REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King—now a friend of AMI—was first posted on April 6, 2016. Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Hardest Thing About Following Jesus”

Acts 15:10-11

 Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? 11 No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

If I asked you what’s the hardest part about following Jesus, what would you say? (Go ahead, think about it.) Some would say the goal of Christ-likeness. Becoming like Jesus is a pretty lofty ambition – He is perfect after all. Others might say all the commandments to follow – it can often feel like a never-ending list of dos and don’ts. There is also the matter of constant repentance – constantly searching and evaluating the heart, being so aware of our brokenness can be taxing and exhausting. And what about endurance, especially in times of difficulty or suffering? No matter what comes our way, we are to keep on following Jesus – easier said than done!

The longer I do ministry in the Church the more I am convinced that one of the hardest parts of following Christ for most Christians is actually the simple act of receiving grace. We suffer from the “grace and…” syndrome. We know in our heads that we are fully loved and wholly accepted by God, not based on what we did, but on what Christ has done and that it’s by our faith in Christ’s work alone that we are righteous before God. We know this, in theory, but our lives often adhere to a different truth. We speak about grace, but live as though what we do is of most importance. Our perfect choices, our perfect church attendance, our perfect QT record for the week, our perfect kids, etc. make us feel closer to God and when those things go away, when we fall short, we feel far, withdraw, struggle to turn to Him.

Scripture teaches us that grace is unmerited favor from God – a gift of kindness and love that we don’t deserve. And it’s not our good works that earns us access to that gift, but the very gift itself that enables us to do good works. I know we know this – but do we really believe it? In our thoughts and judgments about ourselves and others, do we humbly accept God’s grace or do we, like the Pharisees, put our weight on our own efforts and works?  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the humility to accept Your grace to me today. Not that I was good, but that Christ was. Not that I am perfect, but that Christ is perfect. May that be enough. In the areas where I am struggling with sin, in the face of my present shortcomings, give me the humility to turn to You and receive the grace I need to become more like Jesus. Amen.   

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 19

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:1-10: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Questions to Consider

1. Why is it important to remember that we were made alive in Christ “even when we were dead in transgressions”? How does remembering God’s love as described in these verses encourage us to persist in our walk with Him?  
2. According to verse 9, what is the danger of focusing too much on our works in our relationship with God?  
3. Restate verse 10 in your own words as a promise from God to you. How does this assurance that good works will come encourage you? 

Notes

1. We can never be mistaken that we have to earn God’s love or God’s favor by doing good deeds or being the right kind of people when we remember that God demonstrated His great love for us when we were at our worst. We should feel encouraged to move on, not by works (which didn’t save us to begin with), but in the power of grace (know that we are fully loved and completely accepted and given the freedom from guilt, shame, and the like needed to resist sin and live well). 
2. Focusing too much on our works can lead to boasting, and ultimately, to pride. All the good that we do is a result of God’s grace and God’s work on our behalf (through Christ) and in/through us (by the power of the Holy Spirit). 
3. You will do good works (great things in this world and for my Kingdom) because I myself have created you in my son Jesus. As we surrender our lives to the hands of the master potter, he works it into a beautiful piece of art. In the face of our shortcomings and even, at times, ignorance to the ways of God, we know our loving Heavenly Father is at work to lead us to a destination that He’s already prepared. 

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Evening Reflection

“The bridge of grace will bear your weight, brother. Thousands of big sinners have gone across that bridge, yea, tens of thousands have gone over it. Some have been the chief of sinners and some have come at the very last of their days but the arch has never yielded beneath their weight. I will go with them trusting to the same support. It will bear me over as it has for them.” (Charles Spurgeon) 

Is hard for you to receive God’s grace? Do you tend to put more emphasis on what you do or what He has done? Does Christ’s love compel you and God’s grace encourage you toward good deeds, or do you tend to use good works to try to earn favor with God? Spend some time remembering how God found you, when you were dead in your transgressions, and be reminded of His great love and abounding grace.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on May 3, 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

“Dealing Our Shameful Past”

Acts 22:3-5

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city. I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today. I persecuted the followers of this Way to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison, as the high priest and all the Council can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates in Damascus, and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.”

