February 1, Tuesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 15, 2015, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun who pastors Radiance Christian Church in S. F.   He studied biology at University California, San Diego and completed his Master of Divinity at Talbot School of Theology.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Our Warped View of God”

2 Kings 17: 34-41 (NIV)

 To this day they do according to the former manner. They do not fear the Lord, and they do not follow the statutes or the rules or the law or the commandment that the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom he named Israel. 35 The Lord made a covenant with them and commanded them, “You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them, 36 but you shall fear the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm. You shall bow yourselves to him, and to him you shall sacrifice. 37 And the statutes and the rules and the law and the commandment that he wrote for you, you shall always be careful to do. You shall not fear other gods, 38 and you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you. You shall not fear other gods, 39 but you shall fear the Lord your God, and he will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” 40 However, they would not listen, but they did according to their former manner. 41 So these nations feared the Lord and also served their carved images. Their children did likewise, and their children’s children—as their fathers did, so they do to this day. 

In modern Christianity, it is rare to talk about a proper fear of God.   We often present a one-dimensional view of God as one who is loving; and we are almost embarrassed to reveal the other aspects of His character, such as His wrath, jealousy, and hatred of sin.  It’s a warped view of God.  Perhaps for that reason, comedians make fun of God as thousands laugh without any fear of God’s anger.  There are screenwriters and actors who make up their own versions of God, and we have become so desensitized to it, calling it entertainment.  The world has not only become irreligious, but it has become irreverent.  A generation ago, no one would have dared to vandalize and desecrate a church, let alone walk in with the intent of harming people in the midst of prayer and worship.

People don’t fear God any more—and that has a lot to do with what is wrong with the world today. Unfortunately, part of the blame is on us because preachers don’t preach it and believers don’t believe it. We would rather hold onto a god of our own design who turns a blind eye to sin and is indifferent towards evil.   This is simply not true.  Let’s not forget what God says about Himself— that He is a jealous God, a God who reigns down judgment on the wicked. He is the God who hates sin and will ultimately judge the world. This is the God who sits on the throne of heaven and created the world through a single breath of His word, and who can end our existence with the same word. 

In the Hebrew, the word for fear and worship are actually interchangeable.  To truly worship God, there must be a healthy dose of reverence and awe.  God is to be feared because of His power, His greatness, and His holiness.  The Scriptures remind us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of learning how to live wisely.   When we see but a glimpse of God’s glory, the natural reaction of sinful man is to flee from the presence of such beauty, perfection, and might, and to deal with our sin.  Once this healthy fear is lost, we are prone to ignore God’s warnings; and like the Israelites, we cast off restraint and live according to our own desires.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we believe that You are good to your children and like a good Father, You discipline the ones You love.  Help us to submit ourselves under Your loving discipline and to acknowledge the need to worship You from a place of reverence and awe.  Help us to see that a proper fear of the living God leads to a life of wisdom and blessing.  Amen  

Bible Reading for Today:  Isaiah 34

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 12:25-29 (NIV): See to it that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven? 26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” f 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why are Christians under greater judgment for not listening to God?
  2. What is the voice of God capable of doing?  
  3. Why should we worship God acceptably with reverence and awe?

Notes

  1. In the Old Testament, the people stood in fear as they heard the voice of God from Mt. Sinai and were judged greatly for disobeying those commands.  In Christ, we have heard a voice from heaven, greater than a voice from an earthly mountain; therefore, we are under a greater judgment when we reject His commands.
  2. The voice of God is capable of removing everything that can be shaken—meaning God can destroy the temporary things of heaven and earth at a mere command.  This is how God will usher in the new heaven and the new earth.    
  3. As on Mount Sinai, God is a consuming fire that can destroy everything that stands against His purpose; therefore, we should worship Him with a healthy sense of fear.

Evening Reflection

I believe that God does not want us to constantly live in fear of Him, for His perfect love should cast out unreasonable fear. He does not want us to be afraid of Him needlessly, but would rather that we fellowship and dwell with Him, growing in our love relationship.  Yet at the same time, He wants us to know that He hates sin, especially the sin in our lives.  This is where a proper fear of a holy God should come into play: Because He is patient and slow to anger, there are limits that should not be pushed.  To fall under the discipline of God is a frightening proposition.  If there is habitual sin in your life, turn to the Lord for He will not refuse you, and seek the help of fellow believers, pastors, and counselors to help you overcome that sin.  

