March 9, Wednesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on October 28, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God Behind the Scenes”

Nehemiah 2:2-8

And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. 3 I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What are you requesting?” So I prayed to the God of heaven. 5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen sitting beside him), “How long will you be gone, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me when I had given him a time. 7 And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given me to the governors of the province Beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.

One of the most comforting truths for God’s children is that everything that happens to us, and everything that we do, can ultimately have a meaningful expression of purpose. Four months have passed since Nehemiah had begun praying about the condition of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was intimate enough with King Artaxerxes that he noticed Nehemiah’s burden as conveyed by the sadness in his heart. What was otherwise a crime punishable by death (appearing sad before the king) actually caused Artaxerxes to ask Nehemiah about his state of mind. 

How was Nehemiah, a Jew, even in the presence of the Persian king to begin with? He was selected to be the king’s cupbearer, and one of his main duties was to taste the food and drink before the king would eat it. For Artaxerxes, this was personal because his father had died from being poisoned, so he would not have chosen lightly his cupbearer. And as the cupbearer who had the trust of the king, Nehemiah alone was in a unique position to influence the king. 

Whether it is cup bearing to a king or a nine to five job in a cubicle somewhere, we see through the life of Nehemiah that God is always working behind the scenes, that He never calls us to something without a reason. He works and maneuvers to place us right where He wants us. So often we question why God allows certain things to happen to us; but as we learn to trust Him, we realize that God has actually positioned us. And when the moment comes, we find that it has been worth every bit of effort—our waiting time has not been wasted time. 

Nehemiah reminds us today that God’s sovereignty is quietly at work in our lives. In what we might call coincidences, insignificant events, we can be confident that God can and will use it for our good. 

Consider the ordinariness of your life; know today that God has placed you. What you are doing, where you are located at this point in your life, it is no accident. You may not know what God is up to behind the scenes of your life, but you are positioned. It may be difficult to see the connection now; but in time, it will come together.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:28-30: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. [29] For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. [30] And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.”


Questions to Consider 

1. What is required for God to act in our interest, for our good according to verse 28?  

2. In verse 29, we are told that God “foreknew” us and that God “predestined” us? What is the aim of God knowing us and choosing us?   

3. Paul tells us we are predestined by God, not to be theologically controversial, but to show us the strength and security of God’s love. Does the word “predestination” bother or comfort you? 

Notes 

1. We need to love God; making that as the ultimate goal of our life is what’s for our best interest.  

2. To be conformed to the image of God. 

3. Personal. 

Evening Reflection

Consider this thought: “Success comes when a thousand hours of preparation meet one moment of opportunity.” – Anonymous.  Are you preparing yourself? 

March 8, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on September 23, 2015.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Teamwork”

2 Kings 22:3-4, 8-12

“In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the secretary, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the temple of the LORD.  He said: 4 ‘Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him get ready the money that has been brought into the temple of the LORD . . . .’ 8 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, ‘I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD.’ He gave it to Shaphan, who read it . . . 10 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, ‘Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.’ And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.  11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.  He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant . . .”

Fall is football season, and there are few sports in which the beauty of teamwork is more evident.  Marathons are by nature individual, basketball can be played one-on-one; but with football, you need a team.  Even before the quarterback throws the ball, he is only able to because he has teammates protecting him from getting tackled, giving him the time he needs to assess the overall situation on the field and make the best decision.  The quarterback could then run with the ball himself, but most of the time it’s more effective for him to pass it to another in a better position to run with it.  Teamwork is therefore essential and a great part of what makes the game enjoyable.

In today’s passage we see an example of a healthy team dynamic between a leader and his staff, all the more highlighted by the stark contrast of how his father died several verses prior (“Amon’s officials conspired against him and assassinated the king in his palace.” 2 Ki 21:23).  In Amon’s case, he is betrayed by those who should have been his chief sources of support and wise counsel.  In Josiah’s case, he has people who are on board with his spiritual leadership, working together with him for the common good.