I did not grow up as a Christian but became one during my college years. But when I first became a Christian, I was quite ashamed of myself and my past; I was reluctant to share with anyone about who I had been, because I was afraid I would be considered a phony or not fit in to the church community. Though I felt forgiven, there was a sense in which I was not yet set free from my past. It was quite some time later when I came to have a more holistic understanding of my identity in Christ.

Here in Acts, Paul was addressing the Jews and he brought up his past. Though his past was marred by sin – he persecuted Christians and had a role in the execution of Stephen – he was not ashamed to use it to make his point. He was not ashamed to show the power of the grace of God in His life. That’s what a personal testimony is all about – testifying to the power of grace in your life.

Perhaps there is shame in your life which you are afraid to confront and you feel uncomfortable sharing with others. Maybe not now, but perhaps at some point God will bring up your past experiences—whether good or bad—for the purposes of His kingdom. Our God, the great Redeemer, can redeem our broken pasts for His Kingdom work. Remember Paul, who having a broken past said that he’d “boast in all the more gladly about [his] weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on [him]” (2 Cor. 12:9).

Our life in Christ does not involve sweeping our past, our sin, our shame under the rug. Rather, our life in Christ is about letting the grace of God come into every area of our life—even the darkest and dirtiest corners—so that the grace of God may bring redemption.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that when You came to die on the cross, You did not die so that our sins may be hidden; You died so that our sins may be fully redeemed. Help us to embrace Your grace in every area of our lives so that shame may have no place in us. Help us to see that Your power is made perfect in weakness and that in our weakness, Your power is more fully known. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 18

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Lunch Break Study  

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Questions to Consider

1. How is Christ’s power made perfect in weakness?
2. Why did Paul boast about His weaknesses?
3. Do you think you could delight in your weaknesses?

Notes

1. If were perfect people, there would be no need for grace, no need for Christ’s power. But since we are broken and sinful, we need the power of Christ to bring freedom. And only when we embrace our brokenness and confess our utter need for Christ can the power of grace come into our lives. This is why Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness; because in embracing our weakness, we give room for God to have His way in our lives.
2. In boasting about his weaknesses, Paul was giving room for the power of Christ in His life. If he rather boasted about his strengths, he would be trusting in his own abilities and there would be no power of God in his life. 
3. Think honestly about this. We cannot easily delight in our weaknesses because we want to be self-reliant, to prove ourselves. But remember, Christ is the One we need to trust and not ourselves.

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Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on your past. Is there any shame in your life that you’ve been afraid to bring to God?  Use this time to let the power of God rest over your weaknesses.  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who is now a friend of AMI, was first posted on May 16, 2016.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (B.S.) and Columbia International University where he studied Islam (M.A.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“An Old Church Father Who Will Remind You of You”

Proverbs 15:4

A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

A theological discussion may seem too daunting for many, particularly for QT devotions; however, today you will actually get to meet this brilliant theologian who will remind you of—you! 

One of the many heresies that were prevalent in the early church was modalism, which denied belief in three distinct identities within God. Rather, modalism proposed that the one God had three aspects or roles. For example, the Holy Spirit would not be a distinct person but another manifestation of the Father and Son. This heresy naturally implied that not only the Son was crucified but also the Father. 

In the midst of confusion, an early Church Father named Tertullian rejected this version of God’s triunity and established that Christians believed in “one substance (i.e., being-ness that makes something what it is) and three persons.” While this may seem like a given theological fact today, Tertullian was the first to explain that God’s oneness “does not rule out multiplicity; just as biological organisms can be one and yet made up of interconnected and mutual parts.” In many ways, Tertullian is the father of the formal doctrine of the Trinity that was ultimately finalized in various creeds.