January 31, Monday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 27, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What God Said to Me About Publishing a Book”

Acts 16:6-7 (ESV)

“And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.”

In the 1990s, since I wrote regularly for mostly Korean American community publications, a highlight was publishing an article in the L. A. Times.  The lowlight, however, was two unsuccessful attempts to publish books (one publishing house showed initial interest but nothing ever came of it).  As I was praying one day, the phrase, “Don’t try to publish on your own,” suddenly appeared in my mind.   I interpreted his to mean that when I trust God more than my own effort, publishing may happen.  Thus, when one doctorate committee member suggested that I publish my dissertation, I ignored it. 

God still speaks to us through the Holy Spirit.  John states, “When . . . the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth” (Jn. 16:13). But what we receive today is neither new revelation nor equal to the Bible; in fact, they have to fall within the parameter of historic doctrines and ethics.  Neither are they always to be trusted since we can err.  Nevertheless, the Spirit who resides in the believers “will remind [us] of everything that [Christ] has said” (14:25). This works much better if God’s words are stored in our mind.  

 Now, are there situations in the Bible where God says, “Don’t publish?”  No.  But God sometimes said no, like when Paul, who wanted to go east to preach, was told to go west (Acts 16:7).  Although a man delivered from demonization begged to go with Jesus, the Lord told him to go home (Mk. 5:18).  In the same way, God can still say no to us through the Holy Spirit.  So, when my first book, written in Spanish, was published in Mexico in 2005 by the Assemblies of God denomination, thanks to Pastor Casillas who sacrificially worked to make that happen (and republished ten years later), I learned afresh the meaning of Psalm 145: He is faithful to all his promises.   

A Christian life without the involvement of the Holy Spirit is not utilizing the best resource God has given us to live a fruitful life.   Always download the Word into your mind and practice being silent before God. Then after hearing his voice, obey Him.  Work diligently and wait for God’s timing. 

Prayer: I sing a praise song unto your name, my Lord Jesus, for you are so good and faithful.  I thank you for not only dying to save my life but also sending the promised Holy Spirit to us.   Teach me how to be led by the Spirit and discern his voice so that I may glorify the Father through my life.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 33

Lunch Break Study

Read John 16:8-11, 13-4 (ESV):  “And when [the Holy Spirit] comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.  . . . 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.”

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

Ps. 46:10 (ESV):“Be still, and know that I am God.”

Questions to Consider

1. What does it mean that when the Holy Spirit comes, he will convict the world concerning sin, 

righteousness, and judgment?

2. So, how can we experience the Holy Spirit in a more personal and spiritual way?

3. Ultimately, what is the main responsibility of the Holy Spirit?  What is he trying to accomplish?

Notes

1. “Concerning sin” means that unbelievers will recognize their sins as well as the need to repent; “concerning righteousness” means that the Holy Spirit will remind the righteous standard of God through the Scripture (since Christ won’t be on the earth anymore until his second coming); “concerning judgment” means that the devil (“ruler of this world’) was already defeated (1 Jn. 3:8) and judged by Christ.  

2. Jesus sought to be alone in a solitary place to commune with God.  Many of us are surrounded by too much noise to hear what the Holy Spirit is saying.   We need to learn to be quiet and be still when we are trying to spend time with the Lord. 

3. The job of the Holy Spirit is to ensure that the words of Christ are clearly communicated to us, mostly through reminding us.   In other words, the Holy Spirit is not going to create something that was never taught by Jesus.  By doing this, he is glorifying Christ. 

Evening Reflection

Turn off whatever devices that are making noise or distraction.  Read from Psalm 23 and then meditate on its meaning; keep silent for a few minutes and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you.  It could be something very simple as a word like “love” or “hope” popping up.  It can be interpreted as “God loves me” or “be hopeful about tomorrow.”  Or it can be seen as, “I need to show love to the next person I see” or “I am going to encourage someone who is going through a hopeless situation right now.”