King Josiah steps up to his role of setting the spiritual direction of the nation by giving orders regarding restoring the temple; and his faithful chief aides carry out his orders and communicate back to the king important developments found in the field—namely, discovering the Book of the Law.  Most impressively, we see the king listen to his staff and respond.  And finally, we see him make decisions and give orders to his staff based on the information they have provided to him.  In this way, the king led the way but at the same time relied on and worked together with his trusted council.

Whether we are leaders or people who carry out orders and turn intentions into reality, how can we work better with our teammates today?  Do we need to listen better?  Better obey?

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for the team.  Help me to realize more and more what my specific position is and to fulfill it well.  Help me do my best to work with others today.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 8

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Peter 5:1-7: “To the elders among you . . . : 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock . . . 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”  6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

Questions to Consider

1. Who is Paul addressing when he says “one another” in verse 5?  What is the main point of this verse? 

2. While it is relatively easy to understand how the younger are to submit to the elders, how are elders to “submit” and show humility towards those in their care (vv. 2-3)?  

3. When we humble ourselves before others, who are we really submitting to (v. 6)?  What can keep us from submitting to others (v. 7)?  Is there anything I am anxious about today that keeps me from submitting to those around me?

Notes

1. One another = older and younger.  Verses 5-6 can be seen as an echo of Ephesians 5:21: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” 

2. By being eager to serve them (v. 2) and not lording their “elder” positions over them (v. 3) (i.e., being “bossy” or giving orders just for the sake of enjoying telling people what to do).  

3. God.  When we get anxious, it is because we are having a hard time trusting which leads to a hard time submitting.  When we cast our anxieties on God, we can relax and not feel like we have to have things our way (under our control) all the time; we can submit and yield to others.

Evening Reflection

How did I do today in terms of submitting to others around me, whether “above” (my leaders) or “below” (those I take care of or who serve me)?

March 7, Monday

Updated Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 24, 2014.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Sins of the Past”

Matthew 10:26 (NIV)

“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known.”

Heb. 13:4, 10:18 (NIV)

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure”;“their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” 

Many years ago, a young woman was dating this youth pastor, both of whom I knew well personally.  Noticing that their relationship was becoming more serious, I advised the woman to tell him about her past, because I thought that it could hurt their future marriage and the ministry if it were to be divulged later.  I reasoned that as long as the man knew and hopefully was able to deal with it, then things would be fine.   But unfortunately, it wasn’t okay and they went their separate ways, which made me feel bad and wondered whether I had made a mistake.  But a trip to Durango, Mexico in 2004 alleviated me of that– somewhat.     

I went there to train a group of pastors at the invitation of their superintendent, without knowing that the young pastor of the church hosting the class had already informed the leaders of his resignation from the church.    The reason for his leaving was neither a scandal nor a better offer to go elsewhere: He was seeking to divorce his wife of less than 2 years because, not long after the wedding, the he found out about the sordid past of his wife; and he just couldn’t cope with it.  Knowing his denomination’s stance on divorce, he resigned rather than be removed.

Obviously, we needn’t tell everything we ever did to our future spouse; nevertheless, since “there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed” (Lk. 12:2), a prudent honesty is the best policy.  Also, for those who desire to be married, it would seem best to save oneself for that special someone instead of engaging in activities that would bring shame later on.  

The most important lesson here, however, is this: while man may not cope well with our sordid past, God certainly does.  He declared, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” because “we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (Heb. 8:12, 10:10).   Who doesn’t have a shameful past?  So, come to God today who forgives and forgets.  

Prayer: O God of forgiveness, how quickly I forget that You have chosen to forget everything of my shameful past, full of sins and transgressions.  How swiftly have I forgotten your mercy that spared me of a just punishment and your grace that has given me an eternal life that I don’t deserve!  Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 7

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 1:5-6: “Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,6 and Jesse the father of King David.  David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife….” Heb. 11:31: “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is so significant about what happened to Rahab and her life?

