November 2, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on September 30, 2015.

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“You Need to Listen the First Time Around”

2 King 24:1-4

In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant for three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him. ²And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the Ammonites, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord that he spoke by his servants the prophets. ³Surely this came upon Judah at the command of the Lord, to remove them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he had done, ⁴and also for the innocent blood that he had shed.

2 Chron. 36:5: Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God.

I didn’t know that “Roberto,” a church leader, was badly mistreating his wife who taught Sunday school. By the time I was told by our pastor regarding their impending separation, he had warned Roberto several times to stop—but he didn’t. Eventually his wife filed for divorce.

If the Northern Kingdom (“Israel”) could talk, it would tell God that He was being unfair. While God let the Assyrians to swiftly destroy Israel in 722 BC as a punishment for its persistent rebellion, Judah, its sister kingdom, received two more chances before the Babylonians destroyed it in 586 BC. God had hoped that Judah, seeing Israel’s doom, would “return to [Him] with all her heart” (Jer. 3:10); but “unfaithful sister Judah had no fear; she also went out and committed adultery” (v.8). Thus, God declared, “Faithless Israel is more righteous than unfaithful Judah” (v.11).

The Babylonians first attacked Judah in the fourth year of Jehoiakim (2 Ki. 25:1), and Judah became its vassal. Nevertheless, Jehoiakim continued to sit on the throne while the temple stayed intact. Had he repented then, there would’ve been no more Babylonian attack, for God had Jeremiah write, “Perhaps when the people of Judah hear about every disaster I plan to inflict on them, each of them will turn from his wicked ways; then I will forgive their wickedness and their sin” (Jer. 36:3). “In the ninth month of the fifth year of Jehoiakim” (36:9), he finally heard “all the words of the LORD from the scroll” (36:11) prepared by Jeremiah; but, instead of repenting, “the king cut them off with a scribe’s knife and threw them into the fire pot” (36:23). Jehoiakim completely ignored God’s warning—much like Roberto.

That brazen act resulted in a swift retribution that happened a little later— in 598—but God in His mercy didn’t end Judah yet; amazingly, she was given another 12 years to make things right with Him. When she stubbornly refused, the final curtain came down on her in 586 when the Babylonians annexed Judah, thereby ending her dynasty, and “set fire to the temple of the Lord” (2 Kings 25:9).

Proverbs 29:1 says, “A man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.” Here is an advice worth heeding: When you are warned by godly and praying people because of your imprudent action, listen to them the first time around.

Prayer: God, how gracious and merciful You are by giving us multiple opportunities to repent. It is certainly true that you take “no pleasure in the death of anyone.” Please help me to be sober-minded so that when I am warned of my unwise action, I will humble myself and heed. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 21

Lunch Break Study

Read Jeremiah 42:1-3, 7, 10, 13-15: Then all the commanders of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah . . . came near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “Let our plea for mercy come before you, and pray to the Lord your God for us, for all this remnant—because we are left with but a few, as your eyes see us— 3 that the Lord your God may show us the way we should go, and the thing that we should do” . . . . 7 At the end of ten days the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. . . . 10 “If you will remain in this land, then I will build you up and not pull you down; I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I relent of the disaster that I did to you. . . . 13 But if you say, ‘We will not remain in this land,’ disobeying the voice of the Lord your God 14 and saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt’,. . . 15 then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: “If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, 16 then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die.”

43:1-2: When Jeremiah finished speaking to all the people all these words of the Lord . . . 2 Azariah the son of Hoshaiah and Johanan the son of Kareah and all the insolent men said to Jeremiah, “You are telling a lie. The Lord our God did not send you to say, ‘Do not go to Egypt to live there, . . .’”c

Gal 6:1: Brothers,if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.

Question to Consider

1. Based on how Johanan, Jezaniah and Azariah responded to Jeremiah’s words, was their initial request genuine? Who are these guys and what were they trying to do?

2. What does this say about the proper attitude we need to have before hearing from the Lord, particularly when encountering words of warning?

3. When we are the ones who are giving the words of warning, what must we watch out for?

Notes

1. These guys already had made up their minds before coming to Jeremiah. These are religious folks who cared a great deal about appearing spiritual, but when push came to shove, they chose what they wanted—not what God had told them.

2. One attitude that needs to be exorcised is pride; that is, refusing to allow other people to speak into their lives. Jehoiakim, Johanan and Jezaniah acted as if they knew better than Jeremiah, God’s messenger. But ultimately, they rejected the one who sent him—God.

