December 14, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 7, 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

“A Win-Win Situation”

Philippians 1:21-26

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. 24 But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. 25 Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, 26 so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again.

If someone came to you today and said, “You can have either a brand new BMW or a brand new Mercedes Benz for free, as my gift to you.  You just have to pick one.”  You, in theory, would have a dilemma on your hands, trying to decide between the two cars; but either way, it’s a win-win situation, right?  No matter what you choose, you get a free luxury car.  It’s not often that we encounter a win-win situation.  Most of the time, life can feel more like an endless stream of lose-lose situations:  If we choose this particular career path, we make less money, but if we choose this other career path, we have less time with others.  If we live in this city, we’re too far from home, but if we live in this other city, we have fewer opportunities.  It can sometimes feel like no matter what we choose in life, we’re missing out on something. 

When we look at what Paul says here in Philippians though, there is no fear of missing out at all.  It seems that each and every day of his life was a win-win situation—if he dies, he gets be with Jesus, but if he lives, he can keep on laboring to help others grow in their faith.  To Paul, this was a dilemma, but either way—if he were to live or to die—it was a win-win situation.  

It can be hard to see life as a winning situation and/or death as a winning situation.  We might think that if we live, we have hard lives and difficult situations before us.  But if we die, we miss out on life itself.  So why was Paul able to feel like this about life and death?  Simply, Paul understood his identity and purpose.  He was able to look at his life and know that he had a purpose to live and labor for the sake of Jesus.  And at the same time, he was able to look at death and call it “gain,” because he knew that as a child of God, regardless of what he was able to accomplish, his life was in the hands of Jesus.  Either way, his life was about Jesus.  And so when we struggle to see the wins in life or death, we need to make our lives about Jesus, to know our identity and purpose in Him.  When it’s about Jesus, it’s always a win-win!

Prayer: Jesus, help me to make my life about You.  I pray that instead of being wrapped up in the things of this world, my life will be wrapped up in You alone.  Help me to understand my identity and purpose in You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 7

Lunch Bible Study

Read John 14:1-4: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.”

Questions to Consider

  1. According to Jesus, how do we find hope in the midst of trials?
  2. What does it mean that Jesus has prepared a place for us?
  3. How is your heart troubled right now?  How can you find hope in Christ today?

Notes

  1. Jesus tells us to believe or trust in Him when we find ourselves in difficult times.  We can trust in Jesus, because He tells us that there are many rooms in His Father’s house, where He has prepared a place for us; and He Himself will take us to that place.
  2. It means that we have a room in heaven waiting for us. Because of what Jesus has done for us, we can have an eternal life with Him and the Father in heaven.
  3. Personal reflection question.

Evening Reflection

Paul says, “For me to live is Christ.”  Is that how you would define your life?  If you’re like me, there are probably at least a few other things competing to fill in that space. Take some time to reflect on those other things that seek to define you, and spend time repenting and putting your whole life in the hands of Jesus.

December 13, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on May 5, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God Tests, Not Tempts, Us”

2 Sam. 11:10-5 (NIV)

David was told, “Uriah did not go home.” So he asked Uriah, “Haven’t you just come from a military campaign? Why didn’t you go home?” [11] Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are staying in tents, and my commander Joab and my lord’s men are camped in the open country. How could I go to my house to eat and drink and make love to my wife? As surely as you live, I will not do such a thing!” [12] Then David said to him, “Stay here one more day, and tomorrow I will send you back.” So Uriah remained in Jerusalem that day and the next. [13] At David’s invitation, he ate and drank with him, and David made him drunk. But in the evening Uriah went out to sleep on his mat among his master’s servants; he did not go home. [14] In the morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. [15] In it he wrote, “Put Uriah out in front where the fighting is fiercest. Then withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die.”

When I was teaching in Mexico, I would go over the exam material beforehand so that my students would do well.  That probably reflects the heart of most teachers, and it certainly captures the heart of God.  

