1:15-17: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

Questions to Consider

  1. Based on Paul’s sharing of his former life prior to his change, what should our story include?
  2. Ultimately, what is the purpose of sharing our story to an unbelieving world?  In light of that, what is one mistake often made when sharing our testimony? 
  3. The story of our former life doesn’t need to be dramatic or full of outward sins.  But we do need to share particular symptoms (which are not same for everyone) that accompanied our former state of having been separated from God.  What was yours?  

Notes

1. It ought to include, first, how hopeless and confusing our life was before being changed by God; second, sharing affirmative changes in us as a result of having God at the center of our lives. It can be comparable to an ad for a household product: It needs to show how it is more effective than its competitors.  Naturally, it shows how dirty the floor looked before, and how much cleaner it got after its application. 

2. The purpose is to give all the glory to God by showing that He has the power and willingness to change us. One mistake made by those who have a graphic testimony is that they spend most of their time describing how bad they used to be, and then make God’s involvement a footnote. 

3. If you ask my wife, who grew up in a pastor’s home, what her symptoms were before meeting the Lord in her teen years, she would say, “lack of belonging.” On the other hand, I would answer, “getting tired of trying to prove myself (through heavy partying) to merit people’s acceptance of me.”  On that day when I met my old pastor, he suddenly said, “I know what you need—you need the unconditional love of God.” And he was right on. 

Evening Reflection

Looking back to today, even if you didn’t actually share the gospel, was there at least one situation in which you could have shared your story.  What could you have done differently?  Pray for an opportunity.  Paul says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:6).  

April 3, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on April 19, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Finding Who? No Not Nemo”

Acts 18:5 

When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.

I love the movie Finding Nemo. Like every good children’s movie, it not only has beautiful visuals, memorable songs, and witty lines – the story has multiple layers that both children and adults can enjoy. You can take the story at face value about a sea adventure, or you could also find some life analogies, like the joy that comes from friendships pursuing a common goal. Marlin befriends so many creatures along the way. Some of these friendships last for a short moment; others, like his with Dory, are long-term commitments through thick and thin.

Silas and Timothy are known as great missionary partners to Paul; they really went through thick and thin times with him. Here, they came bringing either monetary support or some form of relief so that Paul could focus on the ministry he cared about. Throughout the New Testament, Paul trusted these brothers to help him, whether the task was to strengthen the churches on Paul’s heart or to physically journey with him. It is evident that they were not simply “co-workers” – they were family; they never abandoned each other after hardship but continued to weather the ups and downs of their ministry together. 

Good friendships in the Lord provide sharpening and discernment; they also can be the primary source of encouragement and refreshing we need to get through difficult times. For all the endeavors that you have put your mind to, do you also have Silas and Timothy going along with you? Just as importantly, are you striving to be this kind of support towards others?  

If you already have these friendships, praise God!  I encourage you to take the time today to keep “[spurring] one another onto love and good deeds.” Let us also remember that beyond Timothy and Silas, Paul also had friends for various seasons during each journey and in each city he visited – maybe these were shorter partnerships, but they were no less valuable. So let’s pray that God will grow and bring forth godly friendships in every season of our lives.

Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving me all alone. Thank You for providing brothers and sisters as means of grace for my life. Keep raising up brothers and sisters in my church who will spur me on to love You more deeply. Lord, help me not just to find Silas’s and Timothy’s in my life, but make me someone who will encourage and strengthen others as well. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 16

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 4:1-6:As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Questions to Consider
1. What does Paul consider to be the nature of a life that is “worthy of the calling [we] have received”?

2. The first directive Paul gives covers the believers’ nature. What is the second thing Paul urges them to do?

3. This passage contains a lot of one’s. How does the one-ness of our faith help us with the previously mentioned directions from Paul? 

Notes
1. The nature of our lives should be humble, gentle, patient, and full of forbearance. The nature we have as believers is not an arbitrary collection of traits; it should increasingly reflect the character of Jesus Christ.

2. Secondly, Paul instructs the brethren to “make every effort” to preserve unity. Unity is not a passive byproduct of our sanctified natures – it requires an active commitment and effort. Unity is intimately linked with our character and our ability to show Christ to one another.

3.  We are able to aspire to gain God’s character and have unity in our body because He models both for us. His character of holiness and love cannot be separated from Himself, and His distinct natures of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are also completely unified. Because He has given us His nature, these instructions from Paul are achievable in our lives!

Evening Reflection

Engaging with the church community is a crucial part of our spiritual growth. Did you allow room in your life today to be strengthened by someone, or did you take the opportunity to go encourage someone? Let’s reflect on how we can make the community a part of our lives. Think about the brothers and sisters God has brought around you and ask Him for the grace and help to grow those relationships.