January 30, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on October 26, 2014, is provided by an anonymous public-school teacher.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Cultivating a Very Honest Relationship with the Lord”

Luke 18:13

But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’” 

I teach sixth graders in north Philadelphia.   Something I probably shouldn’t enjoy as much as I do is reading apology letters.  Quite often, students will write me a handwritten note torn out of spiral notebook expressing their remorse for how they behaved earlier in class.  Whether it’s because they’re truly sorry or they’re just trying to avoid a consequence, these letters are so dramatic and cute that I can’t help but smile when I read them.  One of my favorite excerpts: “I am also sorry for disrupting the class. I know that this is serious. This is not little kid stuff anymore. This is middle school, and Middle School is the real deal.”  

Then there are students from whom I’ve never received an apology letter, because they follow all the rules: seated when told, silent when told, on-task when that is the expectation.  And while I appreciate these students so much, I don’t think I know them as well as the ones who leave their tightly folded letters on my desk for me to read after school.  These heartfelt confessions give me a deeper glimpse into their personalities and strengthen my relationships with them, because they don’t feel the need to uphold a certain image; instead, they demonstrate vulnerability by asking me to forgive them.  


I find myself trying so hard to be perfect in God’s eyes.  I assume that God wants me to be the student who silently sits in the front row and completes all her work.  But in order for me to truly be known by the Father, I need to resemble the student, or the penitent tax collector, who acknowledges his faults and asks for forgiveness.  This kind of relationship, though at times messy and unflattering, is what draws us closer to the One who wants to set us free from whatever is making our hearts heavy today.  Let’s be honest before the Lord; He knows our heart.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be totally and brutally honest before You and just enjoy this awesome relationship I have with You through Your Son Jesus.  Thank You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 32

January 29, Saturday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on March 8, 2015, is provided by Pastor Mark Chun who pastors Radiance Christian Church in S. F.   He studied biology at University California, San Diego and completed his Master of Divinity at Talbot School of Theology.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Friendship”

1 Samuel 14:4-7

On each side of the pass that Jonathan intended to cross to reach the Philistine outpost was a cliff; one was called Bozez and the other Seneh. 5 One cliff stood to the north toward Mikmash, the other to the south toward Geba. 6 Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.” 7 “Do all that you have in mind,” his armor-bearer said. “Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.” 

When I think of Jonathan, the first word that comes to my mind is “friendship.”  Biblically speaking, we know Jonathan was the best friend of David, but even in this passage, we see that friendship was a vital part of Jonathan’s leadership style.  It’s not difficult to get people to follow you using force, positional power, or even fear and intimidation, but it is entirely a different matter to have people give you their heart and soul.  Clearly, there was something special about Jonathan that attracted people’s undivided friendship and loyalty. Even when faced with an impossible situation where Jonathan’s life hung on the balance, his armor bearer was willing to go with him heart and soul, even to death.  Wouldn’t we all benefit from a friendship like this?   

Though most people think that they have what it takes to be a good friend, often there is no objective basis for that judgment.  Certainly, the number of friends that you have on your Facebook account is not proof that you are a good friend.  C.S Lewis, in his book The Four Loves, talks about the fact that before Romanticism in the 18th century, friendship was viewed as the happiest and most fully human of all loves—the crown of life and the school of virtue.  Lewis, an expert in ancient literature, saw that historically men have believed that it was in our friendships where we learned how to fully love and develop our virtues; the reason being that out of all the loves, friendship is the least natural and the least instinctive. It takes very little virtue to love someone romantically; it also doesn’t take much character to love your family.  Jesus points this out when He says, “Don’t the thieves and tax-collectors love those who love them?”  Friendship is the great test of our virtue and the true litmus test of our character, specifically because it is the least necessary of human relationships (although still vitally important).  

Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times and a brother is born for adversity.”   As you might expect, unconditional love has to lie at the root of our friendships; and from there comes the security that your friends will stick with you through the highs and lows of life, as much as your family, children, even your spouse.  Unfortunately, many of us are not accustomed to seeing friendships at this level because we view our friendships as largely peripheral to our other relationships—good if you have it, but okay if you don’t.  Yet when faced with difficult times, having authentic friendships gives you something to hold onto.  