God “tests our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4), but he “does not tempt anyone” (James 1:13); that’s what the enemy does.  In theory, distinguishing between the two seems easy: testing is when we are being tested of the things we have learned for our growth; whereas, tempting is being tested of the things we don’t have the capacity to overcome so that we may fail.  But in reality, it’s difficult to distinguish between the two.  For instance, while the Greek word ekperizō  is translated as “tempt” when referring to what the devil did following Jesus’ 40-day fasting (Matt. 4:1), it’s translated as “test” in Luke 10:25 when the lawyer was testing Jesus.  But one thing is clear: whether tested or tempted, God won’t let us face it alone.  Paul writes, “God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Cor.10:13b). 

We see that God certainly does that for David here.  David wishes that Uriah goes home and has a conjugal relationship with his wife Bathsheba, for only then her pregnancy could be explained away, and David will no longer be under suspicion.   However, Uriah is too honorable to do that; instead, he sleeps at the entrance to the palace.  Stunned by his loyalty, David should have scrapped his scheme, but he doesn’t.  Plan B is to make Uriah so drunk that he will go home afterwards; again he doesn’t.  Having given two chances by God to stop the charade and confess his sins to Uriah, David opts for Plan C—which is murder.  His life will never be the same again.

It could be a ringing phone or dog barking or a sudden remembering of a Bible verse you’ve heard a while back: consider that as God’s way of “provid[ing] the way of escape” (NASB) so that you may not fall into temptation and be miserable.

Prayer: Father, we praise and glorify Your Name.  While we feel like we are inundated by more temptations now than before, the truth is we’ve gotten better at sinning. For the sake of temporary enjoyment, we’ve bartered our souls to our own dismay.   Lord, help us to seize every opportunity You give so that we may not yield to these enticing temptations.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: John 6

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chron. 21:1-8 (ESV): Then Satan stood against Israel and incited David to number Israel. [2] So David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, “Go, number Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, and bring me a report, that I may know their number.” [3] But Joab said, “May the Lord add to his people a hundred times as many as they are! Are they not, my lord the king, all of them my lord’s servants? Why then should my lord require this? Why should it be a cause of guilt for Israel?” [4] But the king’s word prevailed against Joab. So Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came back to Jerusalem. [5] And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to David. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the sword. [6] But he did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king’s command was abhorrent to Joab. [7] But God was displeased with this thing, and he struck Israel. [8] And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.” 

Ps. 20:7 (ESV): Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.

Question to Consider

1. What was so bad about David taking the census?  Why did it displease God?

2. In what sense did God provide a way out so that David didn’t have to fall into that temptation?

3. Joab wasn’t a spiritually-sensitive man; in fact, he was often in the flesh.  Yet, God used him to try tostop David from doing something that would later cost the life of 70,000 people.  What kind of attitude should we cultivate so that we would allow just about anyone to speak into our lives?

Notes

1. David had proclaimed and taught that Israel was going to trust God for victories, not the strength of  its army or weapons.  By counting the number of soldiers, David, in effect, was saying that he was going to depend on his army for victories.  As a result, he broke what is called Suzerain-vassal covenant in which he was to completely rely on God for everything.   

2. Even Joab, not known for spirituality, understood the implication of counting the number of soldiers.  Thus, he tried to persuade his boss to drop the project but to no avail.  That was the way out which God provided so that David didn’t have to give into temptation, but again, he didn’t listen. 

3. The Bible is replete with examples of unlikable people (including a donkey) whom God used to speak into the lives of people more holier than them:  God used the Babylonians  to judge Israel, which puzzled Habakkuk  and he asked God, “Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (1:13).   Thus, we should have a humble attitude. 

Evening Reflection

Are you so numb spiritually that you aren’t even aware of having been tempted today?  Is our standard of holiness so low that we actually feel okay even though we typically yield to any and every kind of temptation?  So, what temptation did you face today?  Are you walking any differently than the world in areas that truly matter?  Ask God for discernment so that you may know what temptations you are facing in the first place.  Then, ask God to overcome them.

