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.

December 4, Sunday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 22, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Lord, Have Mercy on Me!”

Lk. 18:9-14

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: [10] “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. [11] The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. [12] I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ [13] But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” 

Some comedians make fun of personal injury lawyers, usually capitalizing on their reputation as  “ambulance chasers.”  But during Jesus’ time, tax collectors were held in even lower regard because they, while collecting taxes for the hated Romans, extorted money from people.  So, Zacchaeus, known as “a chief tax collector,” became prominent and wealthy because he was very good at practicing extortion. 

On the opposite side of the moral spectrum were the Pharisees, Israel’s religious and civil leaders, whose very name means the “separated ones,” but from what?  The Pharisees not only separated themselves from “sins,” but from those who committed them as well, because their impeccable compliance to God’s laws made them feel superior.  As a result, anyone trying to speak into their lives was categorically rejected.   They said to the temple guards, who were impressed by the way Jesus spoke, “Has any of . . . the Pharisees believed in him?  No!  But this mob knows nothing of the law—there is a curse on them” (Jn. 7:49).  When the formerly blind man insisted that the one who healed him had to be from God, the Pharisees replied, “‘How dare you lecture us!’  And they threw him out” (9:34). 

Now, Jesus was a problem to both groups: to the formally trained Pharisees, hearing people say, “No one ever spoke the way [Jesus] does” (46), was threatening since he had “never studied” (7:15 NKJV) formally.  The tax collectors were threatened by Jesus because he agreed with John the Baptist who once said to them, “Don’t collect any more than you are required to” (Lk. 3:13).  So, to accept Jesus and His teaching, the Pharisees first had to swallow their pride; but instead, they tried to impugn his character (by saying he was “of Beelzebub”).   The tax collectors, on the other hand, had to repent of their greed, meaning no longer extort people.  And some did, like Zacchaeus who declared, “Now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and . . .  I will pay back four times the amount” (Lk. 19:8).  In response, Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this man. . . . For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost” (9-10).

Generally, it isn’t too hard for the impious to see how far they’ve veered off from God; but the real challenge comes thereafter because while we don’t need to change ourselves to be saved, a changed life must proceed after encountering Christ.   And there is also hope for people like the Pharisees: Joseph of Arimathea (Mk. 15:43) and Nicodemus (Jn. 3:1), both members of the powerful Jewish ruling council, saw that they were no different from the tax collectors; as a result, they embraced Jesus as the One who came to save the lost.  So, which one of these two do you identify with? It doesn’t matter because the way to Christ is the same: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!”

Prayer: Lord, have mercy on me, always! Thank you for making me aware of my desperate need of you in every waking moment. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 8

December 3, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Cami King, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on December 19, 2015.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Bad News All Around Us: How Did We Get Here?”

Hosea 4:1-3

Listen to the word of the Lord, O sons of Israel, For the Lord has a case against the inhabitants of the land, Because there is no faithfulness or kindness Or knowledge of God in the land.2 There is swearing, deception, murder, stealing, and adultery. They employ violence, so that bloodshed follows bloodshed.3 Therefore the land mourns, And everyone who lives in it languishes Along with the beasts of the field and the birds of the sky, And also the fish of the sea disappear.

Have you watched the news lately? If you have, then you know that one hour of the news is enough to break your heart. From the atrocities committed by ISIS to the refugee crisis in Syria, from the ever-present sex trafficking around the world to issues of hunger, particularly in the Global South, from the racial divide that continues to plague America to abuse of power at all levels (this list could go on forever); yes, our world is a hot mess!  And when I sit and watch and think upon all these things, I always find myself asking, “Why do things have to be this way? And how did we even get here?”

It’s hard to read the list in verse two of the passage above without thinking of the present state of our world. While we know Hosea was speaking to a people group worlds away from our own (and thousands of years prior), his message seems to transcend time and speak right into situations we are currently facing. In this passage, God is judging His people and a wicked people at that – they swear, deceive, murder, steal, and commit adultery. Sound familiar? They are violent bloodshedders who cause even nature itself to mourn under their sin and brokenness. As I look at the world around me—full of racism, sexism, classism, as well as terrorism—I see us in these verses and in God’s pronouncement of judgment. 