2. Do you think Rahab was honest with Salmon about her past?  Perhaps, he already knew.  Assuming that he did, how do you think he dealt with it before deciding to marry her (think about the Hebrews passages given above)?

3. What are some things about your past that you need to share with those whom you should?

Notes

1. Rahab was a prostitute in Jericho but after coming to know the Lord, the authenticity of her faith was verified by her changed life: she married a man and stayed faithful to him, even producing a son who was going to be the great-grand father of King David.

2. I am sure Salmon already knew, since her earlier role in the eventual defeat of Jericho was very helpful to Israel.  The only way for him to overcome Rahab’s sordid past was having an understanding of God’s love and mercy: “God has forgiven me (a sinner), who am I to hold judgment against Rahab?”

3. One thing that really upset my newlywed wife was that I had asked her, before getting married, whether she had any student loans, but I didn’t mention that I had $4,000 student loan (I had completely forgotten about it!).  It wasn’t the amount of loan that bothered her, but she thought that I had hidden it from her.

Evening Reflection

The most important point to take away from today’s QT is God’s willingness to consider each day a new beginning for us.  Isn’t that great?  Why don’t we thank the Lord right now?

March 6, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought provided by Cami King, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on August 16, 2015.  Cami served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Missing Out on God’s Best”

1 kings 7:15-20

They went after them to the Jordan, and behold, all the way was full of clothes and equipment which the Arameans had thrown away in their haste. Then the messengers returned and told the king. 16 so the people went out and plundered the camp of the Arameans. Then a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of the lord. 17 now the king appointed the royal officer on whose hand he leaned to have charge of the gate; but the people trampled on him at the gate, and he died just as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. 18 it happened just as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “two measures of barley for a shekel and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, will be sold tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.” 19 then the royal officer answered the man of God and said, “now behold, if the lord should make windows in heaven, could such a thing be?” And he said, “behold, you will see it with your own eyes, but you will not eat of it.” 20 and so it happened to him, for the people trampled on him at the gate and he died.

We talked yesterday about the joy that comes from experiencing the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives. Often times we have to wait – sometimes until we reach eternity with Him – to experience the manifestation of promises God has made. But there are those precious and holy moments when, in our own lifetime, we see God make good on his word. 

On the converse side, there are people for whom this is not the case.  The king’s royal officer (as an extension of the king himself) was not given the privilege of enjoying the blessing of God’s promise fulfilled for Israel (bread in the midst of famine). Because of doubt in God’s promises and in God himself, the official missed out on partaking in God’s blessing. This is not the first time we see this happening in Scripture. When God’s people lose heart and lose hope, we can sometimes cut ourselves off from experiencing the fullness of the work that God is doing in, through, and around us. 

If you’ve been a christian for a while, you’ve probably heard someone talk about “missing out on God’s best” in your life. What this means is, regardless of what our reasoning may be, we can (like the king and his royal officer) position ourselves in such a way that we are unable to partake fully in the blessings that God so desperately desires to bestow upon us. More often than not this happens because we are unwilling to let go of our own imaginings of what can be, our own plans for the future, and ultimately our own understanding. 

One pastor tells the following story – “my family and I recently got back from a cross country trip to L.A., and in the name of preserving our sanity, we gave our kids a bundle of apple products to play with on the trip. My old iPhone became my son’s obsession (nothing makes you feel like a better parent than being at the grand canyon and all your 7yr old can talk about is how much he needs to charge his iPhone). To the point where as soon as we got home, we had to take it away and hide it from him. Because we love him, we took the phone away, before it destroyed his ability to enjoy anything else. The sad part is that my son has something better than my old iPhone. He has me. He’s my son, I’m his dad. And even though I fall short in so many ways, our relationship is worth so much more than an old iPhone. I’m the one who even made it possible for him to have an iPhone in the first place.”