December 12, Monday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 12, 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.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“What Truly Matters”

Philippians 3:2-11 (ESV)

Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law,[c]blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

If you were to think of modern day heroes of the faith, who would you think of? We typically think of the popular Christian artists, the itinerant speakers, authors, theologians, and the up-and-coming pastors. Rarely do we think of the faceless martyrs, the ones who are toiling and laboring in the hardest parts of the world to bring the gospel to places where people have not yet heard. We don’t like to make them our heroes (although we do look in awe upon them); and I think the reason is because it forces us to face the uncomfortable question: Is this someone I want to become – someone who has completely surrendered everything for the name of Jesus? I am not trying to take anything away from the popular Christian artists, speakers, and pastors, but my point is that we are a culture that is too impressed with degrees and titles that it sometimes becomes the crux of our focus in this life, even in Christian circles. We are more inclined to respect and listen to those who have more degrees and are more influential based upon their accomplishments. 

When we think of Paul’s circumstances, we see why he feels the need to defend his credibility. Remember, Paul is writing this from prison in Rome, and he is writing to the Philippians to warn them about the Judaizers, those who are trying to distort the gospel to include Jewish customs in the package, rather than faith in Jesus alone. Contrast Paul with the Judaizers: While Paul is in prison far away, treated as a criminal, the Judaizers are there, highly respected as spiritual authorities. But Paul makes a case here that he has the most to brag about if it came to credentials, but he became a prisoner for the very gospel that he is trying to convince the Philippians to hold fast to. Once he became sold out on knowing Christ and making Him known, Paul’s own degrees, status, and rights—because of his citizenship—became something of little concern to him. Of course he used all these things to make Christ known, but his focus shifted from confidence in his flesh, to confidence in Christ, and the finished work on the cross.

Our human tendency is to boast in our accomplishments and strengths, which would make us seem respectable to others. Even in “living the Christian life,” we make the task of loving Jesus an accomplishment that we can add to our credentials so that we can boast in our own flesh, making it into a stepping stone, rather than making it the ultimate aim in life. Have we made knowing Christ and making Him known our final aim and ultimate cause? As we end this year and start a new one, my prayer is that we discover what truly matters – that we may love Jesus with all of our heart, considering everything else as a stepping stone to loving and honoring Him.

Prayer: Father God, I repent for making You a stepping stone for my accomplishments. Help me root out the things that I place my hope and sense of accomplishment in. I want to boast in You and You alone. Forgive me for placing so much emphasis on my own status and position rather than on You. I choose to boast in You and not in my own flesh. Help me make this my ultimate cause.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV): For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Question to Consider

1. How does Paul define grace? How would you define grace?

2. What are ways that we rely on our works?

3. What should we do with the grace that has been given to us?

Notes

1. Grace is merely a gift, and not a result of what we have done to earn it.  

2. It could be about the degrees we have, the type of job we have, the good works that we do, and even the people we know. Paul, in Philippians 3, lists off a number of personal accomplishments that he could boast in, but he finds all of that as contributing nothing to his salvation, because it is only by grace that he is saved.

3. We were created for good works – our good works is not a requirement for salvation, but it is not optional. It is not a contribution to our salvation, but a fruit of our salvation.

Evening Reflection

C.T. Studd penned a poem with the tagline: “Only one life, twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” Our life on this earth is short. Our impact and legacy on this earth is minimal, easily forgotten. Yet the life we live for Christ, the things we do in His name, for His kingdom, are the ones that ultimately last. Let’s not get caught up with earthly accolades, but to build our “heavenly resume,” one that lasts for eternity.

December 11, Sunday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on December 13, 2016, is written by Tina Hsu who serves as AMI missions coordinator.  Tina, a graduate of Biola University (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), recently became a mom to a beautiful boy named Zachary.  Congratulations. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Belonging to a Community”

John 2:1-12

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there; 2and both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with us? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. 8And He said to them, “Draw some out now and take it to the headwaiter.” So they took it to him. 9When the headwaiter tasted the water which had become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the headwaiter called the bridegroom, 10and said to him, “Every man serves the good wine first, and when the people have drunk freely, then he serves the poorer wine; but you have kept the good wine until now.” 11This beginning of His signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

In your small group, would you say you are vulnerable about your struggles? It takes great courage to be vulnerable. We may not be vulnerable for fear of feeling shame. 

