September 8, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 12, 2015

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Absurdity of Argument”

Matt. 12:24-9 (ESV)

“But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, ‘It is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons, that this man casts out demons.’ [25] Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, ‘Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand. [26] And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? [27] And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. [28] But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. [29] Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.’”

To someone who says, “There are no absolute truths; everything is relative,” ask him whether he holds to that absolutely. If he says yes, then say, “You’re inconsistent and arrogant; if he answers no, ask him, “Then, why do you oppose what I believe?”

Here, Jesus, likewise, shows the absurdity of an argument aimed to discredit him. The Pharisees, jealous that “the whole world has gone after [Jesus]” (Jn. 12:19), accuses him of being on the same team as the head of demons. Jesus’ logic is simple: “If the devil and I are partners, why am I casting out his demons? Isn’t that like shooting yourself in the foot?”

After silencing them, Jesus explains the spiritual world through this odd parable. The strong man is the devil, “the prince of this world” (Jn. 12:31); his house, then, is the world. The goods in the house are people in the world over whom the devil “holds the power of death” (Heb. 2:14). How did this happen? When the devil was tempting Jesus, it wasn’t a lie when he said, “All the kingdoms of the world . . . [had] been given to me” (Lk. 4:5-6). The first man Adam, whom God had put in charge of governing the world, gave it away when he capitulated to the devil’s ploy, “for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him” (2 Pet. 2:19). Since “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 6:23), the devil bullies the descendants of Adam with fear of death.

So Christ, coming into this world as an intruder to take back what was taken by the devil, must first bind the strong man. He succeeded when his substitutionary death on our behalf “rendered powerless [the devil] who had the power of death” (Heb. 2:14 NASB) since the penalty of sin has been paid.

Now, Christ through the church is plundering the house, meaning telling people that they are now free. But many choose not to believe that; as a result, they continue to live in “slavery by their fear of death.” Are you one of them? Christ has already finished everything to free you; all you need to do is believe.

Prayer: I praise You, Jesus, for coming into this world that had rebelled against God and chose the devil as its god. Seeing that we are miserable in our sins, You voluntarily took the penalty of our sins to destroy the work of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8), thereby freeing us. Thank You, Jesus, for your love, kindness and grace. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 13

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Jn. 5:18 (NIV): “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.”

James 4:7 (NASB): “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Acts 16:16-8 (ESV): “As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. [17] She followed Paul and us, crying out, ‘These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.’ [18] And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’ And it came out that very hour.”

Question to Consider

1. What are some benefits of Christ’s victory over the devil?

2. Is there a part that we need contribute in order to experience Christ’s victory over the devil?

3. The Bible talks about not giving the devil a foothold (Eph. 4:27). What are some casual habits or “harmless” sins in our lives that give the enemy a bigger hold to latch on to enslave us?

Notes

1. The devil cannot harm those who are in Christ; he will even flee from us; he can be driven out from someone or even from us in the name of Jesus.

2. We cannot continue to sin (habitual and unrepentant sins); we must resist the devil for him to flee; we must pray with the authority of Jesus by praying in His name.

3. Sin is much like a snowball rolling downhill: it gets bigger and bigger unless it is stopped. An attempt to cover a little lie produces more lies; watching soft-porn leads to hard-porn; unforgiveness, in time, turns into a bitter personality; hoarding money always turns into loving it.

Evening Reflection

As you review this day, did you face any situation where you felt uncomfortable because of the presence of some people? Why do you think that happened? The path to freedom in many cases is honesty and humility. Pray to the Lord for wisdom and courage to live fully in the freedom that Christ has won for us.

September 7, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on September 14, 2016. Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“He Loved Us First”

John 14:21

“Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Matthew 22:36-38

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.”

One day this past spring, one of the college students in our church came up to me and told me that several weeks ago, she had seen a particularly vivid vision of a plane with many Asian passengers fall out of the sky and into the ocean. At the time, she could only make out the letters “–” and “–” in blue painted on the plane and wondered what they meant; but a few days ago, a teacher in one of her classes mentioned that “—–“ was a Japanese airline. Knowing that I was flying to Japan in a few days, she made a connection and begged me not to go.

I was in a quandary because what this sister saw was usually accurate and meaningful, but I also felt that in this case her interpretation may not be. In the end, I decided to still go, and she decided that she would fast and pray. When I arrived in Japan safely, she was relieved that her fasting and prayer had “worked” and shared that she’d never been able to fast for a whole day before this, but this time she could, and she was glad I was safe.

