REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Jabez Yeo, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on May 31, 2015.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Misguided Crusades”

Matthew 7:21-23

Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” 

The Crusades were one of the most tragic events committed in the name of Christ, mainly because many of its participants didn’t really know Christ.  In response to the destruction of the Holy Sepulchre by Caliph Al-Hakim (985-1021) and increasing interference of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, the crusaders came to  reclaim it, oblivious to the fact that “the weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Cor. 10:4).  As a result, many were slaughtered, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians among the Arabs, as well as those belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church.   Although centuries have passed since the last Crusade, its after-effects, such as fractured relations between Muslims and Christians, are still present to this day.

While little violence in the name of Christ occurs today, there are still many who use the name of Christ for evil purposes. They may cry “Lord, Lord” (v. 21), but in reality they are not doing the will of our heavenly Father (v. 21) nor are known by Christ because they do not have His authority (v. 23). One good example is prosperity theology. I remember as a freshman in college going to an event held by a very famous prosperity preacher, trying my best to have an open mind. I was a new Christian, but even I felt something was off when the preacher implored everyone to sow a $1000 seed, promising that God would later bless them with greater wealth and health.

As Christians today, we may not be involved in deceptive practices, but how can we be sure that we have Christ’s authority as we do things in His name? Matthew 28:18-20 is a good start. In verse 18, Jesus establishes that all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Therefore, followers of Christ are to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Trinity, and teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded. 

Thus, are we involved with God’s movement of discipleship? Are we engaged in evangelism? Shepherding believers? Teaching to our small groups? All of these and more are part of God’s will for us to make Him known and to be a blessing to others (Gen. 12:1-3). And as we engage in this Kingdom work, we know through Jesus’ promise that His authority will be with us.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for bringing me from darkness into light. I pray that during my life, You would enable me to do our Father’s will through Your authority and the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank You for not only giving me the privilege of being saved, but also the privilege of being used by You in Your saving work to others. Help me to know You more and more each day. In Your Name I pray, Amen

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 8

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, first posted on August 23, 2015, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Our Motives“

2 Kings 10:28-31

Thus Jehu wiped out Baal from Israel. 29 But Jehu did not turn aside from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, which he made Israel to sin—that is, the golden calves that were in Bethel and in Dan. 30 And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in carrying out what is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your sons of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.”31 But Jehu was not careful to walk in the law of the Lord, the God of Israel, with all his heart. He did not turn from the sins of Jeroboam, which he made Israel to sin.

I am ashamed of this reference on so many fronts, but if you are about my age, you’ll get it.  At the end of the 1990 classic Pretty Woman, Edward Lewis (Richard Gere) and Philip Stuckey (Jason Alexander) get into a fist fight.  After the fight, Edward fires Stuckey from his position as his lawyer and C.E.O. of gobbling up other businesses.  Stuckey, upon being fired and beaten up, begs, “What is wrong with you?  Come on, Edward!  I gave you ten years!  I devoted my whole life to you!”  And Edward responds (edited for language): “[That’s a lie!]  It’s the kill you love, not me!  I made you a very rich man doing exactly what you loved.”  The “kill” referred to acquiring and consuming other companies—which Stuckey seemed to have a thirst for.  

If you’ve been following our devotions over the last few days, you have probably come to the realization that Jehu is a complicated character.  True, he was God’s instrument of judgment on the house of Ahab, and he was very zealous in doing his work, which again was cutting off Ahab’s descendants.  Furthermore, Jehu was also credited with killing all the priests of Baal and eliminating Baal worship from Israel.  As a result of his work, God allows his family to rule Israel for four generations.  On the flip side, we read that Jehu continued in the sins of Jeroboam, worshipped golden calves in Bethel and Dan, and caused Israel to do the same.  My conclusion:  Jehu, much like Stuckey, “loved the kill,” but he never truly loved God.  The reason Jehu performed his tasks so admirably was that he was probably a violent man who literally loved the kill.  If God had asked him to do anything else, I think he would have failed.  