At the wedding in Cana, the shortage of wine was not simply a beverage issue; it was a shame issue. In the honor and shame culture of Jesus’ day, lack of wine at a wedding banquet exposed the married couple and their families to public shame. By turning water into wine, Jesus saved the married couple from public shame. He allowed them to receive honor from the host and their guests. Though His hour had not yet come (2:4), He provided an unbelievable gift for this married couple. For Jesus to save one married couple from social shame was a small thing compared to what He would provide when His hour did come. 

In light of “the hour” that was coming, Jesus knew He came to wipe away the shame of humanity. When His hour did come, He went to the cross, took our shame upon Himself, and suffered crucifixion, a shameful death. As the Word who had became flesh, He didn’t come to attain honor. Rather, Jesus came to bear our shame so we could have the honor of being children of God – fully approved and forgiven by God. The issue is, we as believers often remain bound in shame, fearing disapproval and rejection. We fear that if we are fully seen for our sins and weaknesses, we will no longer be worthy of love and acceptance from God, or from people. We miss out on the freedom that Christ purchased for us, and often cut ourselves off from community. 

The beauty of genuine fellowship is the sense of belonging. Everyone matters! Fellowship is a safe place where we can share honestly and heal from shame and brokenness as we surround one another with prayer and encouragement. Ask the Lord to help you commit to belonging to your small group and to also minister to your brothers and sisters as they openly share their lives with you.  

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank You that I share the honor of being your beloved child with my brothers and sisters. Thank You for reminding me that I can’t grow spiritually on my own. Help me to humbly and courageously share my life with the community You have given me. Thank You that You have also called me to minister to my brothers and sisters. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: John 4

December 10, Saturday

REPOST  Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on December 3, 2016, is provided by Joanna Tzen, a friend of AMI, who attended and served at Grace Covenant Church for a long time. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“What I Learned from Buying a 100-Year-Old House”

Heb. 11:13

All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

Earlier this fall, my husband and I purchased our first house. People always ask how we feel about this, expecting joy and excitement, but I think our response leaves something to be desired. As thankful as we are for this gift and experience to be good stewards, maintaining a 100-year-old house is a lot of work! It’s not just keeping up with mortgage payments, but learning how old door knobs and locks work, along with a heating system, not to mention old windows and electrical systems. All that is to say, oddly enough, the experience makes me long for my heavenly home.

Hebrews 11 is known as the “hall of faith” passage, and faith is defined as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (v.1). This is the faith for which our forefathers were lauded. They have this confidence and assurance because of who God is. God is a good and perfect Heavenly Father who is a promise keeper. Abraham knew this when he was ready to sacrifice Isaac (v.17); Moses knew this when he was ready to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (v.27).

Today, we follow the same God who was faithful to Abraham and Isaac, who furthermore, kept His promise to us of a heavenly home by sending His Son Jesus. Have you been longing for your heavenly home? If not, have circumstances overwhelmed you or made you complacent? Let’s ask the Heavenly Father to help us recover a healthy and heavenly longing today.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that you are trustworthy and a promise keeper. Thank You for showing me Your love through the sacrifice of Your Son. Remind me of how He has prepared the way for me, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies me until we meet face to face. Help me to remember Your promise and renew my mind toward heavenly things (Rom. 12:2), while You enable me to do good works (Eph.2:10) until it is time to return home. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  John 2-3

December 9, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on December 3, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God is Love Even Though It May Not Look Like It”

Esther 3:1, 6; 7:10

After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. . . . 6 [H]aving learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. . . . 7:10 So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

The New Atheist Richard Dawkins said, “The God of the OT is . . . a petty, unjust . . ., a vindictive, bloodthirsty . . . bully.”  His exhibit No. 1: God’s command to King Saul to “attack the Amalekites and totally destroy everything that belongs to them,” including, “men and women, children and infants” (1 Sam. 15:3).  