Unfortunately, Tertullian was renowned not only for his theological wisdom but also for his sharp tongue. His works and letters were filled with sarcasm, as well as biting words against his opponents.  He admitted himself in his writing on patience, De Patentia, that it was a virtue which was not present in his life. Tertullian’s tongue, as well as his leaning towards a legalistic lifestyle, eventually drew him into a fringe sect of Christianity called the Monanists. He tragically died in 225 A.D., “separated from full communion with the bishops of the Church whose authority he earlier upheld.”

Tertullian’s demise may seem puzzling, but it is an often quoted fact that over 90% of communication is non-verbal. In our workplaces, schools and churches, how do our facial expressions, intonations and posture convey God’s grace? Is our choice of words even glorifying to God? Oftentimes, how we communicate is actually more important than what we communicate. Let’s ask for grace in our communication today.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, it’s so hard to control my tongue and my expressions. I often find myself saying things that I later regret or in ways that are not glorifying to You. Season my speech with Your grace and humility; help me to be a light to my community and to the world in this way. In Your Name I pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 17

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Lunch Break Study 

Read James 3:2, 6, 9-10: We all stumble in many ways.  Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. . . . 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.

James 1:19b: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry

Questions to Consider

1. What warning jumps out from this passage? 

2. What is one thing that we do which causes this problem to reoccur?

3. What can we do to avoid this problem?

Notes

1. Among the many things we do wrong that keeps us from being perfect, on the top of that list is unwise and foolish words which can cause tremendous damage in all aspects of our lives. I think all of us can attest to that.

2. We are not quick to listen; rather, we are eager to speak without having heard the other person fully or having considered a reasonable response.

3. James 1:19 should be heeded. Also, if you prefer to communicate through e-mail, make sure to re-read the content before sending it.  I think it is a good way to share your thoughts because it gives you time to think about your response.  I have noticed that the final version is always kinder and gentler than the first one. 

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Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, how did you use your words?  Did anyone get encouraged?  Oops, maybe the opposite is the case.  Let’s do better by, first, offering up praise and prayer unto the Lord.  That’s always a good place to start: using our tongues to bless the Lord.  May the Lord bless you with a good rest! 

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on March 6, 2016, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun through whom God founded the Radiance Christian Church in 2011. Mark, after recently stepping down as its Lead Pastor, is currently on a sabbatical.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Loving Your Enemy”

Acts 6:8-15 (ESV)

And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel. 

Jesus’ call to love our enemies has largely been swept aside as a utopian fantasy that is unrealistic in the real world.   I recently heard a joke that highlights this point.  A pastor was preaching to his church about loving their enemies and he decided to take a quick survey of his congregation. He asked how many of them could count 10 or more enemies in their life.  A few guilty hands went up.  Then he asked how many of them had 5-10 enemies and a few more repentant hands went up.  Then he asked who had at least one enemy and this time nearly all the hands were raised.  Finally the preacher asked, who has no enemies?  After a moment, the pastor saw the hand of one elderly man being raised and wanting the church to hear the counsel of this godly man, he asked, “What is your secret to having no enemies so late in life?”  The man replied, “I thank God all those bastards have died?”

Laughter aside, this is a joke that has some level of truth to it.  And the truth is that most of us choose to ignore people that we don’t like, simply waiting for the day that either you or that person will die or disappear.  Rarely would we even consider sharing God’s love by evangelizing those who are hostile to us.   Instead of seeing difficult people as an opportunity to fulfill the law of Christ, we tend to run away from the challenges of loving those who disagree with us, offend us, or just annoy the heck out of us.  As the Scriptures point out, man’s natural tendency is to love only those who love us and to show kindness only to those who are kind to us.  Those with a greater sense of social responsibility may show love to people that they have little or no relationship with, but it is a rare thing to find someone who is able to love those who are openly hostile towards them.

