REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, was originally posted on October 17, 2016.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Supremacy of Christ”

Hebrews 1:1-3

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high

As a sports fan, I appreciate the greatness of an athlete in any sport.  This summer, I got to watch some of the Rio Olympics and one particular night, I watched Katie Ledecky swim in the 400m women’s freestyle.   Not only did she win the gold but also she smashed the world record as she dominated the race from start to finish.  By the time she reached her final lap, it was evident that no was going to catch her.  I watched swimming supremacy that night and it would be a race I will not forget.  

The Book of Hebrews is about the Supremacy of Christ – how great and worthy he is!  To speak of “supremacy” is to speak of that which is “above” or “over” others. It reaches the level of the “super.” In our language it refers to that which (or who) is greatest in power, authority, or rank. It is also used to describe that which is greatest in importance, significance, character, or achievement — the “ultimate.”  The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus at that ‘ultimate’ throughout this book.  

We should note how Jesus’s supremacy is described in these verses:

• Heir of all things (v.2) – Heir means “the one it’s all coming to.” As Creator he is heir to the universe.
• Creator (v. 2) – Jesus created all things and upholds it all by His power.
  
• Radiance (v. 3) – Like the sun, he is the source and radiator of divine glory
• Purifier (v. 3) – The One who once and for all paid for our sins in order to purify us
• Ruler (v. 3) – “Right hand of the Majesty on high”, which is a symbol of the place of highest honor.  He is the supreme priest.  

What a mighty God we worship and serve!  As you start your week, spend time reflecting and mediating on the greatness and supremacy of Christ.  As you do, may our hearts and desire be surrendered to him.

Prayer:  Lord, there is none like you in all of the earth.  You are holy, majestic and set apart and you will forever reign as Lord and King.  I pray that I would respond in worship and praise.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 4

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 14:22-33: Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”28 And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is the reaction of the disciples when they saw Jesus?  
2. How does fear often hinder us from living by great faith?
3. What do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

Notes

1. They were terrified and responded in fear (v.26).
2. When we live in fear, it distorts the power and character of Jesus in our lives.  We often make Him too small, which hinders us from living by faith and not by sight.
3. The disciples worshiped the Lord after they acknowledged his power and greatness (v.33).  When we do the same, our natural response is worship.  

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Evening Reflection

Take some time reflecting on the passage you read today.  What challenged you?  Ask the Lord that the supremacy of Christ would be more evident in your life and heart.  

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 27, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Why God Allows Interruptions in Our Lives”

Luke 8:40-56

Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him. 41 Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with him to come to his house 42 because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying.  As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him. 43 And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years,[c] but no one could heal her. 44 She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.45 “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”47 Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed. 48 Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”49 While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.” 50 Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.” 51 When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother. 52 Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.” 53 They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. 54 But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!” 55 Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat. 56 Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

I wonder how Jairus must have felt when everything got delayed because of the woman with the issue of blood. Some things in life can wait but not this one: the very life of his daughter hung in the balance. Sometimes, we get frustrated because of constant interruptions; Jairus must have been beyond that. Sadly, Jairus’ daughter died and he had to hear, “Your daughter is dead … Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”  That must have been so disheartening. 

The truth of the matter is that God also does that in our lives where things get interrupted and delayed.  Logically, we might question, “Why did Jesus have to stop to call out the woman and waste time since she already got healed? Isn’t that what mattered?  Yet Jesus did this in order to increase Jairus’ faith, because Jairus not only had to believe that Jesus could heal the sick, but that he could even raise the dead.                                               

So, rather than getting frustrated because things are not working out according to our way and/or timetable, let us ask the Lord to increase our faith so that we may be prepared to witness a greater miracle.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for constantly teaching me about the life of faith.  As your disciples once asked you, “Increase our faith” (Lk. 17:5). Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 3  

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 7, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Reality of Helping Someone”

Lk. 10:31, 33-5 (NLT)

“By chance a priest came along.  But when he saw the man lying there, he crossed to the other side of the road and passed him by. . . . Then a despised Samaritan came along, and when he saw the man, he felt compassion for him. [34] Going over to him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them.  Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him. [35] The next day he handed the innkeeper two silver coins, telling him, ‘Take care of this man. If his bill runs higher than this, I’ll pay you the next time I’m here.’”