In light of this, exonerating God from Dawkins’ charge would be impossible, but realize that the meta-narrative regarding Israel and Amalek begins about 400 years earlier when Israel out of Egypt was roaming the desert in search of the Promise Land.  To do that Israel encountered many battles, and from the perspective of several Canaanite nations, they had a legitimate beef since, for instance, Israel sought to cross their land to get to her destination (Deut. 2:27-30).  But, that wasn’t the case with the Amalekites who actively searched for Israel to destroy it.  Thus, God, before telling Moses, “When the LORD . . . [gives] you . . . the land . . . as an inheritance, you shall blot out the memory of Amalek under heaven” (Deut. 25:19), reminds him, “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt.  When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey and cut off all who were lagging behind; they had no fear of God” (18).  

So, why was God so livid against Amalek?  Inasmuch as Israel was God’s chosen instrument to carry out his redemptive plan, Amalek, in effect, was Satan’s tool destroy it.  From the very outset, the Amalekites sought to eliminate Israel from the face of the earth. What was in it for Satan?  Once Israel was gotten rid of so was God’s redemptive plan, for it was through Israel that the Messiah was going to come.  It really was a zero-sum “game”: if Amalek prevailed, then, the “dominion of darkness” would have continued to envelop the world; if Israel prevailed, then, the imminent threat against God’s plan would have been thwarted.  

But evidently, Saul’s disobedience left some members of King Agag’s family alive, which, 500 years later, resulted in the rise of Haman the Agagite who tried to destroy all the Jews in the Persian Empire, including ones in Jerusalem.  Had he succeeded, it would have obliterated God’s redemptive plan for the world.  This was why God ordered Saul to eliminate all the Amalekites, for His love for the world was such that God risked being labelled as a “bloodthirsty bully” in order to send the Savior to redeem us from the miserable penalty of sin.  Dawkins is wrong, again!  “God is love” (1 Jn. 3:8) and “light; in him there is no darkness” (1:5).  With that in mind, go take on the day in Him. 

Prayer: Lord, I’m so thankful that I possess a life that is eternal that can never be taken away.  Then how sad is it that I continue to distrust You and doubt your promises.  I’m once again reminded today that your providence is real and that I can truly trust in your guidance of my life.  Thank You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: John 1

Lunch Break Study 

Read Esther 6:5-6: His attendants answered, “Haman is standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” the king ordered.6 When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?” (Remember that the king had in mind Mordecai, Haman’s enemy.)

Luke 14:7-11: When [Jesus] noticed how the guests picked the places of honor at the table, he told them this parable: 8 “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honor, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. 9 If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. 10 But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all the other guests. 11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Question to Consider

1. What do Haman and the guests who picked the places of honor at the table have in common?

2. What is the lesson of the parable and how would it have helped Haman?

3. What makes us act like Haman and these guests? How are you doing with humility?

Notes

1. Both assumed that they were better than others, thus felt entitled to a better retreatment. 

2. The lesson is about humility which will save you from a ton of embarrassment; and it would have helped Haman in this way: Ask the king whom he has in mind before simply assuming that you are the man the king wants to honor.  Lack of humility and wanton assumption always go hand-in-hand.

3. A sense of entitlement: for some it takes no more than a mere college degree to feel like they are so much better than others.  Just take Christ’s advice: stay humble; don’t assume that you are the most decorated and educated person in the room; you are not!

Evening Reflection

God’s providence often seems accidental or coincidental; it is when our favorable circumstances are seen through the eyes of faith in a personal God that we come to realize that it was God after all.  In looking back to today, was there a moment (however insignificant of a matter) in which you sensed that it was God who was favoring you once again?  Reflect.  Thank Him.

December 8, Thursday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 8, 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

“Teamwork”

Philippians 1:27

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.

In basketball, I, as much as anyone, enjoy seeing highlights of windmill dunks, off balance three point shots with the shot clock running down, and plays where the defender jumps in from out of nowhere to block the shot.  It’s in plays like these that the talents and the athleticism of basketball players are highlighted.  To me though, the beauty of basketball really shines in teamwork.  There is something special about watching five guys on the basketball working in concert, seeing the ball being passed around, players working in unison, screening, cutting, passing; when a player has a good shot but instead passes the ball to his teammate for a great shot.   