Why do you do ministry?  Why do you go to church or get involved in cell groups or community groups or serve in general?  Unfortunately, I’ve served with many people who got involved because something about ministry, other than the love of God, appealed to them.  Some liked the business of planning events, others liked the activities, or the friendships; some served simply to feel important, etc.  Ultimately, this is a reminder to check your hearts.  Do you serve and get involved because you love Jesus more than you love His work?  I hope this is the case for you and all of us.  

Lastly, here is the scary part: God genuinely used Jehu, though his heart was not devoted to Him.  I’ve seen God use many people with ulterior or impure motives—meaning just because God is using you or your ministry is not a sure tell that you are fully devoted to Him.  

Prayer: God, please give me a heart that is genuinely devoted to You.  Though it is good to enjoy ministry, help me to have pure motives in all that I say and do.  Thank you that I can love You because You first loved me.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  1 Kings 6-7

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 20, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Forgiving Others” (for Your Own Sake as Well)

Matt. 18:23-35 (ESV)

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. [24] When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. [25] And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. [26] So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ [27] And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. [28] But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ [29] So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ [30] He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. [31] When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. [32] Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Many years ago, I returned home to Virginia from California to work so I can save money for my seminary education.  One of the jobs was helping out at my father’s business.  Some time later, I saw a customer, as he was leaving my father’s restaurant, fuming with anger. I discovered later that my dad had yelled at him for walking on mopped floor.  So I asked my dad, “Why do you always get mad at customers?”  Not liking my attitude, he said something that really upset me; so for the next five weeks, I didn’t speak to him

Jesus tells this parable to Peter who asks Jesus how many times someone who sins against him should be forgiven.  Whereas Judaism put the cap at three, Peter increases it “up to seven times” (Matt. 18:21).  Not impressed, Jesus says, “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times” (v.22), that is, infinitely.  It’s likely that this is when the other disciples joined Peter in retorting, “Increase our faith!” (Lk. 17:5).  

In the parable, Jesus has the master cancel the unpayable debt owed to him by his servant.  But when that same servant refuses to be merciful toward his fellow servant who owes so much less, the master becomes furious and punishes his servant.  Now, the master represents God; the unpayable debt is the “wages of sin,” which is, “death” (Rom. 6:23); the act of cancelling it is Christ’s death that “takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29).  The servant with the cancelled debt represents us whose good works can never atone for our sins against God and fellow men.  The fellow servant, whose miniscule debt isn’t forgiven by his coworker, represents my father whose sin I wouldn’t forgive because I was being ungrateful to God who forgave me of much greater debt.  

As a result, the jailers—my conscience and the devil—began questioning my character, faith and fitness for ministry.  The freedom came when, prompted by the Spirit, I asked my dad for forgiveness.  I did it for me because being tortured like that was agonizing.  So if you’re caught in the middle of a story like mine, don’t wait: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Col. 3:13).

Prayer: O loving God, how gracious and merciful You have been to me all these years.  Sadly, I’ve held onto any and every pettiness that came my way, often letting it simmer in my soul to the point of losing joy and peace.  I need to forgive; I need to be forgiven.  So I confess my sins to You and to those who are affected by my unforgiveness.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 5

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Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 6:14-5 (NIV): “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Col. 3:12-3 (NASB): “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.”

1 Jn. 1:8-10 (ESV): “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Question to Consider

1. Does God take this matter of forgiveness seriously?   If so, why do you think so?

2. How would you understand Matt. 6:15: “If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins?”

3. Ultimately, what will restore a broken fellowship between God and us?

Notes

1. There are a number of ways to capture what salvation implies: justification, redemption, born-again, saved from going to hell.  But one prominent way is the forgiveness of sins.  So, what will show that we truly understand and appreciate what was done for us?  Forgiving those who have wronged us.

2. It’s like any sin that is unconfessed and unrepented by believers: it breaks the fellowship between God and the impenitent believer.  So, “Your Father will not forgive your sins” refers to a broken fellowship due to, in this context, unforgiveness, which is a sin.  