3. For God to use us to speak into the lives of others, we better not act as if we are better than them, or that we are immune from the same problem being addressed. We must be gentle, compassionate, and empathetic.

Evening Reflection

As you wrap up this day, do you recall anything that was said to you (or even to someone else) that may have been God’s way of speaking to you? Close your eyes and reflect upon your day. Ask God what He wants you to hear from Him: perhaps affirmation or correction.

November 1, Tuesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on October 10, 2016. Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Turning Fear Into Joy”

John 21:19-20

On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

“To fear is to have more faith in your antagonist than in Christ.” – D.L. Moody, The Overcoming Life

The Gospel of John, chapter 19 describes one of the darkest event in history. The Lord Jesus Christ was cruelly punished and put to death in the most gruesome way. Understandably, the disciples who followed Jesus for 3 years were gripped with fear as their own aspirations and dreams of God’s rule came to an abrupt and most shocking. Their Messiah was now lying lifeless inside a tomb. Without their teacher, miracle-worker, and leader, the disciples were gripped with fear that any moment those who arrested Jesus would also come looking for them. (I wonder just how effective the locked doors of ancient homes would have been in keeping out unwanted guests.)

Then, all of a sudden, they found an unexpected guest amongst them. Jesus stood among them. With just a few words, Jesus transformed the fearful disciples into joyful worshippers. The presence of a living and resurrected Jesus brought new hope that would embolden the disciples to break through the locked doors and proclaim the Lord’s resurrection.

At Kairos Church, we just celebrated the 10^th Anniversary (2016). The church began (just as many other AMI churches) with a group made up mostly of college students who lacked in resources, finances, character, experience, and wisdom when it comes to planting a church. Yet, the church had faith in Jesus. Pastor Mark Chun placed his faith in the Lord and made the bold decision to plant. Over the past 10 years, Kairos Church recognized many of its shortcomings, deficiencies, and limitations. Yet, God continued to show His faithfulness and invited the church to keep trusting Him as the Head of Kairos. As we reflected on the past decade, Kairos Church joyfully celebrated God’s work in transformation of people, raising up of servant-leaders, and many who became children of God.

Let us seek the Lord’s presence in our churches. His presence will transform our fears into joy.

Prayer: Lord, in my own weakness, I confess that I am gripped with fear (fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of man, fear of giving up control, fear of the future). Fill my heart with your presence and may your peace bring joy in my spirit. In Jesus name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 20

Lunch Break Study

Mark 4:35-41 (NIV): That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. 37 A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. 38 Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” 39 He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. 40 He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” 41 They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

Questions to Consider

What is implied with Jesus’ invitation to “go over to the other side”?
What is significant about Jesus’ sleeping in this narrative?
What are your thoughts about the authority of Jesus as it pertains to your fears?

Notes

In context, the following story shows that the boat lands in the region of the Garasenes. Jesus planned for a mission into Gentile territory. Jesus wanted the disciples to understand that the good news of God’s Kingdom was for all nations.
Ironically, the only place in the Gospels that we hear of Jesus sleeping is during a storm. The scene depicts his complete trust in God in the midst of adversity, like the farmer in the preceding parables (4:3–9, 27) who trusts God’s providential working over all obstacles and adversities.

Evening Reflection

What are some fears that irritate you? Spend some time being honest before the Lord and confessing your fears. Ask the Lord to replace those fears with faith in Him.

October 31, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on October 31, 2016. Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“To Have Your Cake and Eat It Too”

Hebrews 5:1-6

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you” (verse 5).

The expression “to have your cake and eat it too” has always been one of my favorites. The idea is that you get two good things at the same time, especially two things that are not usually possible; when it happens, there is a sense of being a fortuitous recipient. In many ways that is what Jesus is to us. He is both the sacrifice, and He is the One who makes the sacrifice, like that of the High Priest—two things come together in the person of Jesus Christ.

The author of Hebrews begins chapter 5 with details of the office of the high priest. This is done so that his readers will make their own contrast between the high priest of the Old Covenant, and Christ, the great High Priest of the New Covenant. The two may have the same function, but the most significant difference is that Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself.

This is all possible because the Sonship and Priesthood come together in Jesus. For salvation in God’s economy, the Son has to be the High Priest, and vice versa. God is under no obligation to save us, but once He chose to save us, it had to be through His Son, who would become both sacrifice and the great High Priest.