But the question remains – how did we get here (and how did Israel get there)? Our passage for today answers just that – we forsook faithfulness, kindness and the knowledge of God. It’s that simple. When people fail to remain faithful to the life God created us to live, when we refuse to love one another and do kindness, and when we turn away from knowledge of the Lord and lean upon our own understanding – we end up right where we are today – wicked and condemned. It’s easy to criticize the state of things without seeing the sickness that leads to these ailments in our own hearts. But the sickness is there in each of us. 

With this in mind, may we today commit ourselves anew to faithfulness to the way of the Lord, choose kindness toward our neighbor no matter what, and pursue knowledge of the Lord above all things. As we do, we will find the Spirit at work in us making our world whole again. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your righteous judgment against the sin and brokenness in the world. Thank You for keeping us from hurting one another and destroying the world You created. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who is making all things new through those who choose to follow You. May I be in that number. Help me to walk in faithfulness, do kindness, and pursue knowledge of You today and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 6-7

December 2, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, provided by Emerson Lin, was first posted on December 2, 2016.  Emerson, a graduate of University of California (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.), serves as a missionary in E. Asia (along with his wife Annie). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Examining Our Hearts”

Hebrews 13:3

Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.

Growing up, I was a typical rebellious teenager in high school and would often fight with my parents. Thinking they were being too hard on me, I decided that I had enough of their “parenting.” One day, I told my parents I could not live with them anymore and made a decision to leave the house. I packed my bags and walked out the door and disappeared for a whole week, without any contact. After a week, my friend’s mom drove me home. Looking back, the whole ordeal was quite comical. 

In college, when I asked my parents what their thoughts were during that situation, they said that while they were worried, they understood that I needed some space. However, for a whole week, they knelt by my bed and interceded for me – asking the Lord to bring me home safely. 

In this passage, the author of Hebrews concludes this letter with fourteen exhortations. In one of the exhortations, the author encourages the readers to remember those in prison as if they were together with them in prison. The people who were put in prison and mistreated were, most likely, those who were persecuted for their faith. I believe that the author was encouraging the readers to not only remember them, but more importantly, to intercede on behalf of them.

Many of us – including myself—struggle with the exhortation to intercede for other believers. We struggle because of the individualistic society we live in today. Even the rhetoric we use indicates how we view our faith, “Our personal Lord and Savior.” Sometimes we are so focused on our own faith that we forget that we belong to the body of Christ. Because we constantly forget, the author of Hebrews encourages us with the word “continue” to remind us that it is an ongoing process, and that we should not cease remembering the community of believers

While it is not wrong to have personal requests, the Bible does remind us, quite often, to pray for all believers. Ephesians 6:18 says, “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Also, 1 Timothy 2:1 says, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people.” This is God’s command to us!

I want to encourage you to examine your heart. Do you intercede on behalf of your brothers and sisters? Do you pray more for yourself or for others? If you pray for yourself more, why?

Prayer: Lord, please continue to remind me to intercede for saints around me, as well as, those who are suffering in other nations. I do not want my faith to be so inward focused, but to be outward focused for the sake of the body of Christ. Amen.

Bible reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 5

Lunch Break Study

Read John 17:20-6: “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you[e] known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is Jesus’ prayer for all believers?
  2. Why is complete unity important for believers? How does this encourage you to strive for unity?
  3. Verse 26 says, “I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them.” In what areas of your life do you see the fruit of the Father’s love?

Notes

  1. Jesus’ prayer is that there may be unity among all believers, just as the Father and the Son are one. 
  2. The purpose of our unity is so that the world will know that the Father has sent Jesus. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and our unity points to that. The body of Christ is like a lighthouse that displays the love of Christ for the lost. If the world sees the Father’s love through the body of Christ, then it places a greater responsibility for us to love our brothers and sisters as best as we can. 
  3. Spend some time in personal reflection.

Evening Reflection

In view of today’s theme of intercession this morning, how did this impact you? Were you reminded of someone that you could pray for? Review your day here.

December 1, Thursday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on December 1, 2016, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Islam: So Near and Yet So Far from the Biblical Faith”

Hebrews 12:3-7

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline?