When we read what Paul says to start this verse, “Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ,” our first inclination might be, like the basketball highlights that we see on TV, that we as individuals need to grow in our holiness or gifting.  We might think that living for the gospel is a personal project and that we as individuals need to shine for Jesus.  However, when Paul talks about living for the gospel in Philippians, his focus is on unity and teamwork.  He says that he desires to see the church “standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side.”  It sounds like a great basketball team that works together in unison.  

When the body of Christ works in unison there is a greater power to advance the gospel.  When we are a team, we can look after one another, helping one another through trials and setbacks, carrying each others’ burden, while helping one another to stay focused on the mission that Jesus has given us as the church.  It’s not that our individual gifting and talents don’t matter, but if the world sees us as individuals laying down our need to shine, and striving and standing firm together for the gospel, they will see the beauty of the body of Christ.  Let us seek to live lives worthy of the gospel.

Prayer: Jesus, I pray that I will live a life worthy of the gospel by being a part of the body.  Help me to see that advancing the gospel isn’t just about me, but it’s about us as a church, standing firm and striving together for your gospel.  May the world see the beauty of your gospel through the church.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 12

Lunch Bible Study

Read John 17:20: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 

Questions to Consider

  1. How does Jesus pray for those who believe in him?
  2. What is the purpose of unity according to this passage?
  3. How can we seek to bring greater unity to the church?

Notes

  1. Jesus prays that everyone who believes in him will be one.
  2. The purpose of the oneness of the church is stated twice in this passage.  Verse 21, “so that they world may believe that you have sent me,” and verse 23, “so that the world may know you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”  Jesus is not praying for unity for the sake of unity, but he prays for unity for the sake of the advancement of the gospel.
  3. The source of unity is not in own ability to find common ground, but it is Jesus Christ in us, our hope of glory.  If we are followers of Christ, then it means Christ is in us.  And if Christ is in us, Jesus tells us that we are perfectly one as Jesus brings us together.  We of course still need intentionally to have unity, but we intentionally seek unity that is already there in Christ.

Evening Reflection

How are you a part of the teamwork of your church?  Or how can you be contributing to the unity of your church in a greater measure?  Take some time now to pray and ask God to help people see the beauty of the gospel through your local body of Christ.

December 7, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on December 2, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Let Another Praise You”

Esther 5:10-14

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. 11 And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. 12 Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. 13 Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” 14 Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits (75 feet) high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.”  This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.   

After the end of a long drive from Philadelphia to Houston to take my youngest child to college, it was nice to sit in a cool auditorium, listening to several speakers in a program called “New Families Orientation.”  As was customary, before the speakers approached the podium, the master of the ceremony read off a long of list of their academic pedigrees and accomplishments.   Although it wasn’t quite the same sensation as seeing a Harvard Medical School diploma hung on the office of my new doctor, knowing that these speakers weren’t “hacks” put me at ease.   

Now, what Haman did here isn’t all that different from what took place in that Houston auditorium—recounting all his accomplishments and pedigrees.   He was wealthy, had a large family of many sons, and was sitting on the top of the Persian bureaucratic totem pole.  The icing on the cake was Queen Esther’s preferential treatment of him.  The difference between the two, of course, is huge: while the praise of the speakers came from another person, Haman was busy praising himself.  Solomon quipped, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips” (Proverbs 27:2).  

A practical reason for not praising oneself is to avoid embarrassment; something may happen that would pull the rug from under the very thing you felt proud of.  For Haman, whose fortune would soon take a nosedive, this meant leading Mordecai, “on horseback through the city streets, proclaiming . . ., ‘This is what is done for the man the king delights on honor’” (Esther 6:11).  Another reason why some people praise themselves is because no one would compliment them for the hard work they have done.  Since human nature does need some positive reinforcement, we should heed what Paul said: “They have refreshed my spirit and yours also.  Such men deserved recognition” (1 Cor. 16:18).  But a spiritual reason for not praising ourselves is because self-praise diminishes God’s glory, as if our ability or spirituality keyed our success.  

Do find yourself praising yourself too much, hoping that people would approve of you then?  Maybe you aren’t spending enough time alone with God.  Be approved by Him, because Jesus found you worthy enough to die to save you.