Jesus willingly submitted to His Father in order to secure our salvation. Though our sacrifice will never compare, we are also at times called to submit to our spiritual leaders, to our parents, to the authority in our workplaces, and even towards our government leaders, to advance the kingdom. Ask God to help you obey where submission is commanded by Scripture.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are the Son of God and our High Priest. In You, I have access to the Father. I thank You for making a way. I thank for Your great sacrifice. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 19

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 27:45-54: From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli,lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”). 47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.” 48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him. 50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and[c] went into the holy city and appeared to many people. 54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

Questions to Consider

1. When Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” He said some of the most profoundly mysterious words in the entire Bible. Why did He cry out to His Father this way?

2. The curtain between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place was an elaborately woven fabric, where no one was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place behind the curtain—except the high priest, only once a year, on the Day of Atonement. What does tearing of the curtain signify?

3. We have access to God through Jesus Christ. How are you going before God’s throne these days?

Notes

1. In some real way Jesus had to be cut off from the fellowship with the Father that had been His eternally. Bearing the sins of humanity brought forth God’s wrath.

2. The tearing of the curtain signifies the removal of the barrier between a holy God and sinful

people. This is how Jesus becomes the ultimate High Priest for us.

3. Personal.

Evening Reflection

As you spent the day with work and play, were you able to take time to access the presence of God in a genuine way?

October 30, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on November 15, 2015. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Jar of Clay”

2 Corinthians 4:5-7

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

Have you ever started a special collection of items? For a brief period, my mother was very interested in collecting different types of teapots. However, even though the collection was very precious to her, the teapots lay wrapped up in storage for years and years. When a neighboring family moved away and gifted us their china cabinet, the teapots finally came out of hiding. Now that they had a proper setting, they could be put on display for houseguests to see and admire.

When we have something to show off, don’t we all try to find a special platform or exhibition place for it? After all, this is why we frame academic diplomas and buy gift wrap; we believe that the outer wrapping should at least match the quality of what is inside.

If we projected our tendencies onto God, we would expect Him to only use the most glorious and terrific settings or people to showcase His glory; however, as apostle Paul says, God has chosen to display His light in us, these “jars of clay.”

The “jars of clay” term is hardly a compliment – it drives home the reminder that our human bodies are frail and temporary. Clay jars, disposable and made of base material, would be too banal for noble purposes; it would be like recycling cardboard boxes to store previous gold jewelry in. But this is exactly what God has done – He has chosen our human impermanence and brokenness to carry and reveal the knowledge of who He is.

As we draw near to Him today, let’s regain the wonder that God would commission us to be His vessels. Though our bodies are limited in time and physical capacity, He will use our lives to contain and showcase His glory and goodness. However He chooses to use us– whether it be by overflowing, being poured out, or even broken to release the contents – let us be humble and available for His purposes.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving us and giving us the knowledge of who You are. Thank You for the privilege that we may be used to show others Your glory. We offer up our lives, Lord, use our lives as vessels filled with You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 18

October 29, Saturday

REPOSTToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 15, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Before Speaking the Truth, We Have to First Know It”

Matt. 13:47-52 (NIV)

“Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. [48] When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. [49] This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous [50] and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [51] ‘Have you understood all these things?’ Jesus asked. ‘Yes,’ they replied. [52] He said to them, ‘Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.’”

Many Mexican pastors do not have seminary training; some have barely finished elementary school. One day, a pastor visited my friend who ran a Bible institute in Mexico, begging for an admission. Having preached and taught the Bible for awhile without any formal training, the warning given in James 3:1 suddenly dawned on him: “Not many of you should become teachers, . . . because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). Subsequently, this pastor became terrified that everything he had ever taught might have been wrong; instead of treasures, he feared that he had brought out poison. While that is not a healthy attitude, his new found seriousness toward God’s word was refreshing only because too many people take the “teaching of Christ” (2 Jn. 1:9) quite casually. Yes, before speaking the truth, we have to first know it.

In the today’s parable, the good fish (i.e., those who hold to the correct teachings of Christ—a.k.a., orthodox) and the bad ones (i.e., those who hold to wrong doctrines—a.k.a., heresy) are in the same net, and they aren’t separated until the end of age. This indicates that the correct teachings of Christ and the incorrect one are very similar. And this similarity is what makes teaching of God’s word not so easy.