Much like children, we can hold too tightly to our own way of doing and seeing and risk missing out on God’s best for us. Of course, there is grace and God will be faithful even when we are not. Yet with that said, the abovementioned sentiments should give us pause. May we not hinder ourselves in any ways from experiencing God’s best. May we hold our lives with open hands, willing to trust in God’s way over and against our own. 

Prayer: Gracious Father, help me to follow You faithfully and always position myself to receive Your best for me. Help to lean not on my own understanding or my own desires or my own ways of doing things. Help me to lean exclusively on You and Your power and willingness to fulfill Your good promises to me.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 6

March 5, Saturday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Thought, first posted on June 6, 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

“You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks”

1 Kings 1:1-4

When King David was very old, he could not keep warm even when they put covers over him. 2 So his attendants said to him, “Let us look for a young virgin to serve the king and take care of him. She can lie beside him so that our lord the king may keep warm.” 3 Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful young woman and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 The woman was very beautiful; she took care of the king and waited on him, but the king had no sexual relations with her.

In the English language the common idiom, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” points to an idea that once a person has reached a certain age, he or she cannot change by giving up the old ways to learn new habits, ways of thinking, skills, etc. In other words, as you get older and more set in your ways, you become less teachable, and more stubborn.  Although I have never been particularly fond of the idea conveyed by this expression, I do have to admit that I have found it to be incredibly true.  In fact, most people I’ve encountered to whom this idiom holds true aren’t even that old.  I can’t tell you how many people in their 20’s and 30’s I’ve talked to who do not heed good advice or who have surrendered into a resolve of, “Hey, this is who I am, and I will never change.”  

Here is the spiritual truth: If the Holy Spirit is truly living inside of you, not only are you capable of change (no matter your age), but you are expected to change more and more into the image of Christ.  Unfortunately, I’ve noticed two primary thought patterns that have inhibited growth in many believers.  First, is the aforementioned defeated position where some settle into saying and thinking things like, “I’m just an angry guy with a short fuse, and I’ll never be gentle.  I can’t change.”  The other pattern is that we actually like our old selves too much and do not want to embrace the characteristics of Christ, thinking, “I like being the snarky, sarcastic, say what I feel, guy.  I don’t really need to season my conversations with salt” (Col. 4:6); neither way of thinking is becoming of the disciple of Christ.    

Though weird, I find today’s passage to be quite encouraging.  Think about David’s biggest sin—sleeping with Bathsheba and killing her husband to cover up the conspiracy.  It was a sin sparked by lust.  As we read about David many years later, we see how far he has come to overcome lust.  The beautiful young Abishag was brought in to keep the king warm at night—you know the royal advisors had R-rated intentions,  yet the Bible is clear that King David never slept with her.  In essence, Abishag became a professional teddy bear (odd job put on your resume), and this odd relationship took on a sweet PG tone.    

For those of you who are struggling with a persistent issue, David is proof that every sin can be overcome by the follower of Christ.  In other words, we are not “too old to be taught new tricks.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to see some of the thought and life patterns that have been beating me.  Give me courage and the resolve to overcome.  Fill me with the Spirit.  Also bring to light any areas that I need to change but am hesitant to submit to You because I actually like these things.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Romans 4-5

March 4, Friday

Updated Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 21, 2014.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“A Timely Gift”

Proverbs 11:25

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”  

Knowing that the recently married Alex and Ana were preparing to go out on the mission field, I wanted to encourage them.  Having gone through it myself, I felt their anxiety.   So after a class, I gave Alex 500 pesos ($45), saying, “Take your wife to a nice restaurant; this is NOT a mission’s offering.”  I learned the importance of clarifying the money’s purpose from a supporter from the U.S., who sent $500 directly to us instead of our mission agency with a note: “Take a vacation with your family; this is not a mission’s offering.”  

What I gave was so insignificant; nonetheless, Alex profusely thanked me.  Shortly, when I returned from a teaching trip, my wife told me that Alex thanked her at church; the following Sunday, Ana thanked me!  Then, it dawned on me that a timely gift and words can refresh one’s soul.   Proverbs 15:23 says, “A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word,” especially when the word is accompanied by cash for a date night with your wife.