Matt. 5:40-1 (NIV)

“And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. [41] If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

Allegorizing the Bible can be fun to listen to because it aims to dig out the deep and hidden meaning.   One seasoned preached allegorized this parable in this way: the priest who walked away represents world religions that cannot save; the wine used to clean the wound points to the redemptive sacrifice of Christ; the olive oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit; the inn represents the church (“God cares for us through the church”); the two coins refer to the Old and New Testament.   Though his points may be edifying, his interpretation wasn’t exactly exegetically sound (i.e., reading into the text instead of extracting the meaning).   Ironically, the preacher never bothered to address the obvious meaning of the parable staring right at him: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39).

Most of the time, if we help someone at all, we do what we can within our schedule and/or budget; we don’t want to be inconvenienced too much.  Sometimes, we do just enough to make us feel good. (I know about these things, I am an expert at it.)  But this Samaritan gives not only his tunic but also his cloak; goes not only one mile but two. And this is all done for a Jew who would have despised him in a heartbeat.  

Christ has set the bar high for Christians: “Anyone who has faith in me . . . will do even greater things than these” (Jn. 14:12).   Of course, here, Christ was referring to “miracles,” such as healing; however, isn’t one great miracle of the Lord transforming the bitter and jaded hearts like ours into a loving and kind heart that reaches out to “one of the least of these”?  Thus, if I were the aforementioned preacher, I would have added that this Samaritan represents “a new creation” in which “the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Cor. 5:17).  So profoundly touched by Christ who died for us while we were still sinners (Rom. 5:8), he has rejected the old way of hating his unlikable neighbors to loving and caring for them.  

Working part-time while attending college, I had some money in the bank.  As I was praying one day, the Lord impressed me to send a check for $100 to a widow with two children living in another state, but there was just one problem: she was the director of the choir I was once in, and I never really liked her.    Well, I sent the check to her anyway.  A few years later when we met, she expressed how much that gift meant to her.  I was thankful that God could use someone like me to encourage her!  Today, do something kind to someone who you don’t really like—yes, the bar is set high. 

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for sending me so many people to help me whenever I was in need.  Help me to do the same for others.  Ultimately, I thank You for sending Jesus to this fallen world to do for humans what they could never do for themselves: atoning for their sins.  Jesus did all that through his death and, by believing in him, I know I have been forgiven, thereby redeemed and saved.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 1-2

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on August 29, 2016, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary.  Jason, a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.), just moved to Tokyo where he plans to, the Lord willing, plant a church. 

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Distinguishing Between Good Guys and Bad Guys”

John 10:10-15 (ESV)

 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. [11] I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. [12] He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. [13] He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. [14] I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, [15] just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

In fairy tales like Red Riding Hood, no one is confused as to who is the “good guy” and who is the “bad guy.” The wolf wants to eat everyone and the huntsman wants to save everyone so things become clear fairly quickly.  Unfortunately, things in real life do not always appear to be so simple.

As Jesus’s ministry becomes more prominent, opposition from the religious and political leaders of Israel grows as well.  The growing divide between them is clear and the average Israelite is confused as to who is the “good guy” and who is the “bad guy.”  Should he follow this new teacher, Jesus, or the established leaders of his nation and religion?  In the midst of this turmoil, Jesus seeks to make the situation clear by explaining that He alone is the Good Shepherd.

In John 10, Jesus explains that the Good Shepherd is completely different from the thief and the hired hand.  The shepherd comes to give life abundant.  The thief “comes only to steal and kill and destroy” (v. 10).  “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (v. 11).  The hired hand flees when he sees the wolf coming (v. 12).  The shepherd knows his sheep (v. 14).  The hired hand cares nothing for the sheep (v. 13).  The difference between the Good Shepherd and all others is the difference between life and death.  

The world, the flesh, and the devil work as hard as they can to confuse us as to who is the “good guy.”  The Word of God makes things clear.  No spouse or child can give us life abundant.  Money and prestige have never laid down their lives for anyone.  Comfort and security will not walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death.  There is only one Good Shepherd and His name is Jesus.

Prayer: Father, we are so grateful that You have sent to us Your Son.  He is the very radiance of Your beauty and glory, yet somehow, we can become confused as to whether He is our Ultimate Good.  Give us eyes to see that Jesus alone is our Good Shepherd and that we need no other. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 29

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Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 23 (ESV): The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. [3] He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. [4] Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. [5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. [6] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Question to Consider

1. What does the Shepherd do for the Psalmist?

2. How does the Shepherd’s ministry affect the Psalmist?

3. What is the ultimate hope of the Psalmist as he is led by the Shepherd (v. 6)?

Notes

1. The Shepherd leads the Psalmist into rest and righteousness (v. 2, 3), He restores him (v. 3), comforts him (v.4), lavishly provides for and anoints him (v. 5-6).