For instance, do you know why the Mormon Church is not considered as part of the historic Christian faith? One reason is this: While Christ’s atonement forgives the original sin, it is by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Mormon Church (which there are many) that one’s own sins are forgiven. How about the Jehovah’s Witnesses? They certainly believe Jesus as a deity but not as an eternal being; to them, Jehovah created Jesus who, then, created the rest of the world. While some believers are alarmed by this type of doctrinal deviations, too many folks in the church would “put up with it easily enough” (2 Cor. 11:4). Referring to teachers who spew out false teachings, Paul commented, “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness” (2 Cor. 11:12-5).

Sadly, those who thought that they had the truth are thrown into “blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” It’s because “a different gospel . . . is really no gospel at all” (Gal. 1:6).

So, even as we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and practice all of his gifts to the church, “watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers” (1 Tim. 4:16). Study the Bible. Get good books to help you understand it.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to desire to know the truth. Strengthen me to take the time to discover Your truth embedded in Your holy book. May I have the boldness to declare it without fear. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 16-17

October 28, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Andrew Kim, was originally posted on June 23, 2016. Andrew is presently pastoring Alive Church in Montreal. He and his wife Jessie are the proud parents of two young boys.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Bono & Peterson Talking About Their Fondness for the Psalms”

Habakkuk 1:12-17

Are you not from everlasting, O LORD my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O LORD, you have ordained them as a judgment, and you, O Rock, have established them for reproof. You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? You make mankind like the fish of the sea, like crawling things that have no ruler. He brings all of them up with a hook; he drags them out with his net; he gathers them in his dragnet; so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore, he sacrifices to his net and makes offerings to his dragnet; for by them he lives in luxury, and his food is rich. Is he then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever?

Recently, U2 lead singer Bono met with theologian Eugene Peterson to discuss the Psalms and their significance. Both possessed a fondness for the Psalms. They marveled at its beauty and composition. However, what captured their hearts was its brutally honest nature. The psalmists never shied away from expressing exactly what was on their hearts, whether it was great joy, paralyzing confusion, or profound sorrow. There was no attempt to wear a mask before God, only a genuine vulnerability that laid it all out. And this is one reason why we sense that the psalmists’ relationship with God was marked by a real sense of intimacy and authenticity. It was not about appearing spiritual by praying the right words but about honestly inviting God into one’s interior life.

Just as the psalmists expressed their genuine concerns, Habakkuk voices his disbelief at God’s divine plan. Instead of hiding his confusion, he boldly complains: How could God use the evil Chaldeans to enact justice? Is He then to keep on emptying his net and mercilessly killing nations forever? It was his firm conviction that this was not a suitable plan and he let God know it. Just like the psalms, there is a brutal honesty that pervades the complaints of the prophet. The fact that he would dare complain to God speaks to the implied sense of safety he felt, and that his relationship was not merely one of slave and master but something deeper that allowed space for honesty. It was a real relationship.

Many of us struggle with being honest before God, because we are afraid of being wrong or punished. In turn, it’s become more about performing and acting as spiritual as possible in an effort to remain in His favor. Even our times of prayer have become religious obligations, where we try to pray the right words instead of expressing what’s actually on our hearts. However, what God desires from us is our hearts in its raw and unfiltered form. He desires honesty and vulnerability. He desires to hear about your complaints, frustrations, and joys. Of course, we do this with reverence and a healthy sense of fear, but it is only when we reveal our true selves that we allow Him to transform us from the inside out. Spend some time today praying and sharing with God. He desires to hear from His children!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, how majestic is your holy and loving name. I praise you and worship you. May my life manifest your grace and mercy in this world devoid of meaning and purpose apart from you. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 15

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 13:1-6: A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Questions to Consider

Why is the psalmist frustrated?
What is the psalmist’s mood in the beginning of the psalm and how does it change at the end?
What would it look like for you to be more honest before God?

Notes

The psalmist is frustrated because his enemies are triumphing over him, and God seems to be silent. He wants God to help him but seems like God is slow to act.
He is frustrated and bitter in the beginning, but he ends with a statement of praise and trust in God.
Personal.

Evening Reflection

“He sees the inside of all; and what men are there, that they are to him. He sees not as we see, but ponders the hidden man of the heart. No humble, broken, contrite soul, shall lose one sigh or groan after him, and communion with him; no pant of love or desire is hid from him….” –John Owen.