3. Confession (admission) of our wrong doings.  While unforgiveness is a sin, pretending that all iswell only makes it worse: We become deceivers who are sold to lies.  To validate our confession of sins to God (vertical), we also need to address them horizontally (confessing to the affected party).

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Evening Reflection

Did anyone upset you today?  Is there a situation in your life where you have been dealing with an unforgiveness issue?  Perhaps, you are upset at God over some disappointments.  Don’t linger anymore: talk to the affected party, including God if that’s your case.  Now!  A phone call. An e-mail.  A text.  A prayer. 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on August 11, 2016.  Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Faith of George Mueller”

John 6:5-6 

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

George Mueller, the evangelist famous for his ministry to orphans, left a legacy of hundreds of recorded answers to prayer. One story in particular sticks out: On a morning after being informed that there was no breakfast food available, Mueller had the three hundred orphans take their seats at the dining tables. He led them to say grace, believing that even though there was nothing available, God would not let His children go hungry that morning. 

Soon after, a baker came by, having been woken up in the middle of the night and feeling convicted that God wanted him to send bread that morning. Not long after, a milkman knocked; his cart had broken down in front of the orphanage, and he thought he should send in cans of milk to lighten the load while his cart was being fixed. 

Oftentimes, God will present us with an impossible task; we will lack the resources, the ability, the time, the energy. This happens, even as we are going around doing work that we believe God has called us to do. The disciples must have felt frequently frustrated as they followed Jesus. Wherever they went, they seemed to always lack resources for the jobs they were responsible for. 

What do we do when we feel like we are being overwhelmed with an impossible task in front of us? It is tempting to throw in the towel, despair, and give up altogether. But, let’s not give up hope when faced with the impossible. God Himself is asking us where we will turn to. 

Let’s remember that our Father commands the entire world and lacks nothing. God is intending to show us how He will provide. As we are faced with our limitations and confess that we do not have a way out, He who loves us will surely send us what we need.

Prayer: Father, help me to trust You even when it feels like an impossible task is in front of me. Thank You for reminding me that I am wholly dependent on You. Help me to trust that all the resources of the world are at Your fingertips. Please show me again that Your provision is not only timely but also abundant. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 4

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Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Questions to Consider

1. This passage is an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian church to give generously. Paul addresses one of the reasons the church may be tempted to not give. What is it, and what is his response?
2. Here, God’s provision and our generosity seem to be linked. How could this be the case?
3. Paul encourages the church to give, but he also reminds them that God supplies the seed and increases the harvest. Why then, do we continue to give?  Let’s reflect on our reason for giving, and whether we are being as generous as we can.

Notes

1. One hindrance to generous giving is the fear that we will ultimately end up lacking. Paul reminds the church that God is able to bless them abundantly, so that, at all times, the church will be able to give generously. 
2. It is important to remember that the favor we receive in this life is not meant to be a harvest reaped for ourselves. Instead, God blesses us abundantly so that we may be generous with our lives. 
3. God does not need our help in creating any harvest, but He gives us the opportunity to join us in His work. Although Paul says initially that those who sow sparingly reap sparingly, he also hints that our giving does not dictate the harvest. God can increase and multiply the harvest – our limitations are never His limitations. What we get is a front row seat to seeing how God can do much out of the very little we bring.

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Evening Reflection

Are there places where you can be more generous but are too fearful to give? Let’s approach Him and ask to be reminded that He is the one who gives abundantly so that we can freely give to others.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on September 3, 2015

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Hey, You Ain’t That Strong, So Take Heed”

2 King 15:1-5

In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam king of Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah king of Judah began to reign. 2 He was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 3 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done. 4 The high places, however, were not removed; the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there.5 The Lord afflicted the king with leprosy until the day he died, and he lived in a separate house.  Jotham the king’s son had charge of the palace and governed the people of the land.