There is also a hidden side to friendship that draws out our virtue.  C.S. Lewis, when his friend Charles Williams died, wrote this to describe the loss that his group of friends felt:  “In each of my friends there is something that only some other friend can fully bring out.  By myself I am not large enough to call the whole man into activity. I want other lights than my own to show all his facets.”  When his friend passed away, Lewis recognized that he would never see the unique reaction of his other friend Ronald to one of Charles’ jokes.  And instead of having more of Ronald to himself, he sadly realized that he had less.  From that observation, he makes the conclusion: “Two friends delight to be joined by a third, and three by a fourth, if only the newcomer is qualified to become a real friend.”  If we allow ourselves, the best of who we are can be drawn out as we expand our pool of genuine friends.  

Prayer: Dear God, I am so amazed that you called Abraham, a mere man, Your friend.  Thank You for considering me your friend as well, in Your Son Christ.  This friendship is the greatest relationship I will ever have.  I love You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 30-31

January 28, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches, is an updated version of his blog first posted on March 13, 2015.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Wistful Look at Life by a Middle-Aged Man”

1 Samuel 17:38-40

Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. 

I probably overestimate my courage and commitment to the Lord, but in my younger years, I am convinced that if given the opportunity, I would have gone anywhere for Christ, gone through any type of suffering, even died for Him.  Hey, as a cheap, fresh-out-of-college bachelor, my living conditions approached prison-like anyway (dirty, overcrowded, rodent-infested, no food anywhere, etc.)  

Something dramatically happened to me between then and now.  Now, I am obviously older and certainly more rooted; I have a wife and kids, and I live in a beautiful city, which will one day be the future home of Starfleet Academy.  Now, if God asked me to give up seat warmers in my minivan, or cable television, or move to the suburbs, there would be a struggle in my heart to obey.  On a more serious note, if I felt the call to serve God in the developing world, my thoughts would immediately jump to the safety and the well-being of my wife and young children.

What happened to me?  Did I get soft?  Yes, no doubt about it.  Is it also true that my life got more complicated and the stakes got higher?  Sure.  But here is the biggest difference, I like my life now more than I did back then.  I like being a dad, a husband, a pastor, where I live, etc.  Don’t get me wrong, I liked life in my 20’s, but it doesn’t compare to what I have now.  

I think the Bible sets up the David and Goliath narrative to imply that Saul should have fought Goliath, not David.  Logically, the only person who would have had a chance against a giant would have been the guy who stood a head taller than everyone else in Israel (1 Sam. 9:2); in fact, David even goes out and fights in Saul’s armor!  But before we are quick to label Saul a coward, think about all he had to lose, and ask yourself if you would have fought the nine-foot Goliath.   

What stops you from taking risks for the Kingdom?  Do you think about all you have to lose?  Do you like the life you’ve built up or are building up for yourself?  I’m not saying it’s wrong to enjoy life, but at the end of the day, would you rather be a lowly shepherd with God or a king without him?  

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to hold loosely to the things that I have so that I may cling tightly to You.  Thank you for the life and existence that I have, but never let these things become an idol for me or a reason to not pursue Your Kingdom.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Isiah 29

Lunch Break Study

Read Joshua 1:6-9: Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Right after Moses dies, God commissions Joshua to take his place and to conquer the land God is about to give the Israelites, but before letting him go, he gives the above instructions.

Questions to Consider

  1. What do you think Joshua had to fear?
  2. Why do you think the Lord chooses this place to insert instructions to keep the law in Joshua’s mind and heart?
  3. How does the Lord finally encourage Joshua? (v. 9).

Notes

  1. Joshua succeeded Moses, the founder of Judaism.  He is also charged, after 40 years of wandering the desert, to conquer enemy land–pretty intimidating charge.
  2. Israel’s success, in fact, its existence is owed to God and God alone.  God did not want His people to forget who they were, from where they came, and their charge to be a holy people, during this crowning moment.  Also, focusing on God tends to help us forget less fearful things. 
  3. The last encouragement is God’s promise of His presence.  

Evening Reflection

What are the things that you fear to lose?  Do you fear life without the Lord’s presence and power more?  Does the Lord’s presence bring you the daily encouragement it is supposed to bring?  