It was the first time anyone had ever done anything like this for me, and I was surprised and touched. At that moment, I realized that what God desires of us as His children, more than anything, is that we simply love him.

“Nothing we ever do could make God love us any more or any less.” “He loved us first.” These are all true enough. But when Jesus says, “The one who loves me will be loved by my Father,” what does He mean? I don’t know if I love this young sister any more or any less because of what she did, but I do know that when I received her expression of love, there was a response in my heart to the love that she gave. Perhaps this is all it means – that we have the capacity to touch our Father’s heart.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to have a more pure heart of love today, one that simply says, “I love you. You are important to me. I’d miss you if you were gone.” May my service and obedience today all just be an expression of this love for You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 12

Lunch Break Study

Read Exodus 34:1-4, 15: 1 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ 2 I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. 3 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.”4 When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments . . . 15 Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

Exodus 34:17-20: 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.” 19 And the Lord said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence.

John 14:21b: “ . . . The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Questions to Consider

1. If God did not go with the people, would they still have been able to claim the Promised Land (vv. 1-2)?

2. What does Moses’ response to God’s offer tell us about his relationship with God (v. 15)?

3. In what ways are Jesus’ words in John 14:21 illustrated by this event in Exodus? How much do we long to see God’s glory (v.18)? For Jesus to reveal himself to us (v. 21)?

Notes

1. Yes; He says that He will send an angel to help them.

2. To Moses, God’s very presence was more important than what God could help him achieve. His heart’s cry was, “Lord, if you’re not going to be there, I don’t want to go.” He could live without the achievement, but he couldn’t live without God.

3. Moses loved God, and he was loved by God in return (God was pleased with him). The heart’s desire of the one who loves God is to see His glory; therefore, the greatest reward God could give such a one would be to reveal more of Himself to that person.

Evening Reflection

When a child sees his father and runs in for a hug, because his arms are smaller, he will end up hugging the father first. The father’s arms will then wrap around his child. As the child expresses love, the father responds to that expression of love. A picture of how the one who loves God will be loved by God. A picture of a love relationship that is mutual.

Of course it is the father who loved first; the child is just responding to that love, but the father can also respond to the child’s love, and the circle of love keeps going round. Take a moment this evening just to say from the heart, “I love you, God. With my whole heart, I love you. I love you, I love you, I love you.” And then wait for His response–His revelation of Himself.

September 6, Tuesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 6, 2016, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun who is the Lead Pastor of Radiance Christian Church in S. F. He is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS, biology), and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“His Majesty Found in His Humility”

John 12:9-19 (ESV)

When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. 12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your king is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt!”16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him. 17 The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to bear witness. 18 The reason why the crowd went to meet him was that they heard he had done this sign. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.”

The Triumphal Entry is a fulfillment of a prophecy found in Zechariah 9:9, which reads, “Rejoice greatly, o daughter of Zion. Shout in triumph, o daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your king is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble and mounted on a donkey.” It is significant that Jesus chose to ride into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey. It’s a declaration that He is king, but unlike the kings of this world, His robe of royalty is in humility. In a strange paradox, the majesty of Christ is found in His humility, and it is this divine humility that makes Him so worthy of our worship.

As we think about the virtue of humility, it is admittedly something that is hard to define and something even harder to achieve. Many have called it the first foundation of all virtues, and I would agree with that assessment. Humility can be defined as a loss of one’s self, a disregard of our reputation, our dignity, and whatever respect we think we are deserving of. This definition also gives us the barometer of how we can measure humility. The distance between our true state and the lowest level that we are willing to genuinely identify ourselves with is the correct measure of humility. For Christ, the measure of His humility is immeasurable because though He is God by nature, He didn’t consider equality with God something to be grasped, so He humbled himself to the point of death as a bondservant to the world. There are simply no human categories that can help us to explain the humility of Christ.

In light of this fact, it’s amazing to me how much we as Christians struggle in the area of humility. Sociologists tell us that people become like the gods they worship, but that leaves us with this unavoidable question: What god we are worshipping? Are we worshipping the humble king that we see here in this passage or a god of our own design? There is a narcissistic spirit that pervades our world and which has even crept into the church. We are too busy staring at our own reflection instead of the reflection of Christ. You cannot be abandoned for the gospel if you are worried about your reputation, your dignity, and what you think life owes you. The Cross is a testimony to the humility of Christ, and this humility is one of the attributes that make Him infinitely worthy of our worship and our imitation.