Apostle Paul certainly gave many timely words and gifts to people in need during his lengthy ministry; but once, while he was under house arrest in Rome for two years, Paul was the recipient of a timely word and gifts.  Imagine the surprise when he saw Epaphroditus, a “messenger, whom [the church in Philippi] sent to take care of [his] needs” (Phil. 2:25).   Covering 700 miles to reach Rome, Epaphroditus didn’t come empty handed, for Paul wrote to the Philippians, “I have received . . . the gifts you sent.  They are a fragrant offering . . . pleasing to God” (4:18).   So encouraged and grateful was Paul that he added, “It was good of you to share in my troubles” (4:14).   

So, look around to see if anyone can benefit from your timely word and gift.  Maybe you are in need of encouragement.  Regardless of whether or not anyone refreshes you, you can always go to the Lord and receive his comfort, which is far better. 

Prayer: I praise you Lord this morning for your marvelous concern for me.  I thank you for sending me people to refresh my soul whenever I feel down.  I know I haven’t done much for those whom I know are going through a tough time.  Help me to share with them so that they may be reminded of your love for them. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 8:1-3 (NIV): After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others.  These women were helping to support them out of their own means.

Acts 16:13-5: On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate [Philippi] to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered there. 14 One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. “If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Questions to Consider

1. Feeding his twelve disciples for 3½ years was not easy for Jesus, since he didn’t always resort to his supernatural powers (e.g., the feeding of 5,000).  So, what was one supply source?  

2. What motivated these women and Lydia to be so generous?

3. What should that mean to us?  Pray about someone who can use your timely word and gift.

Notes

1. A group of women who voluntarily supported Jesus and his men out of their own “purse.”

2. They were motivated by gratitude for what the Lord had done for them.  For Mary Magdalene, she was finally freed from years of demonic oppression; for Lydia, she now had the real reason and meaning for living that her lucrative business had failed to deliver.

3. Since we also have benefitted and have been blessed by the Lord, then we should be as generous as these women were.   

Evening Reflection

Before turning in, say a prayer of thanksgiving for all that the Lord has done for you and given you; then pray for someone who is need of the same blessing.    

March 3, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 16, 2015, is provided by Pastor Shan Gian who leads Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan.  Shan is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“‘Stick and Stones May Break My Bones, but Words Will Never Hurt Me!’  Really?”

2 Kings 19:1-7

As soon as King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the secretary, and the senior priests, covered with sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz. 3 They said to him, “Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of distress, of rebuke, and of disgrace; children have come to the point of birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God heard all the words of the Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to mock the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard; therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.” 5 When the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah, 6 Isaiah said to them, “Say to your master, ‘Thus says the Lord: Do not be afraid because of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have reviled me. 7 Behold, I will put a spirit in him, so that he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land, and I will make him fall by the sword in his own land.’”

One of the common phrases that adults tell children to recite is: “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”  What an incredible lie!  When we think back to the times where we’ve been hurt, it’s not the physical pain we remember; it’s the words that cut deep into our hearts.  

That’s what Hezekiah experienced in 2 Kings 19.  Hezekiah tears his clothes and covers himself with sackcloth because of the demeaning and hurtful words of Rabshakeh, threatening the people of Judah of impending doom at the hands of Assyria, as seen in 2 Kings 18.  Rabshakeh proclaims in verses 32-33: “Do not listen to Hezekiah when he misleads you by saying, ‘The Lord will deliver us.’ 33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria?”  It wasn’t even the actual physical attacks of the Assyrians that brought Hezekiah to a place of mourning and sorrow, but it was these threatening words of Rabshakeh.  

Words can have incredible power over us.  You could be having the best day of your life, everything going really well, but just a few harsh pointed words from a friend, relative or boss can just ruin everything.   There are many people who were hurt by someone else’s words spoken to them years ago but still carry that pain deep in their hearts.  At the same time, we know that our own words have power over others, and that we just as easily hurt as we can bless.  

