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.)?

August 29, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on September 28, 2015.

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“Being Corrected by Someone Clearly Worse Than You”

2 King 24:1a, 10-13

In his days, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up,. . . 10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. 11 And Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to the city while his servants were besieging it, 12 and Jehoiachin the king of Judah gave himself up to the king of Babylon, himself and his mother and his servants and his officials and his palace officials. The king of Babylon took him prisoner in the eighth year of his reign 13 and carried off all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold in the temple of the Lord, which Solomon king of Israel had made, as the Lord had foretold.

When “John,” who was in my youth group many years ago, wanted to speak to me in private, I just assumed that he was having problems with his parents; but I was wrong—he was having problems with me! Dumbfounded by a litany of his accusations, I surprised even myself by refraining from responding to him in anger. Was it because all his charges were groundless? Most of them were—but not everything. What galled me the most was the fact that he wasn’t exactly a model citizen—he frequently ditched school and was into pornography.

The truth is, that while we don’t necessarily mind being corrected by someone deemed wiser and holier, we recoil at the idea of being reprimanded by someone less wise and righteous than us. And that’s what troubled the Israelites upon being told that God had chosen the “ruthless and impetuous” Babylonians (Hab. 1:6), led by its cruel King Nebuchadnezzar (605-562 BC), to invade and then conquer them as a divine punishment for their idolatry and rebellion. Capturing the sentiment of the bewildered Jews, Prophet Habakkuk cried out to God, saying, “Why are you silent while the wicked (i.e., the Babylonians) swallow up those more righteous than themselves?” (v.13).

It is a hard truth to swallow, but God sometimes uses people less righteous than us to correct and rebuke us. How galling it must have been when God, through Prophet Jeremiah, declared, “I will summon . . . my servant Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon . . . and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants” (Jer. 25:9). Of course we need to discern as to what to heed and what to disregard, since what they say is a mixed bag of some truths as well as baseless accusations. But without humility we are liable to throw everything out the window and miss out on an opportunity to grow.

Out of all that John said, one thing that I still remember was that I liked to hear myself talk; I kept it in my heart as a reminder that I ought to speak God’s word instead of mine. Keep your ears open today and perhaps you may hear something useful (as well as painful) to the well-being of your soul.

Prayer: Father, I magnify your glorious Name. I thank You that You love me enough to use anyone to correct me, so that I do not veer off to do my own thing. Lord, increase my capacity to be humble so that I’ll readily listen to the words of those sent by You to make me more Christ-like. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Num. 22:26-32 (ESV): Then the angel of the Lord went ahead and stood in a narrow place, where there was no way to turn either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with his staff. 28 Then the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a fool of me. I wish I had a sword in my hand, for then I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? Is it my habit to treat you this way?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, with his drawn sword in his hand. And he bowed down and fell on his face. 32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to oppose you because your way is perverse before me. 33 The donkey saw me and turned aside before me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, surely just now I would have killed you and let her live.” 34 Then Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the road against me. Now therefore, if it is evil in your sight, I will turn back.”

Lk. 19:40: He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.”

Question to Consider

1. What must you assume about God making a donkey to speak to an errant prophet?

2. It is “understandable” why the prophet wouldn’t listen to a dumb animal. In what sense is that also true for us when someone tries to speak into our lives that isn’t so easy to accept?

3. What do you suppose God is saying to you these days, and who is He using to speak to you? Does the fact that God is using this particular person to speak to you make it harder to hear?

Notes

1. That all other previous, more conventional means to correct him went unheeded; that is, we better listen to God’s correction before God summons a Babylonian-like person (i.e., scary people) or a donkey-like individual (i.e., those who seemingly are below us).

2. It is always easier to dismiss people who do not look very impressive on the outside. But one undeniable fact is that throughout church history, God has used people from the margins of the society to challenge those who occupied the center of power (e.g., Luther, Wycliffe, Savonarola, Huss, etc.).

3. Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Think about all the things that you heard today that were directed to you. Then pick out things that didn’t make you feel too good. Take a moment to reflect on why it bothered you: Was it the messenger or the message? What is the Lord saying to you at this moment?