2. The Psalmist shall not want (v. 1) and will not fear (v. 4).

3. The ultimate hope of the Psalmist is that he will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

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Evening Reflection

Reflect upon your day.  Were you tempted to believe that someone or something other than Jesus is your shepherd?  Did you doubt that Jesus is your Good Shepherd?  Go to Him for grace.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on October 13, 2016.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Good Fish Story”

John 22:3-7a

“I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. 4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. 5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. 7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” 

“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Jesus Christ

Some years ago, a group of men from church dedicated an entire Saturday fishing for…fish. More than 20 men put on their lucky shirt, lucky hat, lucky whatever, and rented out a good-sized boat with all of the proper equipment, along with a professional crew cast off from the shores of Newport Beach. Given that the entirety of the catch would belong to the church family, we anticipated a delicious seafood dinner that evening upon our return. After spending hours and hours deep sea fishing, we returned with a handful of mackerels (fish you can catch on a pier any time). That was a sad day for the men. 

We really could have used Jesus that afternoon showing up and telling us to cast our reels on the other side, and then find ourselves fighting to reel in yellowtail tunas. Wouldn’t that have been nice?

Of course, this story in John 21 is more than just a fishing story. It’s a reminder to the disciples that from the very beginning, they were called to be fishers of men. But it was also a reminder that their fishing excursion could only be successful with Jesus and never without Him.  

I’m not sure how often you actually name and pray for someone who is unchurched or dechurched, but at Kairos, we’re on a great prayer experiment. We are committing a few moments before our staff meetings, ministry leaders’ meetings, small groups, etc., to name and pray for people who are disconnected from our Lord. (It’s not as easy as you might think since it’s a totally new practice.) We figure at least two things will happen as we embark on this new habit of prayer. One, God will answer our prayer and bring salvation to those we are praying for. Two, God will cultivate our church’s heart to care more genuinely for the unsaved. 

“Catching fish” has not been easy for us in the past. Of course there were some each year, and we praise the Lord for even one. But John 21 paints a picture that when we fish WITH Jesus, miraculous catches are nearby. We have spent lots of time training for evangelism, reading about evangelism, learning apologetics to answer the skeptics, and devising strategies: ALL good things. But we figured that it might just be easier if we fished with Jesus. And perhaps the reason we haven’t seen many saved is simply because we haven’t actually asked God to save them. So now we are praying—praying more often than ever before for the unchurched and unsaved.  

Prayer: Dear God, this morning I pray for __________________ (name an unsaved person(s) whom you can potentially have spiritual conversations with). I pray that You would open up his/her heart to You. Grant to me the courage to share about You and Your love. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 28

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Eph. 6:18-20: 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. 19 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.

Questions to Consider

1. What is the main topic of these three verses? 
2. What are the things that Paul is directing the Ephesian believers to pray for? 
3. How can you apply these words in your own life?  

Notes

1. Paul repeatedly uses the word “prayer” in these closing sentences of Ephesians. Clearly, Paul understood the role of prayer in preaching the gospel. 
2. Paul directs the church to pray on all occasions for all of God’s people. He particularly asks for prayer on his behalf to fearlessly preach the gospel. It’s difficult to imagine that the great Apostle Paul struggled with fear, but for many of us who fear preaching Christ, the victory comes through prayer.
3. Perhaps you can pray for your pastors.

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Evening Reflection

Who are some people that God has placed in your life so that you are better positioned to engage in a spiritual conversation? Spend some time praying for him/her and asking for boldness to share the gospel.  

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 25, 2015

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Imminent Return of Christ”

Lk. 21:27-31 (NIV) 

“‘At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. [28] When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.’ [29] He told them this parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. [30] When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. [31] Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God is near. [32] Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. [33] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.’”

Some say that Jesus was wrong since he didn’t return in the first century even though “all these things” happened during “this generation.” This misunderstanding stems from what constitutes “the end of age,” which, according to end times Bible prophesy, likely began with the restoration of Israel in 1948.  However, Peter, quoting Joel, proclaimed that the “last days” were inaugurated when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost: “In the last days, God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on all people’” (Acts 2:17). 