But as impossible as this may seem, the practice of loving our enemies was central to the success of the early church, especially as they were persecuted mercilessly. In fact, our understanding of this golden rule is still vitally important in truly living out the Gospel.  We are told that Stephen was a man full of grace and power.  Both of those characteristics were put to the test as he was wrongfully placed on trial and ultimately martyred for his faith.  Yet through it all, we read that Stephen’s face was like that of an angel.  I believe that the only thing that could explain his demeanor under such hostile circumstances was the fact that he was filled with the love of Christ, a love that is not bound by friendship but extends to our enemies.  

Prayer:  Father, reveal to us the full depth, width, and breadth of your love.  Remind us that we were yet enemies, you demonstrated your love by sending your Son to die on our behalf.   As we face those who are hostile to us and to the message of Christianity, help us to respond with the same love that you displayed for us.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 16

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on May 23, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“How Much Land Does a Man Need?”

Mark 8:36

What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?

Phil. 4:11b-12

For I (Paul) have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Here is a story told by a great Russian novelist Leo Tolstoy (1828-1910) that succinctly captures the meaning of these two passages:  It is entitled, “How much land does a man need?”*

Pohom had great wealth and property but he wanted even more land.  One day, he learned from some travelling merchants about a rich land in some foreign distant land which can be bought for practically nothing from a nomadic people.  Wasting no time in going there, Pohom couldn’t believe what he saw: the soil was rich, flat and its green grass chest high.  So Pohom quickly asked the Chief what he needs to pay to buy piece of this land.  The Chief said, “Our price is always the same; a thousand rubles a day.”  Puzzled by this, Pohom asked, “What kind of measurement is that?  How many acres is a day?”  

“We do not know,” the Chief answered, “How to reckon it out; we sell it by the day.  As much as you can go around on your feet in a day is yours and the price is a thousand rubles a day.”  

Finally grasping the idea, Pohom said to himself:  “As much as I mark off with my feet and come back that’s what I will own.”  He said to the Chief, “In a day you can get around a large tract of land.”  Chief laughed: “It will all be yours but there is one condition: if you don’t return on the same day to the spot whence you started your money is lost.”  He meant that Pohom has to start in one place and circle a piece of land and come back to the same place.

The next day before the crack of the dawn, Pohom arose from his sleep and after placing his 1,000 rubles in the fur cap of the chief, he began his walk.  As he walked to the land, his strides quickened because the land seemed to be getting better and richer, and more fertile. And to include a particularly inviting field, he went far, he went much too much before he set his marker and turn back.

He then hurried back even faster under the hot scorching sun of the day. Exhausted after circling such a huge tract, Pohom turned back toward his starting hill.  Walking with greater difficulty as his legs began to wobble, his chest was breathing heavily, his heart was beating like a hammer, his legs sometimes failed him.  Pohom could see the hill with the Chief cheering him on.  Pohom looked at the sun which had reached the earth; one side of it already disappeared.  With all of his remaining strength he rushed on, bending his body forward but his legs could hardly follow faster enough to keep him from falling.  But just as he reached the bottom of the hill, it suddenly grew dark; he looked up and saw that the sun had already set. And he gave out a cry, “All my labor has been in vain.”

He was about to stop but all of sudden he heard the Chief and his people still shouting.  Then Pohom remembered that to him, from below, the sun seems to have set but they, on the hill, still see the sun.  He took a long breath and ran up the hill—it was still light up there.  He reached the top and saw the fir cap.  Before the cap sat the chief laughing and holding his sides. Pohom uttered the final cry; as his legs gave away beneath him, Pohom fell forward but managed to reach the cap with his hand just in time.  But he was no more!  Pohom’s servant picked up a shovel and dug a grave just long enough for him to lie in and be buried in it: 6 feet from his head to his heels—that was all Pohom needed from all the vast land that he had gained.

Prayer: “. . . I ask of you, Lord; do not refuse me before I die: ⁸ . . . give me neither poverty nor riches,
 but give me only my daily bread.  ⁹ Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’  Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”  Amen (Prov. 30:7-9).