While reading about Billy Graham’s grandson, a pastor, who recently resigned from his church after admitting an affair, I was reminded of “The Graham rule.” What’s that? It refers to the famed evangelist vowing to never meet, eat, or travel with a woman alone.  However, this sensible approach for married men—to avoid a potentially compromising situation—isn’t always appreciated by some women seeking to advance in the Christian ministry. How so?  Not meeting with men in leadership one-on-one to talk about ministry-related projects and businesses is perceived as slowing down their career advancement. 

So what does this have to do with Azariah?  First, doesn’t it seem like this narrative is missing something? Why did God afflict a righteous king with leprosy—the most accursed disease–that led to a lengthy solitary confinement?  For that, we need to rely on the Chronicler who noted the following about the king, a.k.a., Uzziah: first, “he sought God” (2 Chron. 27:5); second, “he had become very powerful” because his “well-trained army” (11) defeated all enemy nations; and third, through his innovative economic programs, Judah prospered greatly (9-10).  So, what came of this?  “After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall” (16), which reached its apex when he “entered the temple of the LORD to burn incense” (16). By that action alone, Uzziah completely dissed God who allowed no one but the priests to enter the temple.  And that’s when “the LORD had afflicted him” (20).    

All social movements are a mixed bag: some have produced better results than others but none is beyond reproach—and that certainly includes the Women’s Rights movement. It is indeed a bad idea for married men to meet a woman alone, regardless of the gravity of the matter, for nothing positive will come out of this, eventually. So, I say to the naysayers to back off, but do bring a friend. 

Men, if you ignore this warning, as if you are stronger than the former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, who fell for a woman journalist interviewing him in his office, or a Mexican friend pastor who impregnated a woman he was counseling—also in his office—I would say you are prideful, just like Uzziah was when he entered the temple.  And remember: “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov. 16:18). Meet, yes, but never alone.  Remember, you ain’t that strong, so take heed.

Prayer: Lord, please keep me from a prideful heart so that I won’t act like a fool. Fill me with Your Spirit so that I may overcome alluring temptations.  In fact, Lord, may you fill me with wisdom so that I may avoid potentially compromising situations where temptations await. Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 3

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Numbers 12:1-10: Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite woman whom he had married, for he had married a Cushite woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only through Moses? Has he not spoken through us also?” And the Lord heard it. 3 Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. 4 And suddenly the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tent of meeting.” And the three of them came out. 5 And the Lord came down in a pillar of cloud and stood at the entrance of the tent and called Aaron and Miriam, and they both came forward. 6 And he said, “Hear my words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord make myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. 7 Not so with my servant Moses. He is faithful in all my house. 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and he departed. 10 When the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow. And Aaron turned toward Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.

Eph. 4:15, 25: Rather, speaking the truth in love. . . . Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Question to Consider

1. What made it easier for Aaron and Miriam to become prideful and speak against Moses?

2. What are some qualities which Moses possessed that are highly valued by the LORD?

3. Some may use this event to say that no one should say anything against their spiritual leaders.  Then what should we do when we don’t agree with our leaders?

Notes

1. Remembering that Moses was their younger brother, perhaps they momentarily gave into the thought that they were more mature than he.  Of course, his marriage to a Gentile woman, which they thought was a mistake, may have made them feel morally superior over Moses, even though God was silent on this matter. 

2. Meekness, faithfulness and a compassionate heart (as Moses earnestly asked God to heal his sister).

3. Whether we speak to leaders or those who serve under us about anything, including disagreements, we always put off falsehood (being fair and objective) and speak the truth in love (not to hurt or win but to settle for that which honors God and beneficial for everyone involved).

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Evening Reflection

Every day we are insulted by someone or we insult others—in varying degrees.  So in looking back to today, how did you handle these situations?  Did you hurl back when you felt insulted or did you enjoy insulting others? Be silent and ask the Lord speak to you.  Allow the Spirit to cleanse you of any bitterness and resentment. Ask God to give you a better day tomorrow.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on June 7, 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

“Justification”

Galatians 3:10-14 (ESV)

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” 12 But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

Have you ever tried to use something that it wasn’t designed to do and found it to be incredibly inefficient and frustrating? I was once at a house where the showerhead wasn’t working (or so we thought). I ended up crouching in the tub trying to cup the water that came out of the faucet and splash it on myself to rinse off the soap. It was incredibly inefficient and a lot of water was wasted.