Prayer: Lord, teach me the way of humility, to die to myself and to pick up my cross daily. Help me to see the pride that keeps me from experiencing Your blessing and becoming more and more like You. Show me that I must decrease in order that You may increase. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:1-11 (ESV): So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Questions to Consider

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in Christian unity?
How is humility displayed in the context of the Christian community?
What is the connection between humility and obedience to God?

Notes

Among many things, it is the work of the Holy Spirit to shed abroad God’s love in our hearts and to unite the believer to Christ, and in turn unite believers to one other. It is only through active participation in the ministry of the Holy Spirit that the church can experience the type of unity that Paul is calling for.
In the context of Christian community, humility is displayed by the freedom from selfish ambition and the consideration of the greater significance of others. Dr. Gordon Fee reminds us that “selfish ambition” stands at the heart of human fallenness, where self-interest and self-aggrandizement at the expense of others primarily dictate values and behavior. Humility frees us from this trap and brings us into real fellowship with one another.
Obedience to God is primarily a matter of humility. You cannot obey God unless you are first willing to humble yourself to His will just as Jesus submitted to the will of the Father.

Evening Reflection

In what ways did pride affect your day? Were you quick to defend yourself or to react in anger towards criticism? How can you grow in humility? Take time to confess the areas of pride in your life and to ask for the grace of Christ to cover you.

September 5, Monday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 23, 2015

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What I’ve Learned from My Basset Hound”

Lk. 11:5-9 (ESV)

Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and goes to him at midnight and says to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; [6] for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; [7] and from inside he answers and says, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been shut and my children and I are in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ [8] I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will get up and give him as much as he needs. [9] So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. [10] For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened.”

When my basset hound thinks it’s time to walk, she whimpers without ceasing. This annoys me a lot when I am busy, but I still walk her so that she won’t bother me with her persistent whimpering. That’s what I’ve learned from my basset: the power of persistent prayer. And once we’re out, I make sure that she has a good walk.

So, do we get anything we want from God as long we pray persistently? No. Paul, while suffering from “a thorn in the flesh”—likely a physical illness (Gal. 4:14-6)—“pleaded with the Lord to take it away from [him]” three times (2 Cor. 12:8). God said, “No.” David “fasted and . . . and spent the nights lying on the ground” for his sick child. “The child died” (2 Sam. 12:16, 18).

Keep this in mind before praying: “If you remain in [Christ] and [his] words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you” (Jn. 15:7). Those abiding in Christ won’t ask for things that contradict God’s general will revealed in the Scripture. In Mexico where Catholicism reigns, it isn’t uncommon for drug cartels to demand that a priest bless them. God will never answer prayers that go contrary to His general will; some may experience what may look like an answered prayer, but God has nothing to do with it.

The prayers of deliverance by Paul and David were according to God’s general will (James 5:15); unbeknownst to them, however, they were praying earnestly against God’s specific will. There is no shame in that; in fact, we should pray like this persistently. If we happen to be praying according to God’s specific will, then, in time, we’ll see it answered. Even if our prayer isn’t answered according to how we prayed, we might still encounter God in a special way: a disappointed Paul heard God say, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Cor. 12:9); a sad David “went into the house of the LORD and worshiped” (2 Sam. 12:20).

Before you pray, make sure your petitions align with God’s general will and that you abide in Christ. Then pray, persistently! If it is answered, praise God; if he doesn’t, the consolation prize isn’t bad!

Prayer: Father, how I adore You and delight myself in Your presence. Thank You that you want me to be persistent in prayer so that I can experience answered prayers; better yet, thank You that you want me to pray persistently so that even if my prayer will not be answered in the way I expect it, I’ll still encounter You in a special way. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Lk. 5:16, 9:18 (NASB): But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness* and pray. . . .

[18] And it happened that while He was praying alone, the disciples were with Him, and He questioned them, saying, “Who do the people say that I am?” *Desolate (ESV)

Mk. 1:35 (ESV): And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.

Acts 10:9 (NIV), 16:13 (ESV): About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. . . . [13] And on the Sabbath day [Paul and Luke] went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together.

Question to Consider

What common practice did Jesus, Paul and Peter share with respect to praying?
Why is that so important?
What adjustment s do you need to make in order to pray instead of talking about praying?