How can we face the power of hurtful words?  We must remember that God hears every word.  In this passage, Isaiah reassures Hezekiah that God heard every word that the Assyrians said, and that He would be the one to bring justice.  Similarly, when the words of others come against us, we need not respond and get our revenge; but instead, we remember that God heard all of it.  And when we think about our own words, we should also consider that God will hear them as well.  In the end, when it comes to words spoken or words received, we speak and receive with grace.  Others can bring us down, just as we can bring others down with our words.  But either way, as people of God, we should strive to give grace.  


Prayer: Lord, today, help me to remember the truth of your Word, and that I am your beloved child.  Enable me this day to receive words with grace and to speak words of grace.  Give me strength to remember Your presence and to be a blessing to others with my speech.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Romans 2

Lunch Bible Study

Read James 3:2-12: For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. 3 If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. 4 Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. 5 So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water? 12 Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.

Questions to Consider

  1. How does James describe the power of the tongue?
  2. In verse 2, James says that only a perfect man can tame the tongue.  Why is it so difficult?  What, then, is our hope?
  3. How can you use your words to bless our Lord and Father, as well as others today?  

Notes

  1. James describes the power of the tongue as something very small that has, in contrast, really great power.  It’s like how a small rudder can guide a large boat, or like a small fire that can set an entire forest ablaze.  
  2. The words that come from our mouths are a reflection of our hearts.  Jesus says in Matthew 12:34-35: “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 35 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” It is incredibly difficult to tame the tongue because our words are a reflection of the sin in our hearts.  Therefore, our only hope is the sanctification of our hearts through the blood of Jesus Christ.
  3. Personal application

Evening Reflection

The words we hear and the words we speak have incredible power.  Were there any words spoken to you that hurt you?  If so, take some time to forgive that person.  On the flip side, were your words spoken today a blessing to others and to God?  If not, turn to God for forgiveness and ask Him to redeem your words to be a blessing. 

March 2, Wednesday

Updated Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 23, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Being Used by God in a Way Not Intended”

1 Cor. 12:11 (NIV)

“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.” 

I had no idea why the students were laughing so hard while I was lecturing for a week at a seminary in Oaxaca, Mexico in 2005.  Sitting in the class was the school’s interim director and whenever I called him by his name, “Oliver,” what came out instead was “Altivez.”  Had I known what that word meant, I wouldn’t have used it, but only later, did I discover its meaning: “arrogance.”  During the break, one student told me that I must be a prophet for calling the interim director, “Mr. Arrogance.”  Of course, I had no way to verify stories that several students told me about his antics, but they all felt that God was using me to rebuke their leader.  To this day, I don’t know what to think about that. 

We want to be used by God, perhaps according to our preferences.  For instance, I would’ve preferred that the seminarians thought of me as God’s servant who delivered great lectures instead of someone whose slip of the tongue was supposedly used to call out a proud person.  But no one gets to choose how they get to serve the Lord, because God has already distributed appropriate gifts to each believer to buttress their ministry and/or calling.  For every “Peter” whose lone sermon netted 3,000 converts (Acts 2:41), there is a “Stephen” whose sermon was so offensive to his hearers, that they stoned him (Acts 7:52-8).  Jeremiah, so stricken by people’s rejection of him on account of his gloomy message, once cried out, saying, “O LORD, you deceived me. . . . Everyone mocks me. . . . Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction” (Jer. 20:7-8).  The prophet, however, continued with his unpopular message until the end. 

What would you like to do for the Lord?  That, of course, is a wrong question.  Our job is to simply obey God’s particular calling in our lives:  some may become popular while others remain in anonymity.  God is not asking us to be stars, but that “those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Cor. 4:2).  