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 14-15

*I got this material from a sermon given by a pastor many years ago.

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 8, 2016, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). He was ordained last month. Congratulations.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Promise from the Father”

Galatians 3:15-20 (ESV)

To give a human example, brothers: even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came 430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. 19 Why then the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was put in place through angels by an intermediary. 20 Now an intermediary implies more than one, but God is one.

When I was a child, my dad would often have to go on business trips, sometimes very long trips to Taiwan. I didn’t like that he was away and thought that if only he had a private jet, he could come back much faster. So, one day, I promised him that I would grow up to make a lot of money and buy him his own personal private jet. I guess he didn’t believe me, because he wanted proof of it, a written contract if you will. So I drew an airplane on a piece of paper, signed my name on it, and handed it to him. I hope he doesn’t find that contract, because I don’t think I will ever be able to honor it.

A promise from God is not as fickle as a promise we make to one another. We might go back on our promises, or even due to circumstances simply be unable to fulfill it. But God always follows through on His promises. If man-made promises, in the highest degree, are contractually binding, how much more binding is a covenant that God makes with people?

With those lens, it’s important to see that the promise of grace precedes the giving of the Law. Paul argues that the gospel he has shared with the Galatians about the free grace of God through Jesus Christ was not a new invention that he came up with; rather, it dates all the way back to Abraham. He recounts to them God’s promise, that through the offspring of Abraham—not offsprings—He would bring blessing to all the nations on the earth. The offspring that He referred to is now revealed as His Son, Jesus. The Law is not a set of rules that is in competition to grace; rather, it is subordinate to grace. It is merely a subset in the grand scheme of grace that God had already set into motion, long before Moses was even born. Paul takes it a step further by showing that the Law was given through a middle-man, but the promise of grace was given directly by God to Abraham. Trust in His promise today, for He is trustworthy!

Prayer: Father God, Your promises are true. Thank You for Your grace and Your promise to love me. Help me to be confident in that promise when I feel unlovable, for Your words are trustworthy and true.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 13

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Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 22:15-19 (ESV): “And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, ‘By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.’”

Question to Consider

1. Read Genesis 22:9-14. How did Abraham obey God by not withholding his son from God?

2. Who is the offspring God is referring to?

Notes

1. God called Abraham to sacrifice his one and only son, Isaac, which would have meant that God wasn’t going to keep His initial promise made to him; yet Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, trusting that God would somehow keep the promise. 

2. Abraham must have thought that the offspring that God was referring to was Isaac, and it was through the line of Isaac that the nation of Israel was formed. But ultimately, it is referring to Jesus, through whom all the nations of the earth shall be blessed. 

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Evening Reflection

Philip Ryken says, “Salvation in Christ does not rest on a law that we inevitably break; it rests on a promise that God cannot break.” As you close the day, spend some time thanking the Lord for His promise of salvation to us. May you find a new joy in this amazing grace. 

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Thought, first posted on April 14, 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 University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Be Distressed . . . Keep Your Eyes Open”

Acts 17:16-17 (NIV)

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.  17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.  

Just about every Friday morning after our prayer meeting, our pastoral intern and I go out and grab breakfast, typically at Burger King.  More than half of the time, this guy will do something kind that humbles and embarrasses me.  For example, he will buy an extra breakfast sandwich for a homeless person that we just passed by on the street, or he will notice a person digging too deeply into his pocket to find the money for a cup of coffee and purchases it for him.  Every week it would be something different, but every week it is him showing how big his heart is, and me—feeling like a dork.  The reason I never buy anyone a sandwich is not that I don’t care or I am too cheap, but rather, I simply do not notice (and this may be worse).  Over the years, I’ve learned to walk with my head down in the city (for fear of stepping on dog poop), or when I’m at a restaurant, I get too excited about food and have tunnel vision, or I’m thinking about something else.  Emotionally, I can be an aloof monster, I know— I’m not trying to make excuses on the matter.  