January 27, Thursday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, is an updated version of his blog first posted on October 8, 2015.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Why So Few?

Ezra 2:1-2, 64-65

Now these were the people of the province who came up out of the captivity of those exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried captive to Babylonia. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town. 2 They came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. . . . 64 The whole assembly together was 42,360, 65 besides their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337, and they had 200 male and female singers.

As it turned out, not every Israelite who had been exiled in Babylonia, and later in Persia, returned back to Jerusalem.   In fact, we learn in Ezra 2 that the total number of returnees numbered fewer than 50,000.  This was a tiny number in comparison with those who had originally been taken captive.  Why so few?

It appears that many of the exiles in Babylon had settled down and created new lives for themselves.  Indeed, Jeremiah the prophet had urged them to make the best of their captivity (see Jer. 29:4-7).  The result was that many of the Jews had grown comfortable and even prosperous, so that when the call came for them to travel some 900 miles to a ruined city and a temple that no longer existed, they could not rise to the occasion.  The cost was too big.  The shock to their lives was too great.  

However, some—a remnant—chose to make the journey.  They rose up and stood on the precipice of greatness—they chose to take an active part in God’s story.  Often, that takes personal sacrifice.  William Booth once said: “You cannot improve the future without disturbing the present.”  As mentioned yesterday, that remnant was enough.  God can do more with one person who is 100% committed to Him than with one hundred people who are 90% committed.  

On a side note:  No one would write books about the Jewish people who stayed in Babylon.  History remembers the people who acted with courage, not the people who opted for the status quo.  Actually, not always true! I am reminded that the biblical book Esther was written about a woman whose grandparents or great grandparents had chosen to stay in Babylon.  Even those who stayed in Babylon were under the grace of God!  

Prayer: Father, I know that you have called me into a godly life—not a comfortable life.  I want to join in the adventure You have for me.  I want to live in your presence, for Your mission, and with Your resources.  Forgive me for the times that my comfort has been a barrier to joining Your mission.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Today’s Bible Reading: Isaiah 28

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

  1. Describe the circumstances surrounding Peter’s walk on water.  
  2. What needed to happen so that Peter could walk on water?
  3. Is God asking you to get out of your boat in some way?  What is stopping you from walking toward God?

Notes

  1. Jesus tells the disciples to get into their boat and go to the other side of the sea.  Dutifully, they set off, but find themselves battling the winds and the waves all night.  By the time Jesus reaches them (as He walks on water) in the very early morning, they must have been on the brink of exhaustion.  As the wind blows and the waves knock the boat around, the shadowy figure approaching the boat would have been terrifying for the disciples.  However, Jesus announces His identity—and Peter courageously asks Jesus to call him to come.  Jesus obliges, and Peter climbs over the rail, stepping onto the raging waters, as the boat tossed back and forth. Sometimes, we want God to make all the conditions perfect for us before we take a step of faith.  Peter, however, had no such conditions.  He was stepping out of one precarious situation (a boat knocking back and forth by the wind and waves) into the waves themselves—the frying pan into the fire, as it were.  We will not always have perfect conditions to follow Jesus.  But true peace comes only after we follow Him.
  2. In order for Peter to walk on water, three things needed to happen: (1) Jesus had to call him.  We can’t decide to walk on water—Jesus has to invite us first. (2) Peter had to get out of the relatively safe boat and step into the chaos of the sea. (3) Peter had to keep his eyes focused on Jesus.  When he focused on the waves instead of Jesus, fear set in, and he began to sink.

Evening Reflection

Is God asking you to leave your comfort zone and follow Him in faith?  Let us journal a prayer of faith as we seek to follow Jesus more.  

January 26, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on October 22, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Naturalism and Theism”

Luke 24:11 (ESV)

“But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.”

No one likes to be called “insane”; but after the apostle Paul acknowledged his belief in Christ’s resurrection to the Roman governor Festus, he responded, “Your great learning is driving you insane” (Acts 26:24).  That’s also what the New Atheist Richard Dawkins calls those who aren’t convinced of evolution on account of belief in God, saying, “Nobody who looks at [evolution] could possibly doubt that if they are sane and not stupid.”  But the disciples’ initial reaction to the women’s claim of Jesus’ resurrection was also of unbelief: “Their words seemed to them like nonsense” (NIV).  Like good skeptics, they demanded evidences to believe something so out of the ordinary.  