Prayer: Lord, I lift Your glorious Name on high for Your kindness.  Please open wide my prideful eyes so that I may see what is really going on in my life .  Help me to respond quickly in humility and repentance, rather than to wait a long time to make things right with You.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 11

Lunch Break Study 

In the morning, we examined the vanity of Haman; this afternoon we will deal with his penchant for violence (killing all Jews on account of one Jew, and to kill him on gallows 75 feet tall).

Read Judges 9:47, 48b-54: Abimelech was told that all the leaders of the Tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48 . . . And Abimelech took an axe in his hand and cut down a bundle of brushwood and took it up and laid it on his shoulder. And he said to the men who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.” 49 So every one of the people cut down his bundle and following Abimelech put it against the stronghold, and they set the stronghold on fire over them, so that all the people of the Tower of Shechem also died, about 1,000 men and women. 50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez and encamped against Thebez and captured it. 51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women and all the leaders of the city fled to it and shut themselves in, and they went up to the roof of the tower. 52 And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53 And a certain woman threw an upper millstone on Abimelech’s head and crushed his skull. 54 Then he called quickly to the young man his armor-bearer and said to him, “Draw your sword and kill me, lest they say of me, ‘A woman killed him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 

Question to Consider

1. In what ways are Haman and Abimelech similar in how they lived and died?

2. What fuels (thoughts, ideas, etc.) such violence?  

3. While we may not be that violent, what are some ways through which we show contempt for others?  Are you having any issue with anyone at the moment?  Are you concocting a plan to do something about it?  How can you turn that negativity into something positive?

Notes

1. Evidently, both men had no regard for human life.  To get what they wanted, killing became a necessary and rational means to go after it. 

2. A low view of life certainly is a necessary rationale for a total disregard for human life.  This  low view stems from denying that each human is created by God in His own image with a special purpose.   Haman and Abimelech saw men as being no different from insects or mammals. 

3. I think a common weapon deployed to show our contempt for people whom we dislike is telling half-truths or lies about them.  While we aren’t physically killing anyone, we are destroying their reputation and maligning their character.   The best way to turn that negativity into something positive is this: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matt. 5:44).

Evening Reflection

Jesus says, “Anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. . . . Anyone who say, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell” (Matt. 5:22).  Okay, fess up before going sleep: to whom did you get angry?  Was it your spouse or child?  Ask the Lord to give you the motivation and strength to mend this relationship—then just obey Him!

December 6, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 13, 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.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Ability to Forget”

Philippians 3:12-16 (ESV)

Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

When I was in high school and college, I enjoyed playing poker with my friends. Although I would not recommend it, as it can become an unhealthy addiction, I did learn some valuable life lessons during those years. In poker, when you have good cards and are statistically favored to win, but someone ends up beating you because of luck, it’s called a “bad beat.” When someone gets a bad beat and end up focusing so much on it, not being able to concentrate on what is coming up, they end up making bad decisions, because they are either overly aggressive or overly passive in the future hands that they play. I remember learning early on that it is so important to forget the bad beats and not be so distraught over it, so that the way you play your future hands are not affected by it. That’s one of the aspects that separate skilled players from unskilled players—the ability to forget about the bad beats and keep pressing forward.

Paul continues his exhortation to the Philippian believers that they need not worry that they are not perfect in their pursuit of becoming like Jesus, but that they simply need to continue forward towards the end goal—the prize that is found in Christ Jesus. Paul admits that he himself is still struggling and wrestling towards the finish line, and that he does his best not to dwell on his shortcomings but to keep his eyes fixed on the finish line. 

Though it is important to reflect, debrief, and address our shortcomings and our sinful pasts, it is important that we learn to loosely hold those in tension, as we run hard towards the finish line. Maybe today you are paralyzed by your sinfulness and are unable to forgive yourself of your shortcomings. Maybe you are overly critical of yourself and have lost hope in the possibility of breakthrough. Let today’s passage be a reminder to you that you need not hold onto all of that baggage so tightly that it distracts you from running this race. Don’t let those things become a hindrance from pursuing Jesus whole-heartedly. Forget about those bad beats and keep pressing forward!