April 2, Sunday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on February 17, 2016.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Just Turn, To Him”

Acts 3:11-16

 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, 21 whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Many of us grew up being taught that no sin is worse than any other – in the sense that hatred in heart and murder in body both played a part in nailing Jesus to the cross for the salvation of the world. But if you’re like me, there are times when you feel much worse about some of your transgressions and failures than others. There are ways we fall short that are bearable for us, we can carry our sins before God and receive grace and forgiveness. But there are those dark and painful moments when we fall so far short of God’s glory, our own expectations of ourselves, and the disconnect between who we should be and who we are appears so vast, that it’s utterly crippling and we find ourselves in despair. 

In the passage above, Peter spoke to a group of people who were personally implicated in the crucifixion of Jesus – and not in the abstract way that many of us see our own hand in the matter –but they were there, approving, jeering, and crucifying the Messiah. What utter despair they must have felt as they listened to Peter’s cryptic words, and they began to see clearly for the first time just what they had done. Yet even in the face of what was likely their lowest moment before the Lord, they are each invited to repent – not condemned, but invited to turn back to God and receive grace and forgiveness. And even though we may surprise ourselves with the depths of our depravity, God is not surprised, and He still bids us come because He has made a way for us to wholeness and righteousness. 

Regardless of what we’re facing today, may we be reminded that our God already knows the ways we will transgress Him. He knows more intimately than we do the mystery of our hearts and the depths of our depravity. Yet He still bids us come. He still extends grace. He has already made a way for us to move from our shortcomings and sin into righteousness and wholeness through His Son Jesus Christ. All we have to do is turn. 

Prayer: Gracious God, forgive me for my sins today. I bring before You my brokenness and receive your grace. Help me to take comfort in knowing that You knew every mistake I’d make before I made it and planned a way to make things right.  Thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 15 

April 1, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 2, 2016.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Religion is the Opium of the Masses”

Luke 1:3-4

With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, 4 so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Acts 1:1

In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach… 

Certainly, when religion is done wrong, Karl Marx is absolutely correct in saying that “religion is the opium of the masses.” Marx’s premise, of course, is that those with power manipulate religion to keep people in line, so that the structure continues to sustain their advantage while the masses hold out for the pie in the sky; thus, the flow of religion goes downward from the top.  That, however, is not how God designed the Christian faith. 

Theophilus mentioned in today’s text, meaning, “One who loves God,” was likely “a high official in the Roman government” (Barclay). He, as a man of wealth, “was possibly Luke’s patron” (NIVSB, p. 1532) who saw to it that his writing was completed. In stark contrast, Luke might have been a slave. While no biblical text actually says so, “the ‘doctors’ in ancient Rome were not nearly as highly regarded as the doctors in Greece. The profession itself, outside of the legions, was considered a low social position, fit for slaves.”  Even if Luke wasn’t a slave, his socioeconomic status was such that he needed a wealthy sponsor in order to focus on his writing.  And he found such an individual in Theophilus, a wealthy and powerful man, who, despite having already learned the story and teachings of Jesus, wanted to make sure that he had it right. While it is likely that Theophilus had it in his mind to make copies of the book and later distribute them to others, Luke left no doubt as to whom the book was for: Theophilus (“an orderly account for you . . .  so that you may know”). 

Contrary to Marx’s assertion, then, the flow of religion goes upward from the bottom.  1 Cor. 1:27 reads, “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.”  No example better illustrates this truth than Daniel, a Jew exiled in Babylonia, whose bold testimony moved the hearts of King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 4:34-5) and King Darius (6:25-7); ironically, the political conquerors became spiritually conquered.  

So, don’t be afraid to share your faith with the rich and the intellectuals; inasmuch as Theophilus was hungry for spiritual truth, many of them still are.  “Celsus, a great opponent of the faith (of the 2nd century) . . . mentions how even Christians with little or no education seized opportunity to witness to people, and when confronted by educated pagans they still would not stop pushing their opinions” (Neill).  

While attending UCLA graduate school, I judiciously shared my faith with most of my professors. In response, none of them told me to get lost but there was one “drawback”: I had to keep my grades up so as to not lose my credibility!  At any rate, make the rest of 2023 a year in which you share the gospel with more people than you ever have.  

Prayer: Father, I exalt You this morning.  I admit that in the midst of pouting about all the things I don’t have, I constantly forget what I do from you.  Convict me to use what I have to do good and mission-minded work in your Son’s name so that unbelieving co-workers and neighbors may thirst for Christ.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Numbers 13-14

March 31, Friday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on March 11, 2016.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“It is Finished”

Acts 7:59-60, 8:4-8

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. 4 Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7 For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

I didn’t understand the hurry many Asian parents seemed to be in to get their children married off until someone explained to me that in this culture, parents don’t feel like their job is done until they see their children married and settled down.  A majority of American parents may feel it their responsibility to get their children through high school at least; for Asian parents, getting their children married was the stage they were responsible for seeing through.  Once they did, they could say, “It is finished,” (i.e., be “done” with parenting).  

What about for spiritual parenting?  When is a spiritual parent’s job “done?”  What would it mean to see spiritual parenting responsibly through to the end as we engage in this work that we are all called by Jesus to do, namely making disciples of all nations?