John Lennox, of Oxford, is a world renowned mathematician who firmly believes in Christ’s resurrection.   

Unconvinced of Dawkins’ assertion, he wrote, “. . . there is a very real [conflict], but it is not . . . between science and religion at all.  For if that were so, elementary logic would dictate that one would find that scientists were all atheists and only non-scientists believed in God, and this . . . is simply not the case.  No, the real conflict is between two diametrically opposed worldviews: naturalism (i.e., no God) and theism.”   This is to say, both the believers and atheists are alike in accepting certain things to be true at the outset of their quest for truth.  The believers agree with the Hebrews writer who declared, “Anyone who comes to [God] must believe that he exists” (11:6).  The atheists would agree with Carl Sagan who once said, in faith, “The cosmos is all that is or ever was or ever will be.”  

Ultimately, the disciples believed because of empirical evidence: they saw and touched the resurrected Christ.  But Jesus said to them, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn. 20:29).  We believe that God is powerful enough to resurrect a dead body and create a universe out of nothing.   We also believe that He is personally interested in our physical, emotional and spiritual welfare; therefore, we place our hope, faith and future on God.  Now, have a great day!

Prayer: Heavenly Creator, how often we take this universe and our very existence for granted.  We are here because You lovingly created us out of your infinite goodness.  Even when we defy You, which must look both comical and insulting, You continue to shower us with your grace and mercy.  Thank you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 27

Lunch Break Study

Read Ps. 19:1-4 (ESV): “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky aboveproclaims his handiwork.2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. 4 Their voicegoes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.  In them he has set a tent for the sun.”

Ps. 14:1 (ESV): “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”

Heb. 11:1 (ESV): “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

Questions to Consider

1. What does the psalmist mean by, “The heavens declare the glory of God”?

2. In view of this, how would you appraise atheism?

3. This morning’s devotion was about faith: what is a key difference between a blind faith and a reasonable faith?

Notes

1. The psalmist is saying that the existence of God is self-evident because beauty and orderliness of the universe strongly indicates a Designer who is responsible for it.  Also, the fact that a universe fine-tuned for life exists, as opposed to infinite alternatives that would have produced no universe or a universe unfriendly to life, should cause an atheist to wonder, “Why did it happen like that?”

2. Atheism is not a natural position; it is a position philosophically concocted to deny God’s existence for personal reasons (not wanting to live in submission to someone else’s will).   

3. God has given us several implicit evidences that strongly suggest His existence that is invisible to the human eyes.   Believing in such a God would require a reasonable faith, not a blind faith.  

Evening Reflection

Did you come across an unbeliever today?  What did you do?  As you wrap up this day, behold God in His power and love that led to creating you, and then say a prayer for someone who needs the Lord.

January 25, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional provided by Cami King, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on August 11, 2015.  Cami has served faithfully as a staff at several AMI churches in the past.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Fear Not the Ambushes That May Come Out Way”

2 Kings 6:8-10

Once when the king of Syria was warring against Israel, he took counsel with his servants, saying, “At such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 But the man of God sent word to the king of Israel, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Syrians are going down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God told him. Thus he used to warn him, so that he saved himself there more than once or twice.

Life flies at us in a lot of different ways and adversity comes in many forms. But the absolute worst form (in my humble opinion) is the ambush – those unexpected things that catch us off guard and disrupt our lives when least expected. The King of Israel was facing the prospect of a literal (military) ambush. An opposing nation lay in wait for him and his troops in order to take them down when they were not expecting a fight. But here we learn a valuable lesson: for the people of God, the Lord himself is the ultimate defense because he can see what we cannot see and knows what we do not yet know. And when we need Him the most, He enters in – even when we are not yet aware of the situations that will necessitate our need for Him. 

The older I get the more I realize I have no idea what’s going on – in my life… in the world… in general. There are a lot of unknown factors. If I make this move, if I choose this option, if I do that thing… then what? And more often than not, the “then what” that I come up with isn’t quite what happens. And to make matters worse, just when I think I have a handle on things, the waters change course and I’m left scrambling trying to get my bearings. But this passage reminds us that we can rest assured that God is not surprised. And even the unknown factors that we are unable to control or account for or foresee are known by our God and He has already considered them as He leads us step by step through life. 