I wonder if I were in ancient Athens, I would have felt the same level of “distress” (NIV) that Paul felt when he saw all of those idols.  Would I have even noticed?  When we were younger in the faith, growing in Christ was pretty easy.  As a youngster, I used to swear like a sailor, but when I met Christ, I quit that pattern of speech.  Then I began to read the Bible and pray more frequently, and I grew.  Now that I’ve been a believer for over 20 years, I’ve noticed that while growth does come with prayer and Bible reading, rapid growth comes when I have a heart that beats on God’s rhythm.  Do I love the things He loves?  Do I hate the things He hates?  Do the things that distress Him even cause me to bat an eyelash?  More in line with today’s passage, does my heart break for people who do not know Christ or for those who are trapped in idolatry?  

I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.  America is a unique country— if you go to a coffee shop, you will run into literally a dozen people of different religion or no religion whatsoever.  There is so much diversity in faiths (or lack of faith), we can easily get desensitized to how lost people are.  This morning, pray for your heart.  Pray that you will be distressed by the things that distress the Lord.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for ___(fill in the blank) who doesn’t know You.  I pray that You will put some urgency in my heart to share with him or her.  Help me also to see every person as one who is made in Your image.  Give me a heart that is distressed by the things that distress You.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Revelation 12

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 4:1-8: Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer! 2 O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame? How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? Selah 3 But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

4 Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah. 5 Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us some good? Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!” 7 You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. 8 In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Questions to Consider

1.  What were the things that distressed David, and how did he find comfort in the Lord?

2.  In v. 4, we read, “Be angry (or “In your anger” – NIV) and do not sin and offer right sacrifices.”  What do you suppose this verse means?  

3.  In v. 7, David says that he has more joy than anyone who has riches.  Why was he able to feel this way?  Do you feel this way?  

Notes

1.  In verse 2, we read that there were wicked men who were trying to “shame” David, possibly through slanderous words.  In verse 3, David found comfort in being set apart for God and the fact that the Lord hears his prayers.  

2.  In its context, it seems that when slandered, the natural reaction is to be angry; however, a righteous course of action is to remain silent (v. 4) as opposed to rushing in to defend oneself.  In this context, a right sacrifice seems to be the faithful act of not retaliating.  It’s helpful to know that David, while a man of action, never attacked Saul who persecuted him unjustly on several occasions.  

3.  I think vv. 7 and 8 are related.  David’s joy came first because God put it there, but also in the fact that he could lie down in peace (knowing he had a clean conscience) and under the safety of the Lord’s hand.  Do you believe a clear conscience is more important than a large bank account?

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Evening Reflection

This morning, we talked about having God’s heart and caring for people, especially those who do not know Jesus.  Take some time to pray for one or two people you see routinely, and allow God to speak to you about them.  We also talked about trusting in God when others slander or persecute you.  Are there people in your life who give you trouble for seemingly no reason?  Consider what God wants you to do (or not do) about these people.  

UPDATEDToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on March 16, 2016.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“A Secret Behind Why God Would Use You”

Acts 9:32-42

But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.

In the 2002 movie Like Mike, Calvin and his friends who all live an in orphanage, find some old shoes with the faded letters “MJ”. These shoes are somehow tied to a power line; and on one stormy night, they go to retrieve the shoes when Calvin and the shoes are struck by lightning. Calvin now has fantastic basketball powers and eventually plays for the NBA where he dominates fellow NBA stars with his new found shoes. 

In the same way, the story of the Bible is the ability of God to take ordinary people to do extraordinary things through them. We see again and again when God’s Spirit takes hold of an individual, astonishing things can happen. We see in our story today, God working powerfully through Peter, an uneducated fisherman from small town Galilee. First, he heals the man Aeneas from paralysis. Then immediately after, he resurrects Dorcas.