So, we’ve been living in the end of age since the first century.  And Jesus certainly didn’t expect to return around then. Do you honestly believe that Jesus who said in the same discourse (Matt. 24), “This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come,” expected that to happen within the lifetime of his listeners?  He even added, “These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away” (Lk. 21:9). 

A largely forgotten doctrine called the “imminent return of Christ” postulates that Jesus can return at any time.  But once end-times prophecy became popular, it was believed that Jesus wouldn’t return until certain events took place beforehand.  However, the fig tree sprouting its leaves (vv.29-30), an annual event, doesn’t refer to specific events that will happen during a specific period; rather, it points to wars and natural disasters that are always happening in every generation.  And “these things” are to remind the people of every generation that Christ’s return is imminent; so be ready for it. One of these days, the last of these wars and disasters will precede Christ’s coming, but we aren’t to accentuate that; instead, we “ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of [the Lord]” (2 Pet. 3:12).  

A few years after Buster Douglass knocked out Mike Tyson, his weight ballooned to 400 pounds.  It isn’t uncommon for professional athletes to experience substantial weight gain during the off-season or after retiring.  But for us, there is no off-season or retiring because “by standing firm you will gain life” (Lk. 21:19). 

Prayer: God, help me to hear the internal clock in my heart that tells me what time this should be in my life. While I may need to take care of many earthly things at the moment, remind me that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2), which tells me that I need to always share the good news.  Help me, Lord.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 27

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chron. 12:32 (ESV): “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, 200 chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command.”

1 Sam 11:1-4 (NIV): “In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king’s men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. [2] One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, [3] and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, ‘She is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.’ [4] Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (Now she was purifying herself from her monthly uncleanness.) Then she went back home.”

Hag. 1:4 (ESV): “‘Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?’[5] Now, therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘Consider your ways. [6] You have sown much, and harvested little. You eat, but you never have enough; you drink, but you never have your fill. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm. And he who earns wages does so to put them into a bag with holes.’”

Question to Consider

1. What do you think 1 Chronicles 12:32 (“understanding of the times”) means? 

2. Do you think David and the Israelites who received the letter from Haggai had the understanding of their times?  What went wrong for them?

3. Looking at the “fig tree” in your life, what time is it for you?  (You may consult the list in Eccles. 3:1-8.)

Notes

1. Understanding of the times is always connected to something that ought to be done at that moment. While the Chronicler doesn’t provide more details, it appears that this involved some type of military campaign in which timing was everything.  Folks, “seize the moment” (carpe diem)!

2. In the spring, kings would go off to wars; David didn’t.  Instead, he was where he wasn’t supposed to be and this led to his great demise.  Likewise, for the people to whom Haggai wrote, it was their time to rebuild the Lord’s temple, but they were too busy enlarging their own homes. This sort of thing doesn’t go unnoticed by God who is displeased when He is not our top priority.

3. While my wife and I foresee returning to the mission field in the future, for now, we see ourselves being faithful to the AMI ministry, as well as praying for opportunities to serve the Hispanics in America.  God has already opened one door this year, in Fresno, California.  ¡Gloria a Dios! 

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Evening Reflection

A mom asked her young son why he threw the clock out the window.  His answer: “Since you always say, ‘Time flies,’ I wanted to see it for myself.”  As we get older, we can see that time flies very quickly.  How did you spend your time today?  It’s not too late to make this day count: spend this moment talking to the infinite and personal God of this universe who loves you very much. 

34 “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth. 36 Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on October 11, 2016.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Why Would We Need to Experience the Comforter if Our Lives Are Already Comfortable”? 

John 21:21-23

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

“Why would we need to experience the Comforter if our lives are already comfortable?” That’s the question Francis Chan raised in his The Forgotten God.

If you google, “What is San Diego known for?” to no one’s surprise, the search results point you towards beaches, nice weather, breweries, Mexican food, the world famous SD Zoo, and much more. You have all the makings for a nice weekend to relax and to unwind from all of the rigors of life. It’s no wonder that San Diego hosts more than 30 million visitors each year and is a top US travel destination. In my years of ministry in San Diego, I’ve come to understand that many have come seeking “comfort” that they believe can be found in our city.  (Would you believe that even the drivers in SD drive at a nice comfortable pace? You hardly hear any honking in this city.) 