August 28, Sunday

Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on July 5, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“What Dependence on God Looks Like”

Matthew 6: 30-33 (ESV)

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

A while ago, my dad was away on a teaching trip, and the rest of the family was at home minding their individual affairs. Suddenly, I heard a conversation occurring downstairs that sounded unusually stressful. Apparently, my brother had been notified that an important document hadn’t been correctly filled out, and the deadline was approaching within the next twelve hours. The conversation involved my brother and mom frantically trying to figure out a solution, and this continued for several minutes to no avail.

A short while later, I returned to check on the situation, and the atmosphere totally confused me: my brother was watching a movie and my mom was getting ready for bed, as if the code red situation had never taken place. When asked about whether they figured it out, my mom cheerfully said no. But she called my dad and explained the matter, after which it was assured that he would handle it. The issue remained unresolved, but everyone slept well that night because they trusted that my dad had it under control.

This is an earthly representation of how our dependence on God should be. Although there seems to always be a reason to worry (especially as adults who age, gain responsibilities, and become more aware of this world), our privilege through the Gospel is to be assured that God is in control and can handle any burden.

But a willing mind isn’t enough to make this happen; rather, true freedom comes from a deep, sustained relationship with Him. The eastern religions emphasize meditation as the practice of repeating a word or phrase to enter an effortless state of mindlessness. But Scripture clearly encourages us to actively ponder the works of the Lord, as it states in Matthew 6. Tim Keller in his book Prayer describes biblical meditation as “spiritually tasting the Scripture–delighting in it, sensing the sweetness of the teaching, feeling the conviction of what it tells us about ourselves, and thanking God and praising God for what it shows us about Him.” It is only when we discover the character of God in Scripture will we have the faith to trust Him with our burdens. Today, instead of merely saying “I need more faith” or “I should stop worrying,” let’s spend some time meditating on the Word and seeking His face. Faith in God will naturally arise from an intentional relationship with Him.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, I thank You that I can absolutely trust in your care and concern for my life. I love and I praise You for everything but most of all for your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Kings 2

August 27, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Though, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 10, 2015.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Measuring My Worth Before God”

Luke 15:25-30 (NIV)

“Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. [26] So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. [27] ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’ [28] The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. [29] But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. [30] But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’”

Is. 28:10 (NIV): “For it is: Do this, do that, a rule for this, a rule for that; a little here, a little there.”

During my earlier days as a Christian, I made up some good rules for myself so that I could please God. Each day in my monthly calendar, I recorded how long I prayed (timed to seconds), how many chapters of the Bible I read, etc. I felt great about myself for a while (partly because I was out-performing others), but once I couldn’t keep it up (lots of zeroes), I felt like God was displeased and even angry with me; as a result, I was joyless and felt bound.

The Pharisees, Israel’s religious leaders, to whom this parable was told (15:2), knew that the “older son,” who couldn’t stand his younger brother, represented them. They, too, couldn’t stand the sight of those whom they dubbed as “sinners,” consisting of tax collectors, who corroborated with the hated Romans, and prostitutes. Why? Because these spiritual lowlifes weren’t as holy and righteous as they who kept God’s laws. Thus, they prayed, “God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evil doers, adulterers. . . . I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get” (18:11-2). In their zeal to further differentiate themselves, the Pharisees tagged on additional rules, “such as the washing of cups, pitchers, and kettles” (Mk. 7:4). Upon seeing those who didn’t keep their rules, the Pharisees condemned them, even saying to Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders” (7:5).

Part of the reason behind the spiritual descent of the Pharisees was because they grossly mishandled the benefits that came their way as a result of honoring God. During the intertestamental period, when Israel was under the Gentile domination, many of them died as martyrs for defending the Torah; subsequently, they became very prominent and were highly respected by the Jewish people. Liking the attention, the Pharisees looked for ways to make certain that they sustained their position. In fact, they couldn’t hand out a bag of groceries to the poor without calling in the press to make sure that everyone was aware that they were obeying God (Matt. 6:2). This is how the Pharisees and the “older son” became legalistic about their own faith, while judging the rest who couldn’t keep up with them.