Jesus can use anyone who is obedient and willing to be used by Him. That’s the secret behind why God would use you. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead and saved our soul is now in us to do God’s works. But the truth is, we often find ourselves defeated by Satan’s lies—the most effective one being low self-esteem. That’s Satan’s greatest weapon. He renders us powerless by giving us a sense of inferiority, inadequacy, and low self-worth—this is what shackles many of us. And in spite of amazing spiritual experiences and knowledge of God’s Word, we find ourselves not fully living up to our potentials. 

God calls us to an extraordinary life. And for God to use us, we must humbly make ourselves available. Then we must obediently use the gifts and opportunities God gives us to usher the presence of God wherever we find ourselves. This act of surrender is precisely the power of God in us. God will only do great things through us when we surrender to His kingdom and His priorities. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, let us remember the power of God in us this day! 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to realize the potential I have in You. I want to be an agent of change. Help me to join You in all the work You are doing in and around me. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 11

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 6:12-20: For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. [13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. [16] In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; [17] and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, [18] praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, [19] and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, [20] for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.

Questions to Consider 

1. If we are to realize the potential for great power we have in Jesus, we must also realize who our enemy is and what our battle is. According to Paul, who is our enemy and what is our battle? 

2. What are we commended to do to prepare for this heavenly battle?    

3. As you read through the section on the armor of God, what is one particular area you have to strengthen in your life?   

Notes 

1. The enemy is the Devil and the battle is against the cosmic powers of darkness. 

2. We are to put on the armor of God.  

3. Personal Response

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Evening Reflection

“Take God at His Word – because winning the battle doesn’t require physical brawn, but spiritual brains!” – Pedro Okoro

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on March 8, 2016.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God Doesn’t Give Up On You”

Acts 7:23-29

When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites.  He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian.  Moses thought his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not.  The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting.  He tried to reconcile them by saying, “Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?” But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”  When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

Sometimes when children of immigrants visit the countries their parents originally came from, it can be both exhilarating and traumatic.  They often go to visit because they are looking for their roots, a sense of belonging, but sometimes they end up being rejected by the very people they are longing most to find connection with. When they walk into a store and can’t speak the language quite correctly, people wonder what is wrong with them.  If they inadvertently say or do something rude, people assume it was intentional and react accordingly.  Through such experiences, they discover things are more complicated than they’d imagined.

When Moses is 40 years old, after a lifetime of being brought up in the Egyptian palace, he decides to go visit “his people.” When he sees an Israelite being mistreated by an Egyptian, he makes his choice as to whose side he feels he belongs on, but as he continues to make attempts to help, he fails to do it in a way that people can understand or accept.  Also, because he was an Israelite like them but had somehow escaped slavery and had all these advantages in life, perhaps out of resentment and jealousy, he is rejected all the more.  

Moses’ life parallels Jesus’ in that both left privileged backgrounds to identify with a people in slavery.  Both are rejected by the very people they came to save, and for Moses, at first it was enough to make him reject his people right back.  He leaves them, Egypt, and goes to live in land where he doesn’t have to deal with either.  But Jesus does not give up on His people, and we all know that in the end, God does not let Moses do so either.  Is there anyone we are tempted to reject or give up on today?  Someone we had the greatest hopes of connecting with whose rejection is hurting us the most?  Nevertheless, can we follow the example of Jesus and Moses and continue to reach out in love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, would you give me the grace and wisdom today to reach out to those who have rejected me?  I’m sure I’ve made my share of mistakes in the ways I’ve tried to relate to people.  Please forgive me, show me the error of my ways, and help me to change.  In Your name I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 10

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Lunch Break Study 

Read and compare the following two verses:

Acts 7:22: Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

Exodus 4:10: Moses said to the LORD, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant.  I am slow of speech and tongue.”

Questions to Consider

1. What apparent contradiction do you notice in these two verses?

2. The first verse describes Moses before he left Egypt; the second, 40 years after he left Egypt.  What life experiences did he have between these two points of time?  How could they account for these two seemingly opposite depictions of Moses?