Notes

They all sought out a quiet place to pray alone, whether it be the wilderness (or perhaps the desert), beach or rooftop. When I am travelling and have to share a room with someone, I get up early and pray in the bathroom. (Hey, some hotel bathrooms are cleaner than my living room.)
Have you tried communicating on the phone when there you’re in a room with a lot of people talking? Likewise, if anyone who is serious about praying to God, one must find a quiet place where there won’t be any distractions during this prayer time.
Is there something you usually do, that if you don’t it, you don’t feel as good? Make praying a habit until it feels like something is missing when you don’t pray. I feel that way toward the following three things that I do every morning after I get up: pray at least an hour, read 5 chapters of the Bible, and then go jogging!

Evening Reflection

“Pray continually” (1 Thess. 5:17). Pray for yourself, your family, friends and coworkers. Pray that America’s moral slide will hit a bump so that it will, at least, slow down. Pray for AMI to prosper so that God’s kingdom will continue to expand around the globe.

September 4, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on July 12, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Doing the Right Thing”

1 Kings 15:1-5, 9-14

Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijam began to reign over Judah. 2 He reigned for three years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 3 And he walked in all the sins that his father did before him, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father. 4 Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, setting up his son after him, and establishing Jerusalem, 5 because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that he commanded him all the days of his life, except in the matter of Uriah the Hittite… 9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Asa began to reign over Judah,10 and he reigned forty-one years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 11 And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as David his father had done. 12 He put away the male cult prostitutes out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. 13 He also removed Maacah his mother from being queen mother because she had made an abominable image for Asherah. And Asa cut down her image and burned it at the brook Kidron. 14 But the high places were not taken away. Nevertheless, the heart of Asa was wholly true to the Lord all his days.

A local pastor told the following story: Ducking into confession with a turkey under his arms, a man said, “Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned. I stole this turkey to feed my family. Would you take it and settle my guilt?” “Certainly not,” said the priest. “As penance, you must return it to the one from whom you stole it.” “I tried,” the man sobbed, “but he refused. Oh, Father, what should I do?” “If what you say is true, then it is all right for you to keep it for your family.” Thanking the priest, the visitor hurried off. When confession was over, the priest returned to his residence. When he walked into the kitchen, he exclaimed, “Where’s my turkey?!”

In our Scripture passage for today, we see two examples of sons who grew up under wicked fathers. One chose to repeat patterns of wickedness and the other did not – he chose instead to be a reformer and leverage his life to accomplish God’s will instead of his own. When I look at the world around me, I see just how easy it is for us to repeat patterns of sin we grew up seeing. Parents make tons of mistakes and children often learn more from the mistakes than the successes. Even further, the Church in America is dealing with a lot of its mistakes at this point in history. Christianity has a reputation of bigotry when dealing with those who are different and a lack of compassion when dealing with those in need. But be it our earthly parents or Christians who’ve gone before us, our passage for today reminds us that we can choose. We can repeat the patterns of sins practiced over us or we can choose another way.

And at the end of the day it comes down to desire. How much do we honestly want to follow in the ways of the Lord? It has been said many times that if someone really wants to sin, he’ll find a way to do it. Like in the illustration above, we can maneuver our way out of doing the right thing when we want to. But I think the opposite is true. If we truly desire to honor the Lord, we will find that God provides ways for us, even as broken people with a tarnished history, to do just that. And like King Asa, if we look far back enough into our history or look hard enough at the world around us, we will find examples of believers to follow who walked in the way of righteousness. But ultimately the choice to do the right thing is ours.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for Your eagerness and willingness to lead me in the way of righteousness. I’ve learned a lot of bad habits from those who’ve gone before me, but my sincere desire is to honor You with my life. Please teach me the way I should go. Help me walk in a manner worthy of the calling of Christ in my life. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 9

September 3, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 25, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Who Is Jesus to Me?”

Luke 7:18-35

The disciples of John reported all these things to him. And John, 19 calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 20 And when the men had come to him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’” 21 In that hour he healed many people of diseases and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who were blind he bestowed sight. 22 And he answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, the poor have good news preached to them. 23 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” 24 When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written,. “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you. 28 I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 (When all the people heard this, and the tax collectors too, they declared God just,[c] having been baptized with the baptism of John, 30 but the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the purpose of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.) 31 “To what then shall I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, “‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’ 33 For John the Baptist has come eating no bread and drinking no wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 Yet wisdom is justified by all her children.”