Prayer: Father, in [list the things that you have a hard time letting go], help me not to dwell on it, but rather to press forward with my eyes on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. I know that You are still in the process of refining me. Thank You for continuing Your work in me. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 20:22-24 (ESV): And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, constrained by the Spirit, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Question to Consider

1. What was the big deal about going to Jerusalem?

2. What does the apostle Paul value the most? 

3. Has God called you towards a certain direction or course? What is your response, and how have you positioned yourself to respond in obedience?

Notes

1. Paul knew that there were many in Jerusalem that wanted to harm him and even kill him, but he was still set on going, being constrained by the Holy Spirit. 

2. Paul has set his mind and his heart on the ministry that the Lord has given to him. Thus, he counts everything else as meaningless in comparison to this task. 

3. Reflection question.

Evening Reflection

This passage not only pertains to our past disappointments or shortcomings, but it can also apply to our past accomplishments. Even though we have accomplished things in the past, don’t let that be something that prevents you from continuing forward with focus and determination. We find that many of the leaders in the Bible actually did not finish well. For example, Solomon, though he was gifted with tremendous wisdom, ended up as one of the most disobedient kings of Israel. Tonight, remind yourself that your one focus and one end goal is to love God with all of your life and to set your eyes on that as you press forward in this life.

December 5, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 5, 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

“Spiritual Friendship”

Philippians 1:3-6

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. 

Some of you may recall a wonderfully cheesy Christian song from the 1980s from Michael W. Smith called “Friends.” The first lines of the chorus are, “And friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the Lord of them.”  While this song is cheesy, Smith, at least, hints at something that’s incredibly important for us to remember with regards to our spiritual friendships: For our friendships or partnerships in the gospel to last, the Lord must be the Lord of them.  

The book of Philippians is oozing with joy and affection from Paul towards the church in Philippi.  His heart of love towards these friends of his is undeniable when we read his letter, especially in these verses as he is so thankful for them when he remembers and prays for them with joy.  Paul has such affection for them because of their friendship, but it’s so much more than a relationship based on similar backgrounds or interests.  There was a strong friendship between them because the Lord was the Lord of them.  Paul’s love for them was grounded in the fact that God was working in them.

It is crucial for us in the body of Christ to seek out and maintain spiritual friendships that will last for an eternity.  Especially as we live in in a culture where the idea of friendship has been cheapened by the social media, it’s easy for us to settle for relationships based on similar age, interests, or opinions.  Too often we’re missing out on the richness of joy that God has for us in true spiritual and eternal partnerships that are established and rooted in the work of God in our lives.  As we are all a part of the body of Christ, let us seek to grow or maintain friendships where we can rejoice, as we see God at work in one another.

Prayer: Jesus, I thank You for all of the ways You’ve blessed me through the spiritual friendships in my life.  I pray against shallowness and superficiality in my relationships, but that in all of them I will see Your faithful hand at work.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 9

Lunch Bible Study

Read Mark 2:1-12: And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. 2 And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. 3 And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. 4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay. 5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts,7 “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” 12 And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”

Questions to Consider

  1. What were the obstacles to this paralytic man being healed? 
  2. According to Mark, why does Jesus heal this man?
  3. How would you describe the friends of this paralytic man?

Notes

  1. There was such a large crowd in this house that people could not get through the door.  There were also the scribes who did not approve of Jesus saying that this man’s sins were forgiven.
  2. Mark tells us in verse 5 that Jesus forgives this man’s sins and heals him “when Jesus saw their faith.”  It’s important to note that Mark says “their” faith, not “his faith.”  It was on the basis of the collective faith of the paralytic man’s four friends that Jesus heals and forgives.
  3. Among a number of good words to describe them, I would choose loving, persistent and faithful.  You have to assume that these four friends really cared for their paralytic friend.  They wouldn’t have gone through the embarrassment of damaging the roof of another man’s house for the sake of a stranger, but they persisted through the obstacles with great faith to bring their friend to Jesus.  What amazing friends!

Evening Reflection

Think about the relationships and friendships you have now. Take some time to thank and praise God for the friendships that have pointed or been pointing you towards Jesus.  Also, think about some of these relationships that could go deeper.  Pray that those relationships in particular can go deeper and that God will continue to bless you through the body of Christ.