3. Which description of Moses do you think was true?  Have certain failures or disappointments in life affected your perception of whether or not you are fit to carry out a particular commission of God?

Notes

1. The Acts passage says that Moses was powerful in speech, but this comes as somewhat of a surprise as Moses is also famous for saying to the Lord in Exodus that he was not eloquent. 

2. He had killed a man, been rejected by his own people, and lived in a foreign land for forty years. Perhaps he’d had to learn a foreign language and couldn’t remember the last time he’d been eloquent.  Perhaps he felt he’d failed in life and lost confidence.

3. I think that when God created Moses, He had indeed given him certain abilities that made him fit to accomplish the task God had for him.  Ability is not the most important factor in doing God’s work, but we do need to reject any false perceptions of our limitations that keep us from engaging in His work.

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Evening Reflection

Did you experience any rejection or failure today that you need to put behind you?  Give them to the Lord at this time, and ask Him for visions of hope for the future to take their place.  

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on May 9, 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

“Boldness”

Acts 24:1

And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a spokesman, one Tertullus. They laid before the governor their case against Paul.

In the book of Acts, one of the major themes that we see is the boldness that the early believers had for the gospel.  The Greek translation for the word “boldly” or “boldness” is “candor in the face of opposition.” Boldness isn’t being obnoxious, mean, or pushy; rather, it’s about speaking the truth of the gospel out of conviction of what Jesus has done for sinners, and out of a love for those who need it.  Tim Keller puts it like this:

“When the gospel ‘comes home’-humbling and affirming you, it turns every believer into a natural evangelist…Evangelism happens because of the humility of the gospel. The gospel produces people who are not disdainful and contemptuous towards those who disagree with them. Also, it happens through the affirmation of the gospel. Because of the reality and joy of Christ’s love, we are not as concerned what others think. The gospel brings a gentle boldness.”

Paul is about to go before Felix, the Roman governor, because of his defense of the gospel.  Tertullus had been hired by the Jews to present their case in Caesarea before the Roman governor, and it was apparent that he and the other Jewish rulers wanted to kill Paul.  We see that Paul’s boldness had led him to defend his life and trust in the sovereignty of God.  

As you think about your own life, do you have boldness for Christ?  Are you willing to speak up about your faith to your friends, co-workers, family members, neighbors and others who are in your circle of influence? Is the fear of man preventing you from being a bold witness?  

As we reflect and remember what Christ has done for us, ask the Lord that He would give you the boldness to proclaim Him in this dark and hostile world.  Pray for opportunities to share His love to those who do not know Him.  

Prayer: Lord, thank You for examples of faith in Your Word that demonstrates great boldness even in the face of opposition.  By the power of the Holy Spirit, help me today to be bold for the truth in my words and witness.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 9

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Luke 12:4-12: “I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing more that they can do. 5 But I will warn you whom to fear: fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.  Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies?  And not one of them is forgotten before God.7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.8 “And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, 9 but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11 And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Questions to Consider 

1.  What is Jesus telling us not to fear?

2.  How does vv. 11-12 give you confidence when we acknowledge Christ to the world?

3.  How can you apply these verses today?

Notes

1. We are called not to fear man because we have a Heavenly Father who knows us (v.7) and we are valued by Him.  It should give us courage to display Christ in our lives even when we may fear what man thinks of us.
2. When we acknowledge Christ before men (v.8), Jesus promises His followers that the Holy Spirit will teach us what to say.  We ought not to be anxious about how we should defend ourselves, but rather trust in Him.  
3. Think about how you can acknowledge Christ to those who may not know Him.  Be specific in praying for people and ask God that He would give you courage to acknowledge Him even when it seems difficult.  

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Evening Reflection

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today.  What challenged you?  How can you be bold for the gospel?  Ask the Lord to search your heart and show you how to make specific applications.