Prayer: Lord, it would be enough that you have saved me from going to hell, but how much more blessing it is that you also want to use me.  But Lord, my narcissistic nature and the worldly influence upon me often compromise my motivation and I end up wanting something more than You.  Forgive me and help me to be satisfied only in You.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 8:9-10, 14-21 (NIV): Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10 and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, “This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.”14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money 19 and said, “Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 Peter answered: “May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God.”

Questions to Consider

1. What attracted Simon to the ministry of Peter and John?

2. What made Simon’s request so unacceptable to God (i.e., a heart that is not right before God)? 

3. What would you prefer to do in order to serve the Lord?   What should be our proper attitude toward the Lord when it comes to serving Him?

Notes

1. Apparently, Simon, who was used to receiving accolades from people, was more impressed by the power that Peter and John possessed than the fact that people were being blessed.  What he wanted to get from the apostles was actually a good thing, but his motive was wrong.  

2. It wasn’t acceptable because his only concern was to elevate his status among people; it was neither to glorify God nor to help people.  In short, “serving God” was the means to another end, which was hearing people say, “You are the Great Power of God.”

3. Our proper attitude should always be:  Not my will, but Your will be done.  (When my attempt to get a teaching position at a seminary in 1999 didn’t pan out, I was nudged in becoming a missionary to Mexico.)  

Evening Reflection

In looking back to today, in what ways did God use you today?  Did you have opportunities but didn’t take them?  It’s not too late.  Offer up a prayer on behalf of someone with great needs right now.   

March 1, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on September 22, 2015.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Peril of Leadership and Your Responsibility”

2 Kings 21:11-15

Manasseh king of Judah has committed these detestable sins. He has done more evil than the Amorites who preceded him and has led Judah into sin with his idols. 12 Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: “I am going to bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of everyone who hears of it will tingle . . . 14 I will forsake the remnant of my inheritance and give them into the hands of enemies. They will be looted and plundered by all their enemies; 15 they have done evil in my eyes and have aroused my anger from the day their ancestors came out of Egypt until this day.”

Leaders will be held accountable by God for the influence they exert, for good or for evil, and the direction in which they lead people; but people are also responsible for their choices.  In 1 & 2 Kings, we have seen a succession of good kings and bad kings, their reigns and legacies defined by this one standard: whether or not they did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.  If they did what was right, the nation flourished; if not, the nation suffered.  When the nation’s history is recorded in a structure that highlights the lives of the leaders, it can be easy to start thinking that it was all the kings’ responsibility.  Even in today’s passage, if we just read verses 11-14, it could seem that Manasseh was a wicked king that led a hapless people into sin, and that because of what he had done, God was going to punish the whole nation; how sad, unfortunate, and almost unfair to the people.

But in verse 15 (and even v. 9, which says, “But the people did not listen . . . ”), the author shows how God holds the people accountable.  The leader did lead the people astray, but the people themselves also ignored God’s word and did what was evil, even before Manasseh was born.

Overall, I think many of us have been blessed with wonderful spiritual leaders who are earnest and sincere in seeking to do what is right in God’s eyes.  Sometimes, though, we find ourselves in a position where we see something a leader does, and we have a nagging feeling that something is not quite right with this situation.  Though God asks us to submit and obey the authorities He has placed over our lives, we are also expected to exercise discernment and hold on to our principles (God’s word); He will hold us accountable for whether or not we follow a leader into sin, or humbly and respectfully decline.  In verses 12-14, God’s judgment falls on not just the king but all the people for the evil they have done.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank you for good leaders and I welcome their godly, spiritual influence.  At the same time, if I have sometimes chosen to follow them even though my conscience had been uneasy, help me to recognize this and repent.  Help our leaders to stay right with you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 66

Lunch Break Study 

Read Ezekiel 18:19-20: Yet you say, ‘Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity?’ When the son has practiced justice and righteousness and has observed all My statutes and done them, he shall surely live. 20 The person who sins will die. The son will not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity, nor will the father bear the punishment for the son’s iniquity; the righteousness of the righteous will be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked will be upon himself.