As for my earlier spiritual journey, after months of feeling bad, I began to see that God’s acceptance of me is based on His acceptance of Christ’s works performed on my behalf; since I’m in Christ, God accepts me apart from my own “works, so that no one can boast” (Eph. 2:9). Now, I can obey God out of gratitude and love towards Him instead of having to earn what has already been obtained in Christ.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise and glorify You this morning. All that I have and done is like a filthy rag when compared to Your amazing grace. Remind me always to appraise my worth based on the fact that You gave Your one and only Son to the world so that we might live through His death and resurrection. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 22-2 Kings 1

August 26, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on August 12, 2016. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“First World’s Largest Gnome”

John 6:14-15

“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.”

The world’s third tallest garden gnome is located in upstate New York. According to one of my colleagues, he (the gnome) had held the record of “World’s Largest Gnome” for years until he was finally out-done by others around the world. But instead of quietly lapsing into anonymity, this gnome is still used as a tourist attraction and is billed by his owners sometimes as the “First World’s Largest Gnome.”

Humans are too susceptible to praise; we constantly create opportunities to receive others’ appreciation. Whether it is in demonstrating our expertise, slipping in humblebrags here and there, or creating strange achievements to celebrate, we are always trying to inflate our worth in others’ eyes.

Jesus, who was and is worthy of all honor and adulation, was completely uninterested in all of that. He did not need people to make Him a king; He was already a King. Because God the Father had the final word on His identity, He was free to step away from fawning crowds. By this, Jesus demonstrated who

He was ultimately working to please –the Father.

When you do something successfully, do you keep it to yourself, or do you want to somehow tell others about it afterwards? Let’s challenge each other to strive for the humility of Christ. This is certainly not an easy task, but we can start by basking in the work He has done for us and asking Him to dissociate us from the works of our hands. We might find that, as we are more satisfied in our God-given identities, we will no longer need the world’s applause. We will be free from bondage to others’ praise and free to devote ourselves fully to God’s work.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 21

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1-7: You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. 2 We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. 4 On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. 6 We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 7 Instead, we were like young children among you.

Questions to Consider

Paul starts this section recounting his difficulties from ministry. What are potential areas of compromise for Paul?
What would have been the effects of trying to “please people” rather than pleasing God?
What keeps Paul faithful to the message and able to reject these temptations?

Notes

Paul mentions a number of pitfalls for what could detract from ministry: deceitfulness, flattering speech, seeking glory from others, manipulating others with authority.
Seeking to ’please men’ with the preaching would perhaps increase the popularity of Paul’s message. Given that Paul (and team) had suffered in Philippi, there would be temptation to compromise on boldness so the message could be accepted by others (i.e. no more beatings). However, the truth would have been compromised.
What keeps Paul true to his preaching is the knowledge that God is the witness that examines our hearts. This kind of fear and reverence for God’s holiness and presence keep Paul focused on the mission. He has a task, and he cannot swerve from it, for God is ever-present.

Evening Reflection

Seeking affirmation from others is an instinct of ours. Is there one particular area of your life that you find is harder to surrender praise for? Let’s ask God to help us in our weaknesses and for security that overrides our weakness.

August 25, Thursday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Looking Good is What This Is All About”

Lk. 10:29-31 (NASB)

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.”

Lev. 21:1 (ESV)

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them:

‘No one shall defile himself for a dead person among his people. . . .’”

Many Korean churches list the names of the church members who tithe in their Sunday bulletin. Naturally, most people would check to see, first, whether their name is included in the list, and second, whose name is not there. So, does this practice generate more revenues for the church? Not necessarily, since some people put whatever amount in an envelope and then write, “Tithe.” Apostle Paul would refer to that as “having a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Tim. 3:5).