We don’t have to fear the ambushes that come our way, because our heavenly Father already knows and will aid in the ways we need – He’ll warn us or re-route us and do what only He can do. We don’t have to worry about the unknowns because God has already accounted for them – He often prepares us without us even knowing what we’re being prepared for. And when it’s all said and done, we will not be overtaken if we simply continue to walk in faithful obedience to Him. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for defending me against the ambushes in my life. I choose to rest in Your hands, knowing that You will not allow me to be overtaken. I surrender my worries about the unknowns to You. I surrender my frustrations about the unexpected to You. You have demonstrated time and time again that You will fight for me. Help me to be still. 

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 28

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 139:1-6: “O Lord, you have searched me and known me!2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;you discern my thoughts from afar.3 You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.4 Even before a word is on my tongue,behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.5 You hem me in, behind and before,and lay your hand upon me.6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it.

Questions to Consider

Spend some time meditating on the passage above. Read and re-read the verses a few times (the slower the better), thinking about where they land with you and what their implications are for your life and your personal relationship with God. Below are some questions that may help your time of meditation:

  1. What does it mean that the Lord “searches” and “knows” you? How have you experienced this kind of intimacy with God?
  2. What does it mean that the Lord “searches out your paths” and is “acquainted with all your ways”? How has this practically played out in your life?
  3. How does this vast knowledge of God encourage you? How does it challenge you? 

Note

1. God is a seeking God; He is always seeking after us.

2. God is omniscient, “for He “kn[ows] all men” (Jn. 2:24).

3. It is super comforting to know that God loves us in Christ despite of the fact that He already knows all my defects and faults. 

Evening Reflection

Some see David’s words in Psalm 139:5 as an expression of discomfort with the vast knowledge of God (the kind of discomfort one might feel when completely exposed to another, unable to hide the things we don’t want them to see). While we may be tempted to merely tremble, we can also take great comfort in God’s omniscience (knowing everything) because while we are known completely by Him we are at the same time loved unconditionally by Him. And when it comes to life’s unknowns and unexpected moments, there is even greater comfort in knowing God is not surprised by anything. Are there specific situations or areas in your life right now where the omniscience of God can be a source of comfort? Spend some time offering those areas to the Lord.   

January 24, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on January 21, 2015.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“Magic: Why Does It Fascinate Us So Much?”  

2 Kings 21:6

He built altars in the temple of the LORD, of which the LORD had said, “In Jerusalem I will put my Name.” In both courts of the temple of the LORD, he built altars to all the starry hosts.  He sacrificed his own son in the fire, practiced sorcery and divination, and consulted mediums and spiritists.  He did much evil in the eyes of the LORD, provoking him to anger.

When I was younger, I liked reading books about magic.  Before Harry Potter, there were classic fairy tales, the Oz books, the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander.  I remember one of the very first series I really enjoyed as a young reader featured a little witch named Dorrie.  I loved the whimsical illustrations and charming narration: “This is Dorrie.  She is a witch.  A little witch.  Her hat is always on crooked and her stockings never match.”  Because she wasn’t a grown-up witch, her spells did not always come out exactly right, and that was what made things fun.  

What is it about magic that fascinates human beings?  The longing for the other-worldly is a sign that we were meant for more than just this material world; it points us to seek out God who is spirit.  Yet sorcery, divination and seeking mediums are about trying to access supernatural power or knowledge without accountability or relationship with Him.  It is a way for human beings to try to exert control over circumstances, on their own terms; whereas, in contrast, God’s power and revelation is given so that we can submit ourselves and circumstances to God’s will and authority.  It is given on His terms, for His purposes, to those who are in relationship with Him.  