October 27, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on October 27, 2016, is provided by Andy Kim who is an associate pastor at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Life in the Present”

Hebrews 4:7

God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted: “Today, if you hear his voice do not harden your hearts.”

Growing up with a sister, I was always jealous of her being the older one. So I remember how I couldn’t wait to become a teenager like her, so I could hang out later and drive around with my friends. Then when I became a teenager, I couldn’t wait for college and be out of the house. In college, I couldn’t wait to start working and making my own money. Even in the small tasks in life, whether it was racing to the shortest line at the store or the fastest lane in traffic, I lacked the ability to be in the present. Sadly, this mentality began to manifest itself in my spiritual journey as well. For many of us, we can become so focused on tomorrow, that we struggle to be in the present. More importantly, we miss out on how God is speaking to us— today.

But the writer in this passage speaks about “Today.” In fact, the writer uses the word “Today”five times as he emphasizes the future promises that are in store for those who believe. C.S. Lewis reconciles how we are to properly understand being in the present while looking toward the future: “God would therefore have them continually concerned either with eternity or with the Present–either meditating on their eternal union with, or separation from, Himself, or else obeying the present voice of conscience, bearing the present cross, receiving the present grace, giving thanks for the present pleasure.”

As C.S. Lewis states, the only future that we focus on is what awaits us in eternity. Until then, we are to seek to experience His presence in our lives—today. The future tempts us with its worries and even dreams, but may we be anchored in God’s faithfulness today. As He taught the Israelites through the gathering of manna, to experience God’s provision daily, may we be thankful for what God has in store for us today. For the present blessings are only the guarantees and glimpses of what’s to come in eternity.

Prayer: Father, give us this day, our daily bread. Soften our hearts so that we may be able to hear You speaking to us today. Help us to be faithful with what is given to us today. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning for us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 14

Lunch Break Study

Read Exodus 33:15-18: Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.”18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”

Questions to Consider

What is Moses’ contention with God in this passage?
What is the significance of God’s presence to Moses?
How can we apply this in our lives?

Notes

The context of the passage is that Moses is wondering if the Israelites would face the judgment of their disobedience. God responds by saying that they would indeed enter the Promised Land. However, Moses in his conviction says he would rather not go unless God’s presence went with them, even after 40 years of wandering in the dessert. Moses found God’s presence more valuable.
In v.16, we see that God’s presence is the affirmation that God is pleased with us. God’s presence is also what separates the Israelites from all other nations. God’s presence becomes the prerequisite for God’s glory to be revealed to Moses.
Many times, we will focus our eyes and thoughts on what’s ahead of us. However, waiting for God’s presence is more important than any other next ‘thing’ in life.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time reflecting on where you are right now. Is there something that you are waiting for—a new season, a new promotion, or a new relationship? Whatever it may be, may we have the same heart as Moses had, to value and wait for His presence more than what is next. Spend some time seeking His presence right here in this moment.

October 26, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Thought, first posted on October 5, 2016, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, now a friend of AMI, who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Recognizing God’s Voice in Our lives”

John 20:14-16

Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

Just about every day, my wife and I lament at the rate our children are growing. Truthfully, I wouldn’t want to keep them at seven, five, and three years of age forever, but I would like to freeze them like this for another five years or so. One of the things I find most cute about them is their voices—little kids have really high pitched voices. But what’s interesting is that even after countless conversations and spending almost every day of their lives with them, I often find it difficult to distinguish their voices. So when I am away, and I call home, I generally have to ask who I’m speaking with (don’t tell my 7-year old son this; he’d be crushed to know that his voice is just as high and girly sounding as his 5-year old sister’s).

In the complete opposite vein, I am touched by Mary’s ability to recognize the Lord once He called her name. Sure, it took her a moment, but when Jesus said, “Mary,” something in her heart was triggered to the Lord’s presence, for this was probably not the first time Mary had heard Jesus call her name or listened to the sound of His voice. Undoubtedly, Mary had heard Jesus speak many times; she had spent many hours listening to him and had come to love the sound of His calling. So when Jesus called her name, she was immediately able to distinguish His voice from all the others she had heard that day.