Paul is asking the Galatians: Do you really want to be saved by following the works of the Law? Do you really want to go that route? First of all, if you want to be justified by your works, you need to obey the entirety of the Law, which is impossible for man to do. Second, that’s not what the Law was meant to do. The Law was never meant to be the avenue through which humanity would be justified before God. So then, what is the purpose of the Law? Imagine coming home after a long day of gardening. In the bathroom, you look in the mirror and see how dirty you are. Does looking at the mirror make you clean? Of course not. No matter how intently or how long you look at the mirror, it cannot cleanse you. Instead, you turn on the water to wash your face so that you can be cleansed. The Law is a mirror that reveals the stain of sin that we all have; and only Jesus, who became a curse for us by hanging on that tree, is the one that can cleanse us permanently.  

Paul says justification does not come by the law, but by faith in God. For Abraham, it was faith in God’s covenant with him. For the Israelites, it was faith in God’s provision of the Law and the sacrificial system[1]. And now Paul tells us that Jesus is the final and perfect sacrifice upon which we place our faith, so that we might receive the blessing of God and His Spirit.  Faith isn’t only for the life to come, but for this life as well. Faith in our own ability to maneuver through life can easily supersede our faith in God. But we come to realize that living a life of faith in God is so crucial because it is the only currency that God honors. Are you living a life of faith in Him? Ask Him increase your faith and He will surely do so.

Prayer: Father God, help me see the ways that I have succumbed to legalism and help me turn from legalism towards your grace. I pray for an extra measure of faith so that I might live this life placing my faith in You rather than my own abilities to be a good person. Help me to take steps of faith, not just for the life to come, but for this life as well. May my faith in You dictate the way I live this life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 11:13-16 (ESV): These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

Question to Consider

1. What is the reward of faith?

2. What does it mean to have faith in God in this passage?

3. Do you believe that God has prepared a heavenly city for you?

Notes

1. It’s important to note that we will not always see the fruit of our faith in this life time. We might see a promise of God from afar, but may not ending up receiving the fullness of the promise. Nevertheless, we know that faith, particularly faith in God will not let us down.
2. They had faith that God was leading them somewhere better. Ultimately, they did not see this earth as their home, a place for them to settle in, but they saw it as a place they were merely passing through. They were able to let go of the things of this earth because they knew that their true home awaited them.
3. Often we get distracted by the things of this world, but when we once again realign our purpose and vision to the city of God that awaits us, we will be once again ready to make decisions in this lifetime based upon faith in God.

Evening Reflection

“Legalism is more subtle and more pervasive and, in the end, more destructive. Satan clothes himself as an angel of light and makes the very commandments of God his base of operations. And the human heart is so inveterately proud and unsubmissive that it often uses religion and morality to express its rebellion. As Romans 10:3 says, ‘In seeking to establish their own righteousness, they would not submit to the righteousness of God.’ The pursuit of righteousness can lead to perdition. So Galatians admonishes us: Know why the law was given and don’t be bewitched into pursuing it in a way that leads to death, but only in a way that leads to life.” – John Piper

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[1] The sacrificial system was actually what would cleanse them from their sins, not the Law.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 1, 2015.6

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t be Eager to be Used by God”

Lk. 6:39-40 (ESV)

“He also told them a parable: ‘Can a blind man lead a blind man?  Will they not both fall into a pit? [40] A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.’”

The seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were really impressed with Paul when he drove out evil spirits.  So, upon seeing a “man who had the evil spirit” (Acts 19:15), they said, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out” (13).  The evil spirit, instead of coming out, retorted, “’Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?’  Then the man who had the evil spirit . . . . gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding” (15-6).  What happened?  Without being fully trained and presuming their vision to be 20/20, Sceva’s sons tried to lead a “blind man”; the result was disastrous.  