In many ways, the priest and Levite in the parable were no different: they appeared quite godly since they obeyed God’s law that kept the priests from touching the dead lest they became defiled. Especially on this day, the priest and Levite couldn’t afford to do that since, presumably, they were heading to Jerusalem because it was their division’s turn to serve in the temple. Knowing full well of the consequence of touching a dead body—“Whoever touches the dead body of any person shall be unclean seven days” (Num. 19:11)—they weren’t about to jeopardize this long awaited opportunity to shine.

But there was just one problem: the man wasn’t quite dead. Before these two made a wide turn to pass by the other side, they were close enough to hear and see a man writhing in pain. Had they touched him to help, while their fine outfit might’ve been stained by the man’s blood, it wouldn’t have made them unclean. Thus, not helping wasn’t so much that they were concerned about being defiled but that they eschewed being inconvenienced and “look[ing] out for . . . the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4); nothing was going to stop them from getting what they wanted. And like a criminal with a perfect alibi, these two had a perfect excuse: We thought he was dead and didn’t want to be late for the temple work.

Is looking good before people and getting what you want really important to you? When we live like that, we miss out on opportunities to love our neighbors in need. Let’s live our lives with a form of godliness without denying its power. When you see an opportunity love a neighbor today, just do it!

Prayer: Lord, who isn’t guilty of desiring the praise of men rather than God? I’m guilty of that a thousand times over. How many times have I pretended to be holy before men when I was full of envy and resentment! Forgive my sins and help me to care more about what You think than what men think. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 6:1-4 (NASB): “Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. [2] So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.”

Heb. 6:10 (NIV): “God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”

Question to Consider

1. What drove these people to do good deeds?

2. What drives people to act like that? What do they want?

3. What should motivate us to do good deeds? What are some areas in your life that are driven by your desire to appear godly while denying its power?

Notes

1. They really craved for people’s approval; they wanted people to think that they were really righteous, generous and kind. Is it insecurity or having been reared without receiving much love? Or, is it a result of being praised too often?

2. Ultimately, it is because they have no relationship with God, by choice. They have little or no relationship with God because they don’t prioritize spending time with God. People who hunger for immediate gratification find God’s response too slow and God’s presence too intangible.

3. By faith we do good because it matters to God; we do good because of its inherent goodness; we do good because it helps people; and it is okay to do good, knowing that God will reward us.

Evening Reflection

Did we face a situation today where we acted and talked holier and more loving than what we really were inside? How can we walk more authentically with others and with the Lord? Among other things, it won’t happen without spending some alone time with Him: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10).

August 24, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on August 31, 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

“Not All Questions Are Equal”

John 10:22-25, 30-31, 39-42 (ESV)

At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, [23] and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. [24] So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” [25] Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe . . .. [30] I and the Father are one.” [31] The Jews picked up stones again to stone him . . . [39] Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands . . .. [40] He went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing at first, and there he remained. [41] And many came to him. And they said, “John did no sign, but everything that John said about this man was true.” [42] And many believed in him there.

All questions are not equal—there are honest questions and dishonest questions. An honest question, however silly or offensive, is asked with a genuine desire for more information. For example, when my Sunday School boys ask whether God is really that powerful when people are always dying in OTR, they genuinely want to know the answer. Other questions are not so honest. For example, asking someone, “Do you really like Justin Bieber?!” is less of a question and more of an accusation.

In our passage this morning, the Jews ask Jesus to tell them whether or not He is the Christ. This is not an honest question. Nevertheless, Jesus, who has already told them who He is, tells them again: “I and the Father are one” (v. 30). The Jews promptly pick up stones to kill Him. The Jewish leaders did not want to know more about Jesus—they simply wanted Him to speak so they could oppose Him properly.

On the other hand, near the Jordan where John the Baptist had ministered, many people came to Jesus and believed in Him (vv. 40-42). Why were the hearts of the leaders so closed, while others had open hearts? The answer can be found in the John the Baptist’s ministry. John’s God-given mission was to prepare the way for Jesus. He came with a baptism of repentance, the most important preparation for receiving Christ as He is.

This morning, you are reading this devotional because you want to hear and encounter the risen Son of God. Perhaps you have questions or problems to bring to Him. Before we bring our petitions or our questions, let us take a moment to allow the Holy Spirit to search our hearts. Are we aware of the ugliness of our sin? Do we know our greatest need is a Savior? Do we know that Jesus will answer and make us new if we ask?