Today, many of us are tempted to seek a more “balanced, relaxed, and comfortable” Christian life—one that does not infringe upon my weekday schedule, career, family, weekends, vacation time, valuables, goals, hobbies, etc. But, as long as we keep Christ at the fringes, we arrive at a place where our faith is totally impotent. 

The word of God calls us to a mission of saving souls and transforming lives by the power of the Holy Spirit, the greatest power this world can know. While this mission is the most difficult and challenging endeavor in life, we are never alone. 

In the moment of crisis for the disciples, they were comforted by their resurrected Lord. Jesus appeared and immediately peace filled the room. The disciples did not retreat to the shores of Galilee; they did not seek comfort in foods and drinks; nor did they try to become more religious. They simply received the Holy Spirit, the great Comforter, as Jesus breathed upon them and had promised this earlier in John 14. If our goal is comfort, it is very likely that we will end up with utterly ineffective faith. However, if our aim is for God’s Kingdom, even in spite of all of the discomforts and sacrifices, we will be greatly comforted by the Holy Spirit. 

Prayer: Dear God, if I’m being honest, engaging in the works of Your Kingdom is never easy. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I would be filled with peace and comforted as I struggle through new challenges. Help me to make sacrifices and take up the cross daily and follow after You. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 26

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matt 7:13-14: Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. ¹⁴ But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Questions to Consider

1. By talking about two types of gates, what is Jesus’ challenge to His listeners? 
2. What is the inevitable result of choosing the wider gate and the broader road? 
3. How does this teaching shape your idea of a more biblical Christianity?  

Notes

1. Jesus makes it clear that there are two ways in life—and two ways only—that are set before all people; thus, it is important that the right choice be made.
2. Jesus is picturing a scene where the broad road leading to a splendid gate is obvious and easy to be seen, whereas the path that brings the traveler to the unpretentious gate is inconspicuous and is perceived only by those who look for it carefully. But the commodious road leads to destruction, a fact that its popularity does nothing to alter. 
3. Presenting a rosy picture of the Christian life and minimizing that it is filled with trouble does not follow the lead of our Lord. 

*From Logos commentaries

Evening Reflection

Spend some time actually thanking God for your hardships that have served as a pathway for God’s Spirit to work in and through your life. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on September 12, 2016.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for this Morning

John 14:1-3

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you,  I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

On a recent visit home, I came out of my room one afternoon to hear my mom in conversation with someone at the door.  Overhearing the person give my mother the name and address of a church, I thought perhaps it was an over-zealous evangelist and wondered how they had gotten to this point in the conversation.  Perhaps my mother, shy and language ability still limited, hadn’t been able to convey that she was a believer and already had a church she regularly attended?  Mild concern brought me to the door to find out what was going on when my mother turned to me with a sad, surprised look on her face and said, “C—- passed away.”  C—- was our good neighbor of over 20 years, and the person at the door was a relative delivering the news of her prior week’s passing, giving my mother the address of the church where the funeral services would be held.  

The thought crossed my mind that my aged parents might be deeply affected by the news, but it passed when they seemed to be OK, going about the tasks of daily life without seeming particularly wanting to talk about it.  So I also let my mind focus on other things, the agendas of my trip back, and the two weeks flew by.  After a busy last few days, in a quiet moment at the airport while waiting to board my flight, an offhand comment my mother had made came to mind, and I suddenly realized that it had all affected them much more than I had thought.  By then, however, I’d already lost the chance to comfort them in person.

Jesus, at the moment He was facing the most difficult test of His life, was also able to care about how His disciples were feeling, and He took time out to comfort them.  He tells them, “Don’t worry or be anxious,” and “I will come back for you.”  What a personal picture of the God of all comfort.  How can we avoid being too busy to comfort someone today?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me, I can be so self-centered at times.  Help me to pay a little more attention to others today.  Remind me of anyone needing comfort that I may have been overlooking.  Thank you for showing me the way.  In your name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 25

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Lunch Break Study 

Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

Questions to Consider

1. How are we able to comfort those going through a hard time (v. 4)?

2. What do the phrases “all comfort,” “in all our affliction,” and “in any affliction” suggest about the comprehensiveness of God’s comfort?

3. Is there any current area of your life or past experience for which you feel you haven’t been able to receive God’s comfort?  In light of today’s passage, what can you do?