Many of us want to take on a bigger assignment from God, but consider the events in Paul’s life.  Soon after his conversion, Paul became aware that he was God’s “chosen instrument to carry [His] name before the Gentiles and their kings” (9:15).   Being a competitive and zealous person (Gal. 1:14), Paul might’ve thought that this international ministry was going to start right away.  But God had other plans: Paul spent the next three years mostly in Arabia (17) where God trained him for ministry in isolation from everyone.   Then he went to Jerusalem where he spoke “boldly in the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:29), but the Jews there “tried to kill him” (29).  So, the church leaders had him return home to Tarsus (350 miles) and stay there until the situation calmed down.  But, by the time Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Paul and bring him to Antioch (11:25-6), which, in time, would launch his international ministry, he had waited 8 years in anonymity.  During those years, instead of looking ahead for his big break, Paul was training hard while no one was looking; he was learning to be “faithful with a few things” (Matt. 25:23).  

Don’t be eager to be used by God; if He wants to use you, He will find you.  In the meantime, submit to God’s training so that when He calls, you are ready to serve God in total dependence upon Him.  

Prayer: God, I magnify You this morning.  Since I take my job (or study) seriously, I put all my energy to get better, but I don’t put the same effort in serving You.  Often, I just show up without any preparation.  Forgive me for this arrogance.  Help me to change so that I may render a service that is worthy of You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Kings 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 11:1 (NASB): “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.”

2 Thess. 3:6-9 (ESV): “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. [7] For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, [8] nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. [9] It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.”

Heb. 13:7 (ESV): “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.”

Question to Consider

1. What is the best and most effective way to be trained for ministry at any level?

2. What’s the most difficult aspect about people looking to you for modeling?

3. What was Paul’s concern in relation to the Thessalonians who erroneously believed that the coming of Jesus already happened or was imminent (2 Thess. 2:1-2)?What are some areas where you need training?

Notes

1. All three passages have this in common as to the best way to be trained: first, be observant of a tangible model of individuals who demonstrate the character and the ways of Christ; two, imitate their ways.  We are also to be motivated by the final outcome of people who have maintained a consistent walk with God. 

2. The most difficult aspect is being consistent with what I say and what I actually do.  It would be hard to be a model for anyone if I live lazily after teaching people that they should be industrious.  

3. Paul was concerned that several Thessalonians had stopped working on account that the world was about to end (i.e., the 2^nd coming of Christ).  So Paul reminded them about his example of how he was working to support himself.  Are you working hard or always looking for short-cuts?  Imitate Paul as he imitated Christ. 

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Evening Reflection

God trains us through many ways, formal education being one.  But the most impactful way is through trials and errors that He allows in our lives.  What are some ways that God trained you today?  What did you learn about the Lord and about yourself?  Take a pause and reflect.  “Consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds” (James 1:2). 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor David Kwon of Journey Community Church in Raleigh, was originally posted on November 29, 2015.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (B.S.) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Above All Else, Stay Humble”

Esther 5:9-14 

And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai. [10] Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and brought his friends and his wife Zeresh. [11] And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and the servants of the king. [12] Then Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king. [13] Yet all this is worth nothing to me, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” [14] Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.

“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”  ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

As we have been reading the story of Esther, one of the most pivotal characters in the story is Mordecai.  He was the one who raised Esther, and he was there for her to give advice in the face of evil.  There are many adjectives we can use to describe him, but one characteristic that stands out is—his humility. He was never impressed by the riches of royalty or desired to take any credit for Esther’s plan to expose Haman, but rather, we see a man who sincerely wanted to obey the Lord and to honor God by doing what was right.   He completely understood the providence of God and his potential role in it if he remained faithful.  Anyone in his position could have taken the glory for his plan to thwart Haman, but rather, he seemed to always respond in humble obedience.