As great as John the Baptist was (of whom Jesus once said in Luke 7:28, “Among those born of woman there is no one greater than John”), here we see him doubting or questioning or being confused about the identity of Jesus Christ based on his own expectation and situation (vv. 18-20). For John, if Jesus were to be the Christ, then why was there still injustice in his days and he put in prison? In response to such enigma, Jesus said, “Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me” (v. 23). Jesus is the very cornerstone on which we need to build our lives according to Him. But for some, Jesus actually is a stumbling block to their success in life (1 Pet 2:8). Is Jesus a precious cornerstone or stumbling block? Have I gotten Jesus wrong because He does not meet my expectation?

What do I really want God to do in my life? Is it about seeing people being healed, disarming the kingdom of darkness, and the gospel message being heard all over the world (vv. 21-22)? Or am I waiting for God to meet my own needs and expectations? John was a prophet, and also “more than a prophet” (v. 26). John was more than a prophet in a sense that he was the last and greatest prophet under the Old Covenant. Unlike the other prophets who witnessed from a far distance (time-wise), John had the privilege to witness and testify God’s Son in humanity (John 1:19ff.). Yet even John the greatest prophet was least in God’s kingdom under the New Covenant (v. 28) since the measure of greatness in the prophetic ministry lies in clarity and conviction of the prophetic message mainly Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, John was beheaded in injustice before he experienced Christ’s death and resurrection and glorification.

For us living under the New Covenant, God’s redemptive work through His Son Jesus Christ is no longer what God would someday accomplish; it is a historical fact. How much am I excited about the gospel ministry? Is the eagerness there to witness Jesus Christ? What would it take for me to proclaim the gospel to others than remain silent?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for treating you like my personal Jeannie. You are always my Lord and Savior. I shall always worship and obey you, and serve your kingdom interest here on earth. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 7-8

September 2, Friday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 30, 2013

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Remembering the Helpless and the Fatherless”

Psalm 10:12, 14, 17

Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. 14 But you, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. 17 You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry …

Living in affluence, we often forget that “God has chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith” (James 2:5). Even worse, since most of us are too focused on our wants and needs, we often neglect the poor around us, even disdaining them. In fact, spoiled by Bless-Me-Here-&-Now theology, we often complain at the slightest inconvenience to our comfortable living. We think we are the pobrecitos! How can we wake up from the stupor of our soul?

Today we are reminded that our troubles can be an opportunity to experience the comforting presence of God. It can also wake us up! So if you feel afflicted for whatever reasons, thank the LORD for it and seek His presence. Be “poor in the spirit” so that you can experience “the kingdom of heaven” on earth (Matt. 5:5).

And it is in such state of our soul that we can truly commit ourselves to God. It is there that we can truly remember the helpless, help the fatherless, and listen to the cry of the afflicted. Before leaving home today, spend a moment in Him

Prayer: Dear Jesus, despite Your beatitude of “Blessed are the poor in the spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” I confess that I dislike being poor in any-thing. Thus, help me to see and accept that when I feel poor, whether financial, emotional or spiritual, I can truly experience You, which is a good thing. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 21:1-4: “Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”

James 2:5: “Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him?

Question to Consider

1. Ultimately what really matters is how God assesses our lives and whether He sees it fit to use our stories for His work. In light of James 2:5, the question here is who (or whose action) was praised by Jesus at the expense of whom?

2. Why does God favor the poor? (1 Cor. 1:27-9)

3. Most of us wouldn’t take a literal vow of poverty in hopes of being used by God. So then, what can we do to embody a heart that uniquely belongs to those who are poor, naturally inclining them toward dependency on God? (e.g., 1 Cor. 7:29-31).

Notes

1. A poor widow was praised over wealthy people for giving all that she had to live on.

2. God simply won’t share His glory with anyone. While the weak and the lowly don’t have much in themselves to aid God’s work, the wise and the strong typically think that they do. Thus, God prefers to use the weak and despised in His work so that no one can take credit for something He did. This shows that making ourselves available to God’s work with humility is more important than showing up with our talents, pedigree and gadgets.

3. Based on the logic of 1 Cor. 7:29-31, we live as if we were poor, that is, not rich. Paul states, “And those who buy as though they had no goods, ³¹and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.” This means that we don’t flaunt our wealth to impress people; we don’t look down on people for whatever reasons, we use our resources to do God’s kingdom work.