 Last month, I visited an Islamic Jummah prayer meeting in one of the college campuses near our church. Of course I told them that I was a Christian, and my purpose for attending was merely to learn. As I was sitting in the back of the room, observing the prayer time, the imam (spiritual leader) began his sermon with these words: “Life and death. Why did Allah create these things? – To test us. Everything in this life is a test, to see which one of you is the best, and to see if you will fall away or obey….” 

The rest of the sermon was strikingly similar to several Christian sermons I’ve heard, in terms of it being an exhortation to strive for perseverance and moral uprightness. However, I couldn’t shake the weight of his opening words, “Everything in this life is a test….” In other words, until their dying breath, people must strive to pass each test from Allah, lest they fall out of his favor.

This couldn’t be further from the truth of our God. The author of Hebrews tells us that those who are in Christ are already accepted as sons (and daughters) of God. The various trials, hardships, and even struggles against sin, are not entrance exams into His Kingdom. Even when God does test us (He does sometimes), they are not tests that determine His acceptance of us. Jesus already determined His acceptance of us! Instead, God uses all these things to discipline us, to teach us, to grow us, and to sanctify us. This changes everything! While Muslims must strive in order to pass the test, Christians strive from a place of already having been accepted.

Perhaps you are going through a trial, a hardship, or a struggle against sin. Take encouragement in the truth that God is growing you, even through the things that are unpleasant. If you are in Christ, you are a child of God, and nothing can take that away!

Prayer: Lord, we thank You that our adoption into Your family was not by our own merit or performance. Thank you, Jesus, for taking our sins and giving us Your righteousness. Holy Spirit, help us now to endure through the various struggles in this life, and that we might grow in discipline and faith.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 4

Lunch Break Study

Deuteronomy 8:2-3: And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

Questions to Consider

  1. What kind of test did God put the Israelites through?
  2. Why did God test His people in this way?
  3. What can we learn about God’s method of teaching in this passage?

Notes

  1. God tested his people by leading them in the wilderness for 40 years. He humbled them by letting them go hungry, and then feeding them with manna. This was intentional, that is, to show the Israelites that they have to depend on God to provide each meal, every day. The Israelites had no control over the manna. When it would fall, how long it would last all depended on God. But it was their only source of nutrients, and they had to trust God for it. It’s important to note that during the entire wilderness narrative, no one ever died of hunger.
  2. God tells us that He tested His people in this way so “that he might make [them] know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” All the suffering, hunger, and trusting, was to teach the Israelites to live by God’s Word on a daily basis. Although the wilderness wasn’t a pleasant experience, God was disciplining his children, showing them that they could put their whole-hearted trust in Him, because He loves them.
  3. Among other things, this passage tells us that God will allow seasons of hardships and trials in our lives, if it will lead us to trust and love Him more. 

Evening Reflection

It’s easy to thank God when things are going well. But Paul writes in Romans 5:3-4, “…but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope….”

This evening, spend some time thanking God for the things you feel the LEAST thankful for. It might just be God’s most effective tool for producing endurance, character, and hope in you. 

November 30, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on November 30, 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

“Heady Theological Discourse is Part of Our Journey Too!”

1 Timothy 4:12

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

As mentioned yesterday, Cyril, in spite of his character flaws, ably explained how Christ took on human nature while remaining fully divine; that, however, did not end the debate because of the monophysites, who argued that the divinity and humanity of Christ were so fused in him that it resulted in a third nature.  

In response, the theologian Leonitus explained the principle of “enhypostatsia” (i.e. “in person”) by noting three ways that two beings are united: 

  • Side by side as in friendship, which was the Nestorian belief: Jesus’ humanity and divinity in two natures and two persons working together.
  • Blending into a hybrid, which was the monophysite belief: Jesus is a mixture of human and divine but neither one fully.
  • Two natures so united that their distinct natures exist in a single hypostasis (i.e. an underlying reality), which was what Leonitus taught.  He used the example of a torch, which is both wood and flame, completely united by fire. While wood and flame can have its own existence, they do not in the torch; they interpenetrate because they are held together by the underlying reality of fire. 