May the Spirit open up our hearts and prepare the way for the Savior to speak to us today.

Prayer: Father, forgive me that my heart can become so hard. In the midst of many responsibilities and troubles, may I know that my greatest need is always the forgiveness of sins, and that the greatest gift is that I may be right with You. Thank You for sending Your Son. May Your Word be the food I eat. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 19

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 51:7-17 (ESV): Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.[8] Let me hear joy and gladness;let the bones that you have broken rejoice.[9] Hide your face from my sins,and blot out all my iniquities.[10] Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.[11] Cast me not away from your presence,and take not your Holy Spirit from me.[12] Restore to me the joy of your salvation,and uphold me with a willing spirit.[13] Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you.[14] Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,O God of my salvation,and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.[15] O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth will declare your praise.[16] For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.[17] The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

Question to Consider

1. What does David need from God?

2. How will David respond to God’s answer?

3. David has sinned greatly. What will God accept from David?

Notes

1. David needs God to purge and wash him (v.7). He needs God to blot out his sin (v. 9), give him a clean heart (v. 10), and restore the joy of salvation (v. 12).

2. David will teach sinners God’s ways and help them return to Him (v. 13). David will sing of His righteousness (v. 14).

3. God will not accept sacrifices or burnt offerings but a broken and contrite heart (vv. 16-17). God will accept genuine regret for sin and repentance.

Evening Reflection

Reflect upon your day. When were you frustrated with God? What things seemed more important than your need for Him? How has God shown you grace today? Repent of any hardness of heart and rejoice in the grace of God.

August 23, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 10, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Wise Investor”

Lk. 16:8-9 (NIV)

For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. [9]I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.

1 Sam. 25:11 (NIV)

Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? . . . [11] Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

2 Sam. 17:27-8 (ESV):

When David came to Mahanaim,. . . Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim, [28] brought beds, basins, and earthen vessels, wheat, barley, flour, parched grain, beans and lentils, [29]honey and curds and sheep and cheese from the herd, for David and the people with him to eat, for they said, “The people are hungry and weary and thirsty in the wilderness.

A very successful professional, who also owns many properties, initially agreed to the idea that his wealth ought to be used for God’s work. But he balked at the suggestion that he sponsor a needy child abroad: a monthly support of $38 was too expensive.

Nabal from the OT era, described as “very wealthy” for owning 1,000 goats and 3,000 sheep, and this 21^st century man have this in common: Not using worldly wealth to gain friends for themselves. During the days when David and his men roamed around to escape from the murderous pursuit of King Saul, they, in effect, protected Nabal’s sheep that were grazing out on the field. In fact, Nabal’s servants told their boss, “These men were very good to us” (1 Sam. 25:15). So, when the festive time of sheep-shearing came, David asked Nabal to share “whatever [he] can find for them” (8). Nabal didn’t gain any friend when he responded, “Why should I take my bread . . . and give it to men coming from who knows where?” (11). David, responding to Nabal’s foolishness with his own imprudence, sought to kill him! Fortunately, though the intervention of Nabal’s wife, Abigail, kept that from happening, Nabal soon died of heart failure upon being told later about David’s plot.

Then there is Barzillai, “a very old man” who is also described as “very wealthy” (2 Sam. 19:31-2). By this time, David was the king—now being chased by his son Absalom who sought to kill him. Barzillai, when told of David’s dire predicament (“hungry and weary and thirsty”), “provided for the king during his stay in Mahanaim” (32). Once restored to the throne, David didn’t forget Barzillai’s act of kindness, saying to him, “Stay with me in Jerusalem, and I will provide for you” (33).