Are we dabbling in or pursuing any kind of spiritual activity (Buddhist meditation, fortune-telling, tarot card reading, etc.) that is not of God?  It is a deception to think that we can be truly satisfied by any spiritual activity outside the context of a relationship with Him.  Or though we may not be blatantly engaging in such activities, just as our idolatry is more sophisticated and subtle in modern days, so can our sorcery and divination.  Have our prayers become more a kind of magic spell than a way to connect with a spiritual Father who loves us?  Do we ever seek others’ prayer ministry or counsel because we just want a quick answer, too lazy to go to God ourselves and wanting to bypass the relationship-building of personally wrestling with and submitting to Him?

Prayer: Father, do I ever provoke you to anger by my disrespect?  Do I ever, like King Manasseh, try to bypass building a relationship with you in favor of just getting quick results?  Forgive me, Father.  I do want to know You.  Help me to seek You more.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 27

Lunch Break Study 

Read Deuteronomy 18:10-17: Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, 11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. 12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord; because of these same detestable practices the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you. . . .14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so. 15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.” . . . 17 The Lord said to me: “What they say is good. 18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 

Questions to Consider

1. How does God feel about sorcery, divination, etc. (vv. 10-12)?

2. Why doesn’t it make sense for Israel to pursue such practices (vv. 12, 14)?

3. What alternative to the above practices does God give to his people (vv. 15-17)?  Currently, who are you listening to for spiritual guidance?  What are their qualifications?

Notes

1. He hates it.

2. God is going to drive out other nations from their land because of these practices.  It makes no sense for the Israelites to want to imitate a people that they would defeat.

3. He provides a prophet and commands His people to listen to Him rather than to mediums or spiritists.  We need to exercise discernment in terms of who we are receiving spiritual guidance from.  We need to listen to people who are in right relationship with God and speak His words.

Evening Reflection

When I sought guidance today, how did I seek it?  Did I walk through the day in communication and consultation with God, or were there times I relied on other kinds of guidance?  Ask for discernment to rely on the Holy Spirit and not on any other kind of spirit.

January 23, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on August 23, 2014.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Building Habits” (Part B)

2 Corinthians 6:2a 

“I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.”  

(Continuing with the theme of habits from yesterday’s devotion)

Some of us are not content with the way we live our Christian lives: not much prayer, hardly ever reading the Bible, and almost never witnessing; yet we always find ample time for Facebook, fantasy football or watching the latest movie.   But we vaguely hope that someday it’s all going to change for the better.  That’s wishful thinking at best and delusional at worst.  For instance, let’s say that you are a young parent.  If you are not praying regularly for your children now when their lives are rather simple and under your control, then, don’t expect to pray all of sudden (not the two-minute drill variety) when the lives of your teenagers become complex and not necessarily under your control.   

I learned this lesson when I was living at my pastor’s house while attending a Christian college in California in 1983.  Before I became a believer, I was a very messy person, which frustrated my father.  But one day it dawned on me that nothing really had changed.  My desk was messy, my dirty plates were left in the sink, and the bed was still unmade!  So who ended up doing all these things?  The pastor’s wife.  At the time, I was reading a book on servanthood, which led me to ask myself, “So when do you plan on becoming a servant?”   My first answer, “When I become a pastor,” was quickly followed by, “If you are not serving now, you are not going to serve later.”  Then I realized that I needed to come out of my comfort zone.  So I left the pastor’s house early next morning (Monday) in my 1972 Vega station wagon with all my belongings.  Parking the car near the college, I went to school in the mornings, looked for a job and a place to live in the afternoons, and slept in the car in the evenings.  And I prayed desperately in between!   By Friday, I had a place to stay and found a job as a school janitor, working from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.  I vacuumed the carpets, emptied the trash cans, and cleaned the toilets!  

Undoubtedly, that was one of the most valuable experiences I have ever had in my Christian life, for I learned this lesson: Once “not-living-for-God-now” becomes a habit, then you probably won’t live for Him in the future.   Apostle Paul said, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:2).  So the present time is the best time to form a new spiritual habit by a way of deliberately repeating the desired change.  For how long?  Well, some scientists say that a typical person needs at least 3 weeks to form a good habit.  Or, as long as it takes to make the desired change an integral part of our lives.  So try it—whether it be praying, reading the Bible, tithing, witnessing, volunteering or more loving. 

Prayer: Lord, help me build some good habits, both spiritual and physical, in order to complete the journey with You here on earth faithfully.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 26