Leonitus then noted that Christ’s unfallen human nature had everything except independence from the Logos (i.e., Christ’s divinity). From the moment Jesus’ humanity existed, it had its personhood in the Logos. Thus, the personhood of Jesus (hence “enhypostatsia”) is the underlying reality that held together Jesus’ dual natures of humanity and divinity.  (Did you get all this?)

Despite Leonitus’ theological contribution, not much is known about him, except that he began serving at a monastery when he was twenty years old. He remained faithful and continued to participate in various theological discussions  before his seminal contribution of “enhypostatsia.”

At times, we discount ourselves because of our youth and believe that Christian living is possible only after attaining a certain level of maturity. We may feel like our efforts won’t contribute much, if at all. However, as shown in Leonitus’ life, we have no idea how God may use our present efforts to prepare us for His future work. Let’s not use our youth as an excuse and begin living for Him today!  

Prayer:  Lord, there are times when I feel so helpless because of a lack of experience. I often feel like there are things only “spiritual giants” can accomplish, and that I have nothing to contribute. Lord, help me to fully depend on You, and I ask that You work in and through me. Help me not let anyone,including myself, look down on me because of my youth. Rather, help me to be unafraid of living for You in all aspects of my life. In Your Name I pray. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 3

Lunch Break Study 

Read Hebrews 6:10: God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

1 Cor. 16:17: I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours also. Such men deserve recognition.

Questions to Consider

1. When we feel discouraged because no one seems to notice the hard work we put in to help build a ministry, what should we remember?

2. When we see people work hard among us, what should we do?

3. What is one lesson we can learn from the important work of Leonitus that hardly gets recognized? 

Notes


1. We must remember that God will not forget our work done to help His people—God is just and does not forget to reward those who merits it.  (Since He gives us more than what we truly deserve, this, too, is His grace.)

2. I agree with the apostle Paul who teaches that such men deserve recognition.  Recognizing those who work hard should be done at appropriate moments; on the other hand, those who do the work shouldn’t do so to be recognized by men.

3. We are assured that God gave Leontius his due reward in heaven for making an important contribution to the understanding of the dual nature in the single person of Jesus Christ.  At the end of our life, that’s all that truly matters. 

Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, were you annoyed that your good work went unnoticed by those who should have done so?  Even worse, did you feel like the wrong person got the credit you deserved?  How should you respond when you feel like injustice was done against you?  

Perhaps a verse like Matthew 6:3-4 gives you the perspective you need: “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”  

November 29, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on July 1, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Rich ‘Poor’ Life” or “A Poor ‘Rich’ Life”

1 King 11:14, 23, 26, 40

And the Lord raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite. He was of the royal house in Edom. . . . 23 God also raised up as an adversary to him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who had fled from his master Hadadezer king of Zobah. . . .  26 Jeroboam the son of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomon, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow, also lifted up his hand against the king. . . . 40 Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam.  But Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon.

Larry Dean, having grown up poor, worked hard to build his own software company; later, he sold it for a cool $68 million.  With that, Dean built a 68 acre estate consisting of a Moroccan theater, a Hawaii-art gallery, 24-karat-gold sinks, 15 bedrooms, 13 fireplaces, a 24-seat dining room, and an 18-hole golf course worth $40 million. He wanted to establish a family compound where the Deans could watch their children and grandchildren grow up.  Nevertheless, Dean’s mansion paled in comparison to the magnificent palace that took King Solomon 13 years to build for himself (1 King 7:1). 

To us, this is the dream life—a cavernous mansion with all the amenities at your finger tips.  But would you really want to trade your present life with theirs?  You might be tempted to say yes in a heartbeat, but upon a closer examination, making that deal is akin to trading away eating “a dry morsel with quiet,” with “a house full of feasting with strife” (Prov. 17:1); it is like trading away “a dinner of herbs where love is,” with “a fattened ox and hatred with it” (15:17).  

Solomon always had plenty to eat but rarely got a good night’s rest.  How could he when adversaries—like Hadad, Rezon, and Jeroboam—constantly arose to take him out of the throne?  Even worse, God was allowing it to happen as a disciplinary measure against the profligate Solomon.   