Haman, on the other hand, was a man who was full of himself and consumed with pride. And he thought that he had won both the king and the queen to his side for his plan to annihilate the Jewish people.  Haman was right in his own eyes, and he also demanded respect from the people who were under him (v.9).   

This is an important lesson for us because God always opposes the proud and exalts the humble.  The apostle Peter would also make note of this principle: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6).  How are you doing in the area of humility?  C.S. Lewis says it best: “As long as you are proud you cannot know God. A proud man is always looking down on thing and people: and, of course, as long as you are looking down you cannot see something that is above you” (Mere Christianity).

One practical way we can grow in the area of humility is by fearing the Lord. Fearing is not an unhealthy emotion, like being scared; but rather it is being in a state of awe and wonder.  It starts with worship and seeing God for who He is.  So this morning, spend time in worship.  As we do, we will decrease and He will increase.

Prayer:  Lord, I want to be a person who walks in humility.  Help me to overcome areas of pride by being in awe of You.  You are the only one worthy of my worship and praise.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 24

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Thought, first posted on August 22, 2015, is provided by Pastor Yohan Lee.  He is a friend of AMI who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Spiritual Food for Thought for This Weekend

“Consistently Good, Fair and Just”

2 Kings 10:10-11

Know then that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab, for the Lord has done what he said by his servant Elijah.” 11 So Jehu struck down all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, all his great men and his close friends and his priests, until he left him none remaining.

Most parenting experts will tell you that when it comes disciplining our children, the most important thing is to be consistent.  Inconsistency is why I might be the worst parent in the world.  I have two year old boy-girl twins, Jon and Abbie.  My wife and I joke that Jon is “not smart enough to punish.”  For example, if we send Abbie to her room for ill behavior, she cries knowing she’s being punished.  But when we send Jonny in there, he smiles and laughs. (I think he thinks we are playing hide-and-seek.)  At nap time (they share a room), we tell them both to stay in bed, and if they get out they are going to get punished.  Whenever I go in their room because I hear mischief, Abbie is always in her bed, while Jon is always out.  Don’t get me wrong, they are both being troublemakers, but Abbie knows, at least, to stay in bed.  When I tell Jon that he needs to be punished, he looks at me like, “What did I do?”  And when I tell them it is time to get spanked, Abbie runs away in fear, while Jon runs toward me smiling and laughing as if I am going to read him a book.  The truth of the matter is that I find Jon really cute, and when he looks at me and smiles with that blank look on his face, many times, I cannot bring myself to punish that guy (inconsistency).  In my heart of hearts, punishing the lad is not what I want to do.  But I know that good parenting involves disciplining our children, and teaching them that there are consequences for their actions.  

While going through the narrative history of Israel, eventually, we would have to broach the topic of punishment.  Make no mistake about it, Jehu was the Lord’s agent of punishment and judgment on the house of Ahab.  Ahab and Jezebel’s alliance was wicked; as individuals, they were wicked, and as a household they led Israel into further idolatry and evil action.  Their deeds deserved to be punished.  I think when reading the Bible, we often mistake patience with inconsistency.  God is patient, but I wouldn’t say He is inconsistent.  In fact, part of God’s immutable nature is that He remains at all times consistently good, fair, and just.  And when God says that He is going to punish evil, you can be sure that He is not inconsistent like human parents.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to see that justice and discipline are as much a part of Your character as grace and forgiveness. Help me to trust in Your hand even if the results are difficult to understand or terrifying.  Help me to know that You are always good and always sovereign.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 22-23

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 13, 2015.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Lousy, Terrible Closer”

Matt. 12:43-5 (NIV)

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. [44] Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. [45] Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.”

It’s the job you’ve always wanted, and you thank the Lord for it.  However, after 3 years of the daily grind of meetings, conference calls and business trips, often skipping church on Sundays, you can hardly remember the last time you have prayed or opened the Bible.   The present condition is worse than the first!