Many times people will ask me how they can distinguish God’s voice from all the other voices they might hear (mainly their own minds telling them this or that). Well, part of that involves getting familiar with God’s voice; spending time in His presence and obeying when you think it might be Him. And yes, sometimes it’s trial and error; but after a few weeks, months, years, of learning to listen and walking in faith, I have no doubt that when Christ calls your name, you too will be able to recognize His voice.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that You speak, so please do so in my life. Help me to love Your presence and the sound of Your voice. Help me distinguish Your voice and promptings, from the voices of the world, friends, or even my own mind and desires. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 7:7-11: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Questions to Consider

1. What does Christ say about the one who asks or knocks on the door? What has preventedyou from asking in the past?

2. What was Jesus’ point with the bread-stone and fish-serpent illustrations? Do you view your Heavenly Father as good and generous?

3. What are some things for which you should pray and ask?

Notes

1. Sometimes we lack because we have not asked (see also James 1:5). Christ indicates thatGod’s nature is more generous than stingy. So if it is guidance, provision, help, etc., we should be more willing to ask.

2. Jesus’ point is made clear in v. 11 that even evil people know how to give good gifts to their children. So how much more is God, who is good, willing to give to His children? The question is: Do you truly believe God is good, or, do you kind of think He is out to get you?

3. Obviously, it’s a personal question, but think of some things you were too afraid or embarrassed to ask in the past.

Evening Reflection

This morning we touched on learning to hear God’s voice (or leadings). In the afternoon, we talked about our generous God. As we link these ideas together this evening, try asking for God’s guidance or direction on a matter with which you’ve been struggling. Remember, when Jesus tells us to ask and knock, He is also talking about guidance for His children.

October 25, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 26, 2015

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“‘Do You Really Want God to be Fair?’ Careful What You Wish For”

Matt. 20:1-16 (NIV)

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. [2] He agreed to pay them a denarius for the day and sent them into his vineyard. [3] About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. [4] He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ [5] So they went. He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. [6] About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’ [7] ‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered. He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’ [8] When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’ [9] The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. [10] So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. [11] When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. [12] ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’ [13] But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? [14] Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. [15] Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’ [16] So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”

A large freshmen class was told by the professor to submit their monthly assignments on the last day of month—from September to November. The fifty students who missed the first deadline were given a failing grade, but the professor showed them mercy when they pleaded for leniency on account of not yet being acclimated to college life. Later, hundred students missed the second deadline, but the professor again showed them mercy on account that midterm exams were too much for them. Once the word got around about the professor’s leniency, almost everyone missed the final deadline. When told that they will all get an “F,” they yelled “Unjust!” to which the professor asked, “Do you want me to be just?” When they said “Yes,” he declared, “Everyone who missed the deadline for previous assignments all get an ‘F’.”

This story and the parable above are very similar except for the people involved. The landlord goes out to the market place on several occasions to hire men for his vineyard. Like the day laborers of today, these are desperate men in need of work. The earliest hired laborers probably worked for twelve hours; the last hired, only one. Those who worked the longest, after seeing that the last hired received a denarius (a day’s wage), expected more; they were disappointed. Then the landlord, like the professor, was accused of being unjust. In response, he pointedly said to his accusers, “I’m not being unfair; I can do whatever I want with my money. You received the agreed amount; with others I’m being generous.”

One of the toughest questions, usually raised by Christians, is, “Would God send those who never heard the gospel to hell?” This may seem unfair, but it’s not for those who are already saved to say since God was never obligated to save anyone; the fact that He saved us from our misery certainly doesn’t give us the right to accuse him on account that not everyone receives an equal chance of being saved. People are going to hell because of their sins, not because they haven’t heard the gospel. Now that we’re saved by grace, we should be active in sharing the good news.

Prayer: O God, how I see the reality from my perspective and then accuse you of being unfair. Amend my viewpoint; transform my worldview; change my opinion according to how it really is from your standpoint so that I may remain grateful and thankful to You for saving me from the pit of hell. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Ps. 103:9-10 (NIV): “He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever;
[10]he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

Lam. 3:22-3 (ESV): “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Ez. 18:23 (NASB): “Do I have any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” declares the Lord God, rather than that he should turn from his ways and live?”

2 Pet. 3:9 (NASB): “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Question to Consider

1. The New Atheists, such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, love to portray God in the worst possible light, calling Him all kinds of terrible names. What do these passages reveal about the true nature of God?

2. Do Ps. 103:9-10 and Lam. 3:22-3 suggest that God doesn’t punish sin? What is that called?

3. If someone says that God is eager to send people to hell, how would you personally respond?

Notes

1. Contrary to the assertions of the New Atheists, God is gracious towards us by giving gifts that we don’t deserve and merciful by not punishing us in proportion to what we have done against Him.