Questions to Consider

1. Why would people say, “Why should the son not bear the punishment for the father’s iniquity” (v. 19)?

2. What is the emphasis of “The person who sins will die” (v. 20)?

3. What do these verses say about the justice of God?  When God brings judgment, are there ever any “innocent victims”?

Notes

1. When someone sins, people want to hold someone accountable.  If the father was not available, perhaps they would look for the son to take vengeance upon or try to exact justice.

2. That God will hold the person who sins accountable for that sin (and not any other person).  

3. God’s justice is perfect; He does not bring judgment against the innocent.  If He is provoked to anger, it is for a good reason.  We need to understand OT judgments and the judgment of God in general in this light.

Evening Reflection

How did I do today in terms of taking responsibility for my own actions?  Was there any tendency to blame others for circumstances I found myself in when they were actually the consequences of my own missteps?  Take responsibility by repenting and then receive His peace, knowing there is grace when we come to Him.

February 28, Monday

Updated Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 17, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

1 Peter 5:6 (NIV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

Pilate knew that it was out of envy that the Jewish leaders handed Jesus over to him (Mk. 15:10).  

They began to feel this way upon hearing an unfavorable comparison.  Mark reports that “the people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law” (1:22).  What further amazed the people was Jesus’ lack of formal education, which prompted them to wonder, “How did this man get such learning without having studied” (Jn. 7:15).  However, since the teachers of the law underwent rigorous rabbinical training, Jesus’ popularity bothered them even more.  So, they made up lies, like accusing him of being possessed by Beelzebub, to discredit Jesus.

Meet Pastor Javier (PJ) whose church we attended for many years in Mexico.  PJ shared one thing in common with Jesus: he had no formal theological training.  But instead of trying to distance me, perhaps because I might make him look bad, he embraced me as his teacher.  His desire to be better equipped to serve the Lord overcame whatever human feelings he might have had. In 2005, as we were about to leave for a 2-month furlough to visit our supporting churches in the  U. S., PJ wrote me a letter, which he asked me to share during my travel.  

PJ wrote:  “Ryun, the Lord has used you so much to enrich my ministry particularly in the area of my greatest weakness: formal theological training that I never received but God has supplied it through you.  You are my teacher!  It’s still a shock to me that I am the pastor of the largest Baptist church in our regional convention, being that I am the least prepared among my peers. All the glory be to God who continues to use the lowly and the weak (I), encouraging and equipping them through the best of His sons (you).”  

Upon reading it, I was so humbled by PJ’s humility.  So, don’t be like the petty teachers of the law; instead, choose to be humble and teachable; learn to give credit to others.  And serve the Lord.    

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that my heart has become hardened.  I am neither teachable nor humble as I need to be.  Instead of trying to change on my own, I look to Jesus, who, being in very nature God, made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant.  May Your word and example inspire me!  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

Lunch Break Study

Read John 3:26-30: And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Gal. 5:15 (ESV):“But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

Question to Consider

1. When people told John what Jesus was doing, what were they, in effect, doing?  How do you think John might have felt?

2. What can happen when we are given to envy?

3. Based on how John handled his situation, what is the best way to handle a situation that causes us to be envious?

Notes

1. Perhaps, unbeknownst to them, the people were comparing John’s ministry with Jesus’.  Humanly speaking, John couldn’t have been too happy about becoming second fiddle, that is, being less significant  in the eyes of people.   

2. From the example left by the teachers of the law, we see that it leads to biting and devouring one another.  Ultimately, it can consume us to the point of committing unthinkable acts, which in the case of these teachers was murder.

3. I think that understanding our role is critical to overcoming envy: John knew why he was sent, which was to prepare for the ministry of Jesus.  What also helps is cultivating a heart that wishes others to do well: John was happy that his cousin Jesus was doing so well.  Lastly, his satisfaction came from serving God. 

Evening Reflection

How was your day?  Did you face a situation where your humility was tested?  Did someone make you feel like you weren’t as informed or intelligent?  What did you find out about yourself?  Turn to the Lord.