The life of King Joash began quite inauspiciously.  His father, King Ahaziah of Judah, and mother were murdered soon after his birth; then, his grandmother Athaliah “proceeded to destroy the whole royal family” (2 Chron. 22:10) so that she could rule Judah.  Fortunately, someone rescued Joash and hid him at the temple for 6 years.  Imagine that—six years of not seeing the sunlight! But the tide of life turned in Joash’s favor when Jehoiada the priest, after successfully ousting Athaliah, made him the king; he was seven years old.  And despite the sad and painful past, Joash, under the guidance of Jehoiada, “did what was right in the eyes of the LORD” (24:2), which included repairing the temple. 

However, everything changed after Jehoiada died.  Joash, after heeding bad advice, “abandoned the temple of the LORD . . . and worshiped . . . idols” (18).  When Zechariah, the son of his mentor Jehoiada, spoke out, Joash, “not remember[ing] the kindness . . . Jehoiada had shown him” (22), killed him.   Consequently, “because Judah had forsaken the LORD,. . . judgment was executed on Joash” (24).  Not only was Judah defeated and looted by Aram, Joash was severely wounded as well.  What did him in were his officials who “killed him in his bed” (25). The final condition of Joash was worse than the first. In modern vernacular, Joash was a lousy, terrible closer.

Today’s parable actually had Israel in mind (Matt. 12:38-43).  After comparing Israel’s unresponsiveness to His message to the responsiveness of the Ninevites to Jonah’s preaching, Jesus was underscoring the worsened condition of Israel’s heart. How can we ensure that this doesn’t happen to us?  For starters, don’t leave your heart and mind unoccupied: Fill your heart with gratefulness (Heb. 12:28 ESV) and humility (1 Pet. 5:6); fill your mind with the knowledge of God’s word (Heb. 4:6).  

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that I often do nothing about my declining spiritual life because to address it would mean having less time making money and doing the things that I enjoy.  God, I don’t want to hit rock bottom spiritually; there is nothing good there.  Help me to get serious about my spiritual life.  Fill me with the Spirit.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Samuel 21

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Pet. 2:20-22 (ESV): “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. [21] For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. [22] What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’”

2 Cor. 13:5 (ESV): “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”

Rev. 2:4-5 (NASB): “But I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [5] Therefore remember from where you have fallen, and repent and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and will remove your lampstand out of its place—unless you repent.”

Question to Consider

1. What concerns Peter?  Why do you think that once the downward spiritual spiral is set off, the eventual condition often becomes worse than the initial condition?
2. What does Paul suggest that we do to keep us from the downward spiritual spiral?  How do we do this?
3. What should we do once we realize what is causing us to be distant from God?

Notes

1. He had the same concern that Christ had: thelater state becoming worse than the former.
2. Living the Christian life is not easy when temptations lurk everywhere.  Anytime Christians sin rather ostentatiously, some probably expect divine punishment.  When that doesn’t happen, they become emboldened to push the envelope.  And once the devil, who always looks for someone (especially Christians) to devour (1 Pet. 5:8) is added to the mix, it can get exponentially worse.
3. Paul recommends self-spiritual examination.   How?  I think we need to be honest about ourselves in the following areas: time spent praying, reading the word, offering, participating in church’s spiritual activities, etc.  Some criteria are a matter of the heart: Do I really love God?  Am I really dependent on Him? Do I even think about God? Do I truly believe in God?” Once we realize what or who is causing our downward spiritual spiral, God expects us to repent; that is, turn from the situation or person responsible for aiding and abetting our downward spiral.  Example: When we got married in 1987, we had an old black and white television set, and just about the only show we watched was Honeymooners that came on at 11:30 PM.  But, once we realized how that habit was affecting our getting up in the morning (and our time with God), we decided to get rid of it.

Evening Reflection

Based on how you lived today (what you did, who you hung around with, what you said), examine your spiritual life.  Do you need changes?  In what areas?  Giving?  Character?  Spending?  Viewing habit?  Forgiveness?  Desire?  Relationship?  Figure it out and work