Notes

1. When we ourselves are able to receive comfort from God when we go through hard times.

2. His comfort is available to us for any and every circumstance.

3.  Comfort comes when we can see a situation in the light of God’s truth, but hurts, pride, lies of the enemy, etc. can blind and keep us in darkness.  Ask God to remove all obstacles keeping you from receiving His comfort, which is surely available to you today.

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Evening Reflection

Did I see or think of anyone in need of comfort today?  Take a moment to pray that they would truly be able to receive (by being able to see in the light of His truth) God’s comfort that is available to them in any situation they may be in.

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 8, 2015

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Story Within a Story”

LK. 10:29, 36-7 (NIV):  

But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” . . . . [36] “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” [37] The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Many parables fall in the category of “story within a story” –one story is told during the action of another story.  While the parable of the Good Samaritan tells the importance of loving our neighbors—

regardless of whether we like them or not—the intention of Christ is to use this parable to address a more pressing matter. 

It all begins with an expert in the law who is unsure about whether he has eternal life.  Having grown up under the Mosaic Law, which stipulated that “the man who does these things will live” eternally (Rom. 10:5), something wasn’t quite right and he wondered:  “How come I lack assurance of eternal life despite having kept all the laws of God?”  Jesus goes immediately to the root of his problem and asks, “What is written in the Law?” (Lk. 10:26).  That is too easy of a question for the lawyer: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart . . . and love your neighbors as yourself” (27).   If he felt validated upon hearing Jesus say, “You have answered correctly” (28a), it doesn’t last long because the Lord quickly adds, “Do this and you will live.”  The lawyer is no dummy; he knows what that implies: Contrary to his own self-assessment, he has failed to love his neighbors.  Disagreeing with this and somewhat offended by Jesus, the lawyer defends himself by asking, “And who is my neighbor?”

The parable demonstrates that while Samaritans are willing to help a Jew in need, the Jews, including this lawyer, will never do that for Samaritans whom they despise as unholy.  When Jesus asks, “Which of these three . . . was a neighbor to the man who fell in the hands of the robber?” and the lawyer’s responds, “The one who had mercy on him” (i.e., the Samaritan), that is a self-admission of guilt: If being a neighbor means having mercy on anyone who is in need of it—regardless of whether he belongs to my tribe or not, then I haven’t kept all of God’s laws because I have not loved the Samaritans. 

At no point does Jesus actually give him the gospel.  When Jesus says, “Do this and you will live” (28), He  shows that that path never works because “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it” (James 2:10).  Since the lawyer has broken at least one law, which makes him a sinner, the reason why he cannot have assurance of eternal life is because “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23).  

Now that“through the law [the lawyer has] become conscious of sin” (3:20), he is ready to hear and then respond to the gospel: Jesus Christ, who “bore our sins” (1 Pet. 2:24), “died for all” (Rom. 5:15),

and . . . by believing you may have life in his name” (Jn. 20:31).  If you haven’t made that decision, believe the gospel today; if you already have, then have mercy on someone of other tribe today. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for saving myself from the pit of hell.  It is all grace, pure and simple!  Thank You, God, for your Son.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 24

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 28, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend  

“Jesus and His Earthly Family”

Luke 8:19-21

 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. 20 And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21 But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

I want to share two thoughts today.

One: It must not have been easy for God’s Son to leave His heavenly home in order to come “to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him” (John 1:11).  Today’s passage shows that those who did not believe him, at least at first, included his own brothers and mother (Mark 3:21).  What gives us hope is that eventually his brothers James and Judas, not only came to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior, but also served Him. 

Spend some time in prayer for those who are being persecuted by their own family members because of their faith in Jesus, especially in AMI churches in E. Asia. 

Two: Was experiencing the miraculous conception enough for Mary to put her trust in her son, the Savior Jesus Christ?  No, for it takes the work of the Holy Spirit to regenerate a dead spirit to come to life (Eph. 2:5).  Now, becoming a Christian truly is an awesome privilege but having faith in Jesus Christ does not happen by human effort (John 1:13: “who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”)  Today’s passage, therefore, helps us to see the value of the covenant community, the church.  Perhaps, it is very hard for us to accept this spiritual family more so than our biological family, yet the spiritual family is where there is genuine fellowship.  Pray for AMI churches both here and abroad that their relationships with one another in the Lord would not be superficial, but genuine.

Prayer: Lord, even as I love the members of my spiritual family, help me to really love those family members who do not believe and, at times, are antagonistic towards me for believing in God. Lord, save them. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Chronicles 22-23