2. It does suggest that the God of justice will punish us when we sin and remain unrepentant, but not to its fullest measure or extent: this is called God’s mercy.

3. On the contrary, God doesn’t take any pleasure in anyone perishing in hell; instead, He wants everyone to turn from their wicked ways and find God. In fact, hell was created with the devil in mind, not us (Matt. 25:42: “The eternal fire prepared for the devil”).

Evening Reflection

As you reflect on this day, was there a moment in which you encountered God’s amazing grace poured out for you? This past Sunday, I went to help my daughter whose car had veered off the icy road. I was thinking of God’s grace because neither she was hurt nor her car was damaged. I thanked Him.

October 24, Monday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on October 24, 2016, is provided by Andy Kim who is an associate pastor at Radiance Christian Church in San Francisco. Andy is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.S.) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“No One Else Comes Close”

Hebrews 3:1-6

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3 Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. 4 For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. 5 “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. 6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.

I remember a popular lesson in Sunday school was to choose our favorite Bible hero. We all chose the major hitters like David fighting Goliath, or Esther saving the Israelites as queen, or Samson having supernatural strength. Many of us have probably even prayed to be like David or even to have the faith of Moses that split the Red Sea. Maybe it’s not these Bible characters, but how often have we looked towards very spiritual people and wished we could be like them. For the Jews, Moses was— if not the most influential figure—a hero they looked to, who received the laws in which they prided themselves in.

But the writer of this passage states that even these spiritual heroes like Moses fall short in comparison to Jesus. The writer highlights two reasons for the superiority of Jesus. First, Jesus is both our Apostle and our High Priest. Holman describes that as an Apostle, Jesus serves as God’s representative to human beings, while as a High Priest, He is our representative before God. In essence, Jesus is the perfect Mediator. Secondly, the writer identifies Moses as a servant of the house, in contrast to Jesus being the very Son of the house; and Scriptures teach us that we are the house. Moses is described as in the house, while Jesus is over the house; Moses was called by God, while Jesus was sent by God; and Moses invited the Israelites to God through the law, while Jesus invites us to God through His love.

Yes, it is great that we try to follow in the footsteps of people of great faith. In fact, Paul calls us to imitate his faith and follow in his footsteps (1 Cor. 11:1); but even then, he clearly says as I follow Christ. All these great forefathers pointed to Christ. And so, may we always remember that we look towards not men, but Jesus. No one else comes close to him. So, as the writer states, let us actively fix our thoughts on Jesus alone. For in Jesus, we are not invited merely into a servanthood as Moses was, but we are invited into sonship, the very adoption into His glory and family.

Prayer: Father, we proclaim that You are greater than all. Forgive us that our eyes stray towards men, when You are the only one who can truly save us. Help us to fix our thoughts on You as You stand as the perfect mediator between us and the Almighty Father. Thank You for the sacrifice You paid so that we may experience Your glory. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:12-17: So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Questions to Consider

How does Paul differentiate between living by the flesh vs. living by the Spirit?
How can we live by the Spirit?

Notes

Paul states that those who live by the flesh are slaves to fear from the condemnation that comes through the law of sin and death (v. 2). In doing so, they are constantly enslaved by what their flesh desires, which ultimately leads them to death. However, those who live by the Spirit are freed from the law through the fulfillment of Jesus Christ. They are not slaves; but rather sons and daughters who have been adopted into the family of Christ. Historically, adoption was a relatively new concept that meant a complete severing of all previous relationships. “Abba,” translated in Aramaic as “father” or in our current context “daddy,” is a word used only for those who had an intimate relationship.
Paul states that we are to put to death the misdeeds of the body. Because our flesh is still alive, there must be an active denial of our fleshly desires. Mounce argues even in this we fall short, for our old nature does not automatically fade away; rather the fight is something that is ongoing. Thus, we must constantly rely on the power of the Spirit. In this constant struggle against the flesh, we can share in the sufferings of Christ, so that ultimately we may also share in the glory that comes in Him.

Evening Reflection

What are the areas in your life today that you see your flesh more alive? Spend some time asking that His Spirit would help you to overcome these areas.

Prayer: Heavenly father, we confess that there are still many areas in our lives in which we struggle against our flesh. However, we remind ourselves that we do not live by the law, but by the grace through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. May we set our thoughts upon the desires of Your Spirit. Amen.