Like Barzillai, let’s use our worldly wealth to help someone in need in Jesus’ name, so that when we arrive in heaven, that person will join God in welcoming us, saying to the Lord, “That’s the person who helped me to experience Your love.” Do something generous with your worldly wealth today. That’s what wise investors do.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I exalt your name on high, especially because of the many blessings given to me. Forgive me for hoarding it instead of sharing it. O God, help me to be prudent with what You have given me in light of eternity. Help me to let go so that I may gain friends in anticipation of joining You in heaven. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 18

Lunch Break Study

Read Lk. 12:13-21 (NASB): Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” [14] But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” [15] Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” [16] And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. [17] And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ [18] Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. [19] And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ [20] But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ [21] So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”

1 Tim. 6:7-8 (NIV): For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. [8]But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Question to Consider

1. Why was this parable told at this place?

2. What makes the life of this rich man so foolish?

3. What insight would have helped his man to have lived more wisely? How should this change the way you invest toward your future?

Notes

1. The man in the crowd was solely preoccupied with gaining his rightful share of his father’s inheritance. He didn’t really care its affect on his family; in other words, for the sake of money, he was about to discard the more important things in life.

2. The rich man is a fool because he never got to enjoy what he had stored in his big barn; instead, someone else was going to enjoy it. In the meantime, assuming that he was a believer, since he didn’t invest any of his wealth toward his eternity, he won’t have any “dividends” waiting for him in heaven.

3. What Paul wrote was first said by Job: “Naked I came from mother’s womb, and naked I will depart” (Job 1:20). We must distinguish our needs from our wants: once we make our wants as something we need, then, we’re likely to act like this “someone in the crowd” represented by the rich fool.

Evening Reflection

Review all the purchases you have made today: What does that say about the values you uphold? Does it indicate that you are trying to make friends using your worldly wealth? Reflect on this issue; begin making some changes in how you use the money that God has given you.

August 22, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 1, 2016, is provided by Ulysses Wang who pastors Renewal Church in Sunnyvale, California. Pastor Ulysses is a graduate of New York University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“When You Care”

Colossians 2:5

For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

It’s amazing how much easier ministry is when you genuinely care about people. They tend to open up. They share more. They invite you into their lives. The famous evangelist D.L. Moody once told the story of a young boy who walked five miles every week to get to Sunday school when he could have easily attended any of forty other Sunday schools that were closer to his home. The boy’s reason: “Because they love a fellow over there.”

When Paul says that he is with the Colossians (as well as the Corinthians – 1 Cor. 5:3) “in spirit,” I believe that the crux of what he is saying is that his heart is with them – that they were very much in the forefront of his thoughts and concerns. This seemed to be a consistent theme in his life and ministry: “And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches” (2 Cor. 11:28). I think that this would prove very challenging for many of us, especially those of us who fall more into the “out of sight, out of mind” personality camp. Ditto for the task-oriented as opposed to the relational types among us. Yet we cannot escape the heart of Christian ministry – “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Many of us begin Christian ministry by doing as opposed to loving, but as we mature, we realize that loving is what we really need to be doing. This is not easy. Paul had to remind his flock: “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). But this is unnatural because our sinful flesh is constantly elevating the priority of loving ourselves. Caring for others in an authentic way is so counterintuitive, that Paul wrote, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare. For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 2:19-21). Even for Paul, who served alongside many Christians and knew countless more, Timothy was a diamond in the rough because he really cared.

Prayer: God, teach me how to love others. Forgive me if I am more prone to use others or to treat them like objects or projects. Because You are love and I am in You, I believe that I can love as You love. Help me to slow down. Help me to see people. Help me to be moved with compassion by their stories, to be broken by their tragedies, and to feel their joy when they rejoice. Help me to be less individualistic and to be more communal in the way I view the body of Christ. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 6:30-34: The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

Questions to Consider

1. What was Jesus’ original motivation for taking the disciples to “a quiet place”? What ended up happening when they got there? Why?

2. How flexible are you with your schedule when you encounter others in need?

Notes

1. Jesus wanted the disciples to have some time to rest, but when they got to the destination, they ended up ministering to the people there. Jesus’ “compassion” trumped His tiredness.

2. Schedules are important, but people are more important.

Evening Reflection

“Love must be sincere.” – Romans 12:9.

So, how is your love? Search your heart—ask God to reveal to you one person to whom you really need to show God’s love.