In today’s descriptions of Stephen and Philip, we see Jesus’ image.  Stephen died the way Jesus died: asking God to forgive those who persecuted him.  Philip worked the way Jesus worked: traveling, speaking, healing and driving out demons (Matthew 4:23; Mark 1:39).  Yet neither Stephen nor Philip were one of the Twelve.  They were both, actually, among the Seven who had been chosen by the Twelve to help with the ministry to the widows (Acts 6:5); they were disciples of the Disciples.  The spiritual grandchildren of Jesus.  He must have been so proud.

Often when we think about mentoring others, we think about training them to do what we do, but our job is actually not really done until we see them reproducing, training others to do what they can now do.  These days, as I engage in this work, I find myself relating somewhat to those parents asking, “So, have you found anyone, yet?” as I ask people whether they’ve found anyone to love, even if it’s just one person, to love into the family of God and continue loving to the point of seeing them loving others.  I’m eager to see spiritual grandchildren.  How about you?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to be a good spiritual parent today, teaching Your children well, helping them learn to help others.  Help me to be faithful to the Jesus I’ve seen in my mentors, and may Your image be faithfully passed down to the next generations, that others may continue to see You in them.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 12

Lunch Break Study 

Read Deuteronomy 4:9: “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

Deuteronomy 11:18-19: Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Joel 1:3-4: Tell your sons about it, And let your sons tell their sons, And their sons the next generation.  What the gnawing locust has left, the swarming locust has eaten; And what the swarming locust has left, the creeping locust has eaten; And what the creeping locust has left, the stripping locust has eaten . . . .

Psalms 78:4: We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.

Questions to Consider

1. What did God command His people to pass on to their children in Deuteronomy?  

2. What themes from Deuteronomy 4:9 are echoed in Joel 1:3?  What is the specific context in Joel?

3. What element does Psalms 78:4 emphasize in terms of telling what God has done?  What should be one focus when we are talking about God to the next generations?

Notes

1. Their experiences of God (“the things your eyes have seen” 4:9) and His words (including instructions and commands) (11:18). 

2. They are to tell of what God has done and keep passing down the stories from one generation to the next.  The context is God’s judgment (an invasion of locusts).  It is not only salvation that is to be remembered; God’s judgments are also to be remembered as warnings.

3.   As they tell the stories, they are to be told from a perspective of praising God.  As we tell the next generations of what God has done, one thing to be mindful of is that we are to be raising up the next generation of worshippers. 

Evening Reflection

Is there any way in which I’ve experienced God today that I need to hold on to and remember? To pass down to the next generation to the praise and glory of His name?

March 30, Thursday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 23, 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, a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.), moved to Tokyo in 2022 where he plans to, the Lord willing, plant a church. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“No Name Witnesses Who Made a History”

Acts 11:19-21 (ESV)

Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. [20] But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. [21] And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.

At the beginning of the book of Acts, Jesus tells His disciples, “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8b).  In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit falls upon Jesus’s disciples at Pentecost and thousands are saved.  A great revival breaks out in Jerusalem; nevertheless, the gospel remains in that city until Acts 8.

So, what causes the gospel to finally spread?  Following the martyrdom of Stephen, “there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles” (Acts 8:1).  In short, persecution is the cause, which God graciously sent to His people, who were reluctant to go to Judea, Samaria, and the end of the earth, in order to scatter them among the nations.  In His great love for the entire world, God is willing to allow His people to suffer that the world might be saved.

Subsequently, God’s people are scattered “as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch” (v. 19).  Some speak only to Jews (v. 19), but others go to Antioch and speak to the Greeks (v. 20).  These believers are noteworthy in that they are not even named, but they do their part, perhaps reluctantly, by testifying to who God is and what He has done.  And then God does His part; He raises the spiritually dead and “a great number who believed turned to the Lord” (v. 21). This, then, is the genesis of Antioch Church that became arguably the most significant church in the early era, particularly after the church in Jerusalem was decimated during the Roman invasion in AD 70. 

I did not grow up in the church.  Hardly anyone in my family or extended family is a believer.  So I am thankful that a timid, reluctant Christian was sent by God to share the gospel with me.  More so, I am thankful that the Lord is so determined to save that He opened my heart so I could believe.  Today, reach out to someone with the gospel.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You have purposed to proclaim Your salvation to all peoples.  I am timid and weak in faith, but please use me to speak words of life to people who are perishing.  Oh Lord, You are mighty to save! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Numbers 11

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV): And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. [2] For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [3] And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, [4] and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Question to Consider

  1. According to v. 2, what is the opposite of lofty speech or wisdom?
  2. According to v. 4, what are the most important elements of Paul’s message?
  3. Why does God use a foolish message and a fearful messenger to save?

Notes

  1. The simple message of Jesus Christ and him crucified.
  2. The most important elements of Paul’s message are the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, not words of human wisdom.
  3. So that no one would put their faith in Paul or the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to pray for unbelieving coworkers or friends whom you see on a regular basis.  Ask that God would open a door to share and that He would use you despite your weakness.