Evening Reflection

As you look back to today, were you aware of God’s presence? Too busy to notice Him? Write about it, prayerfully think about ways to make improvements, and do better tomorrow. Ask the Lord for help.

September 1, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 9, 2016, is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego. Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Did God Mess Up?”

Galatians 3:21-29 (ESV)

Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law.22 But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[g] nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

The giving of the law seemed contrary to the promise of God that salvation was purely by grace. Is salvation by human effort or by God’s grace? So this is a valid question: Did God mess up? Is God contradicting himself? Paul is saying, “Absolutely not!” Law and grace do not contradict one another, but actually complement one another in God’s plan of salvation for His people. Philip Ryken uses this baseball analogy as an illustration to help us understand this:

“For two glorious summers, the Chicago Cubs taught baseball fans the fundamentals of Reformation theology. First, the Cubs made a trade for Vance Law and started him at third base. Then a few months later, they brought first basemen Mark Grace up from the minor leagues. There they were, right next to each other in the batting order: Law and Grace. They were in the proper order too, first Grace, batting in the fifth position, and then Law. For as Paul explained to the Galatians, God gave grace to Abraham before He gave Moses the law. And there they stood on the baseball diamond – Grace and Law – holding down opposite corners of the infield. Opposing batters would smash the ball to third, where Law would knock it down and throw it over to first for the out. Law to Grace to retire the side. Law and Grace are not opponents; they are teammates working together for the salvation of God’s people. The law leads to grace, which is to be found only in Christ.”

I don’t know if you’ve ever felt the tension between the law and grace, where you felt captivated by the amazing grace given to you, but felt like you had to repay that grace by making sure you follow all the rules. It’s not meant to be that way. It’s always been about grace. The law is not meant to be a vehicle for salvation, but it is meant to reflect our sins to us and redirect us to the grace of God. Again, it is the perfect teammate to grace, working side by side for the salvation of God’s people. Today, be confident in His grace, and hold onto His law, knowing that both are working for your good.

Prayer: Father God, thank you for Your law that not only teaches me how to live this life the right way, but also magnifies Your amazing grace in my life. May I daily seek to meditate upon your word and Your law, knowing that it has been given to me for my benefit. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 6

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 119:97-104 (ESV): Oh how I love your law! It is my mediation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore, I hate every false way.

Question to Consider

1. What is the psalmist encouraging us to do?

2. What are the benefits of holding onto the law of God?

3. What is your experience of the law of God? What is your perception of it?

Notes

1.The psalmist encourages us to meditate on the law of God day and night because it is for our benefit.

2. It give us wisdom and understanding. If God created us and designed us, His law is meant to be a manual on how we are to live this life with the most joy and fulfillment.

3. Self-Reflection.

Evening Reflection

How do you treat “the law of God?” Do you disregard the law because it’s all about grace? Or have you become legalistic and you are unable to receive or give grace? Tonight, ask God to help you to hold onto the radical middle—understanding that the law and His grace is what works together for our benefit.

August 31, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 1, 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 is a graduate of UC San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

John 11:1-16 (ESV)

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. [2] It was Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was ill. [3] So the sisters sent to him, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” [4] But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” [5] Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. [6] So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. [7] Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” [8] The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?” [9] Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. [10] But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.” [11] After saying these things, he said to them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him.” [12] The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.” [13] Now Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he meant taking rest in sleep. [14] Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, [15] and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” [16] So Thomas, called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Love can be described in many ways, but our culture tends to define it in terms of safety and pleasure. A loving spouse will do everything in his power to provide security and positive emotions. A loving parent will do everything in her power to reduce the risk of injury or pain. Of course safety and pleasure are related to love, but they do not define love. God does.

Lazarus is the one whom the Lord loves (v. 3), yet Jesus does not visit him when he is very ill. Jesus loves Martha and Mary and Lazarus (v. 5), yet He allows the sisters to weep and grieve, and Lazarus to die. With friends like these, who needs enemies? But Jesus really does love them and are doing all this for their own good. Jesus knows that happy circumstances, safety, and pleasure bring only fleeting joy. Eternal joy and eternal life cannot be found in such things. In John 17:3, Jesus declares, “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”

As the story unfolds, Thomas realizes that being with Jesus is better than life itself. Martha clings to her faith in Jesus and finds a hope in the resurrection that cannot be shaken, even by the death of her brother. Lazarus is raised from the dead. The disciples see that Jesus reigns even over life and death. In His love, Jesus desires for His people to have more than safety and pleasure—He wants us to know Him.