As for Dean, he didn’t fare too well either.  After only1½ years, a marital separation ensued, and Mrs. Dean and their four children left the estate.   Then, disliking living alone in a big house, Dean moved to an apartment above the garage.  He quipped, “I’d say this was a big mistake.”  The saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side,” seems true until you get closer to see that the grass is spray-painted green!  Is this “a rich ‘poor’ life” or “a poor ‘rich’ life”?

Even as you strive to be upwardly mobile, “learn[] the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Phil. 4:12).  How?  Cultivate such an intimate relationship with Christ that that becomes what truly matters in life.  When we live in His presence, our social status, the amount of our paycheck or the value of our house won’t matter as much.   Seek God first.

Prayer: O the great and mighty God, I exalt and glorify You today.  There is no one like You in this universe, for You are magnificent and majestic.  It is You whom I need and I desire.  Lord, help me to put my gaze upon You instead of the fleeting and temporary things of the world.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 2

Lunch Break Study 

Read Col. 3:2: Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Phil. 4:19: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

1 Tim. 5:6-8: But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Ps. 84:10: For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.

Question to Consider

1. Ultimately, what causes us to feel that the grass is always greener on the other side?

2. I think the secret of being content begins with a certain mindset.  Based on above passages, what are some building blocks for this attitude?

3. Being content doesn’t mean we stop striving to improve our situation.  What is the key to maintaining a balance between these seemingly opposing forces?

Notes

1. Setting our minds on things that are on earth means that we continue to fix our eyes on what people in the media and Madison Avenue dictate what our needs are to be cool and successful.  As long as we don’t have them, it becomes increasingly hard to be content with our present life.

2. First, God always provides to meet our needs; second, anything above food and clothing is a bonus.  If we have these, then the minimum requirement for contentment has been met. 

3. In our striving to move upward, if we become negligent in worshipping and desiring God, then being content in any and every situation will never materialize.  It is the seeking of God during our striving to move upward that restrains its excess. 

Evening Reflection

As you look back to this day, did you experience a momentary discontentment because of what someone just bought, received or wore?  What does that say about you?  How is your worship of the Lord these days?  Reflect on these questions.  Even as you look to move upward, always take time each day to worship Jesus—at the very least, it will keep your priority in order. 

November 28, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on November 28, 2016, is provided by Jane Oak who spearheads the Convergence Incubator, an innovative ministry that seeks to empower local businesses, at Tapestry Church, Los Angeles.  Jane is a practicing attorney.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God Who Shows Up at Starbucks”

Philemon 1:6 (NIV 1984)

“I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good things we have in Christ.”

One Sunday before worship service, I went to Starbucks with a few friends from Tapestry LA.  While ordering my coffee, I saw the cashier wince and say quietly to himself “Oooh, my back hurts.”  I paid him and then went over to the other counter to pick up my coffee.  While waiting, I sensed the Spirit telling me, “Jane, you need to pray for his back to be healed.”  I responded with, “I know you have healed my friends and cell group members, but this is a total stranger and he is busy working”; nevertheless, I felt that I had no choice but to obey.  

So, after getting my coffee and waiting for the line of people to clear out, I walked up to the cashier, at which point he turned around to wipe the back counter.  Having seen his name tag earlier, I said in a gentle voice, “Javier?”  He turned around and said, “Yes?”  I asked him, “Can I pray for your back to be healed?” Since he was surprised that I knew about his back pain, I explained how I had seen him wince earlier and muttering something about his aching back. I then told him, “My friends and I have prayed for people to get healed, and they get healed.  So, if you would like, we could pray for your back right now.  It will only take about 10 seconds.”  He paused, looked into my eyes for a couple seconds, and then said, “Yes, I would like that.”  I excitedly ushered him to the side where we could lay hands on him.  I called out to the others to come pray for Javier’s back.  They came over and when Sol asked Javier, “Is it muscular or spinal?”  Javier answered spinal.  Then, we laid hands on him and I spoke the words, “Lord, heal this back in Jesus’ name.”  There was no time to pray longer than those 7 words because we had to make sure he could get back to work.  I then stood in front of Javier and asked, “Javier, how does your back feel?”  He started moving around and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness, it doesn’t hurt at all!”  So l got excited and asked him to bend down and touch his toes just to make sure.  He bent down a couple times and said there was no pain at all.  We all started rejoicing, but had to quickly let him get back to the cash register.  Yes, God “showed” up at Starbucks!