The world, the flesh, and the devil would have us believe that we can only be happy if we live in a particular place, have a particular kind of family, or work at a particular kind of job. We are led to believe that there is nothing greater than a lack of danger and a lack of pain—and this is not true. Knowing and being known by the Lord of Glory is greater. Jesus works all things for this ultimate good.

Prayer: Father, we thank You that Your glory shines brighter than the sun. We are tempted to retreat from uncertainty and pain, but may we walk with You even through the valley of the shadow of death that we might know You in Your death and resurrection. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:4-7 (ESV): Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. [5] Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; [6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Question to Consider

1. What can interfere with our joy in the Lord?

2. How can we fight for our joy?

3. As we fight for joy, what does God do?

Notes

1. Anxiety about our current needs and troubles.

2. We can fight for our joy through prayers of supplication and thanksgiving.

3. God will give us His peace that will guard our hearts and minds from the lies of the enemy. When we dwell on God’s truth and promises, we will have peace and be able to consistently rejoice.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. How did God show His love to you? Were you tempted to doubt God’s love today? How could God be using the difficulties of the day to draw you closer to Him?

August 30, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on August 25, is provided by Emerson Lin. Emerson, who serves in E. Asia as a missionary, along with his family, was recently ordained. Congratulations. He is a graduate of University of California, San Diego and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Joy of Seeing”

John 9:25-7

He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” 26 Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?”27 He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?”

A few months ago, during the last stretch of the hike through a cave in Sequoia National Park, our tour guide brought us into an open area in its most natural state. Once the breaker was shut off, we experienced pitch- black darkness. I could not see anything in front of me! The longer we stayed in the dark, the more fearful and uncomfortable I became. Once the breaker was back on, I was able to see again and felt a sense of relief.

Can you imagine the blind young man’s joy when Jesus healed him? I was joyful of the lights after experiencing 20 minutes of darkness, yet this young man experienced a lifetime of darkness. Jesus didn’t just physically heal this man, but his physical healing led to an emotional healing. In those days, the Jews believed that deformities were a result of God’s punishment over a family (John 9:1-2, 34). Imagine the social shame that was placed on him, as well as his family. Through this healing, we see his overwhelming joy in verse 25: “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know; I was blind but now I see!”

We, too, have experienced this joy! We were once spiritually blind and spiritual outcasts, but through Jesus, we were accepted and could see. This joy is vital to our faith. When we’re struggling with our family, work, relationships, and ministries, in order for us to persevere, we need the joy of the Lord. Nehemiah 8:10 says, “…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” It refreshes us when we are tired and renews us when we are weary.

When we lack the joy of the Lord, we burn out. Like the Pharisees, we will even begin to discourage those who have experienced powerful ministry from the Lord. Ultimately, we stop believing that God is working our lives.

Are there indications that you are losing joy in your life? I encourage you to ask the Lord for more joy. Another great way to restore joy is to surround yourself with testimonies of God’s work in people’s lives. As you hear more, your spirit will be refreshed. Let the joy of the Lord be your strength!

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for bringing me out of spiritual blindness and into Your marvelous light. Thank You for the joy that comes with the gospel. Help me to continually live in the joy that I have found in You because it sustains me. If I am lacking joy in life, Lord, remind me of Your goodness through Your Word and Your Church. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 126:1-6: When the Lord restored the fortunes of[a] Zion, we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. 4 Restore our fortunes, Lord, like streams in the Negev. 5 Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.

Questions to Consider

What are the people’s reaction to victory and deliverance? Who receives the credit?
How are sadness and joy intertwined in this passage (vv. 5-6)?
How do the Gentiles respond to the joy of the Israelites? What has the Lord done in your life that might bring a similar response from unbelievers who you know?

Notes

The Israelites react with much joy. The joy manifests into laughter and songs. The Lord receives the credit.
The Lord will restore those who are in mourning and in tears with songs of joy! It is a foreshadow of the good news.
They recognize that the Lord has done great things for them.

Evening Reflection

In light of today’s theme on joy, were there situations today where the joy of the Lord sustained you? In what areas of your life do you feel like you need more joy (school, family, ministry, work, etc.)?