The worship service that followed was amazing for us because we knew we were worshipping a living God who loves to heal. He is just waiting for us to do our part of laying on hands and praying in Jesus’ name.  Our part is actually quite easy; God, of course, does the hard part of bringing about the healing.  What I have learned through this and other healings is that God has chosen to partner with us in bringing healing to others (physical, emotional, and spiritual) because He wants to strengthen our faith and deepen our intimacy with Him through these wonderful, supernatural experiences with Him.  Thank you, Lord.

Prayer: “Lord, I pray that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened so that we may perceive the needs of the people around us in order that we may minister to them in a tangible and fruitful manner.  May our lives be full of adventure and excitement as we join You in your work.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Ecclesiastes 1

Lunch Break Study

P.Ryun

Read Eph. 6:19-20: Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.

Colossians 4:3-6: At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 

Questions to Consider

1. We know the apostle Paul to be a very competent and fearless preacher of the gospel.  In light of that, does this passage surprise you in any way?

2. Paul asked for an open door—what would that mean to us?  What did it mean for Jane?

3. In light of the morning devotional, in what sense did Jane make the best of her time?

Notes

1. Paul’s request is surprising because he asked the Ephesians to pray for boldness and apt words to share.  Since these were two of Paul’s strongest points, how much more do we need to ask as many people as possible to pray for us, to be bold and knowledgeable when sharing God’s word!

2. We ought to pray that God will lead us to people whose disposition is more receptive to God’s word than some others—perhaps because they are going through a difficult moment.For Jane, catching the cashier’s groaning became an open door (added with boldness).

3. Jane could have left it at that: pay the bill, drink the coffee and off to Tapestry.  But she complied with the Spirit’s tugging by deciding to turn a mundane visit to a coffee shop into an experience with God for both the cashier and Jane.    How about you?  

Evening Reflection

Close your eyes for a moment and relive this day while asking this question: Was there at least one person in your office, school, or the grocery store you visited whom you could have ministered?  What kept you from recognizing it at that moment?  What could you have done differently?  Pray that you will respond differently the next time.

November 27, Sunday

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on December 6, 2015.  A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug is the Lead Pastor of Grace Covenant Church Philadelphia. 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Cannot Be Overcome”

Esther 6:12-13

Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered. And Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him, “If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.”

If you have been following the NFL this season, you know that the Carolina Panthers are currently undefeated. Out of eleven games played, they have won eleven – no one has beaten them. Their quarterback, Cam Newton, has been quite dominant this season leaving many wondering, can he and the Panthers be overcome? (Editor’s Note: The Panthers did not overcome as they lost one game in the regular season as well as the Superbowl.)

When Mordecai earned the praise and honor from the king, Haman was humiliated. He was already plotting against Mordecai and the Jewish people, but here he saw his foe being honored by his boss. How humiliating! But he probably thought his plan could still work.  However, adding fuel to the fire in Haman’s heart in that moment of weakness, Haman’s wife and friends told him, “Haman, you will lose. You cannot overcome the Jewish people.” Just like the Panthers cannot be overcome this season, the Jewish people could not be overcome.

Why is that? Because of the LORD. The book of Esther does not ever explicitly mention the name of the LORD, but His name is implied here. When the people say that the Jewish people cannot be overcome, they really mean that the LORD cannot be overcome. And how very true that is! He cannot be overcome – not then and not now.

In our own lives, we must remember that just as the Jewish people could not be overcome, we also cannot be overcome, because we also belong to the LORD. When we face adversity, when the going gets tough and we feel overcome, let’s remind ourselves that we are on the undefeated team. We belong to the LORD and He shall not be overcome!

Prayer: Lord, thank You that we are Yours. Help us to remember that since we belong to You, we cannot be overcome. Thank You for overcoming the world; we pray for Your strength to overcome the adversity in our own lives. May we not lose hope but rather cling to You through every trial.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philemon 1