REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King, now a friend of AMI, was first posted on March 24, 2015.  We thank her for many years of faithful service in several AMI churches.  May the Lord richly bless Cami in her future endeavors. 

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“The Anxiety of Silence”

1 Samuel 28:3-7

Now Samuel had died, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, his own city. And Saul had put the mediums and the necromancers out of the land. 4 The Philistines assembled and came and encamped at Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel, and they encamped at Gilboa. 5 When Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 7 Then Saul said to his servants,“ Seek out for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a medium at En-dor.”

One pastor tells of a time, just after the planes crashed into the World Trade Center in NYC, when he was unable to contact his son who lived in the city. He describes the anxiety he felt for the few days after the incident when he so desperately needed to hear his son’s voice but couldn’t reach him. Thankfully, his son was OK.

There is a definite anxiety when we can’t get in touch with those we love and depend on. This anxiety is heightened in moments of desperation. Have you ever felt the anxiety of silence when you sought God’s help in a desperate situation? There are countless reasons we may find ourselves asking and not hearing, most of which we won’t discuss today. But from Saul we see the workings of one very dangerous reason. 

In today’s episode, the posture of the Lord toward Saul (silence) was in direct response to Saul’s posture toward God (rebellion). God spoke clearly to Saul throughout 1 Samuel and Saul repeatedly went his own way. What we learn of Saul is that he really only sought God for his own ends. And when God said something Saul didn’t want to hear, he ignored God (1 Samuel 15). Saul was not actually seeking the will of God. He was seeking God’s help in accomplishing his own will. And when God refused, Saul tried to get what he wanted through other means (v. 7). Truth be told, God had spoken on this issue through Samuel (who told Saul that his rebellion would lead to his demise). But it wasn’t what Saul wanted to hear, so he chose not to receive it. 

Discerning the voice and leading of God is not an easy thing. But we can learn from King Saul what not to do. May we seek God for the purpose of following His will (not using Him to accomplish our own) and may we walk faithfully in accordance with God’s Word when He does speak (and not choose to ignore Him because we don’t like what we hear). 

Prayer: Prayer: Eternal God, you alone can satisfy. Sometimes, during the moment of silence, I find myself thinking, “If only [fill in the blank with what is relevant for you], then I’d be satisfied.” But that is a lie. You have promised to meet all my needs and I trust that you’ll do it. In Jesus’ name.

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 4

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Lunch Break Study

Read John 6:60-69: When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 

Questions to Consider

1. Why did many of Jesus’ followers turn back? (v. 66)
2. Why did Simon Peter stay with Jesus even after the difficult teaching? (v. 68)
3. What are some “hard sayings” you’ve received from the Lord (commands to follow, teachings from Scripture, etc.)? Have you accepted or rejected them, obeyed or disobeyed? How do these verses challenge and/or encourage you to follow Christ even when it’s tough? 

Notes

1. Many of Jesus’ disciples turned back and no longer followed him because they felt His teachings were too hard to follow. His commands seemed too hard to obey. 
2. Peter (who spoke for himself and some of the others) knew that even if the teachings and commands Jesus gave were difficult, they were true. He realized that the road Jesus offered them, as narrow as it was, was the only one that would lead to eternal life. 
3. If we’ve rejected God’s words that are difficult, we should feel challenged to receive them because they are true and life-giving. If we’ve accepted difficult teachings of the Lord, we should feel encouraged because God’s way, even though sometimes tough, will lead us to eternal life. That’s a promise. 

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Evening Reflection

Are you seeking direction from the Lord? Spend some time reflecting on your motives for doing so. Do you truly desire to do the will of God (whatever it may be) or are you just seeking God’s help and power in accomplishing your own will? When God does speak to you, are you willing to follow even if it’s not what you want to hear?  Reflect on your time in the Word, in prayer and in the community. Has God already spoken to you previously on the matter through one of these means, maybe in ways you didn’t wish to receive? Pray and ask God to help you to hear His voice and to respond with a receptive heart of obedience.  

UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on August 13, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Thank God that His Thoughts Aren’t Like My Thoughts!”

Luke 4:38-44:

And he arose and left the synagogue and entered Simon’s house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was ill with a high fever, and they appealed to him on her behalf. 39 And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. 42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desolate place. And the people sought him and came to him, and would have kept him from leaving them, 43 but he said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” 44 And he was preaching in the synagogues of Judea.

I want to share two thoughts today.

First, it is interesting to note that Jesus did not limit himself to one particular way of healing people.  While a rebuke from Jesus was all it took to remove the fever from Simon’s mother-in-law, at another time, he put spit on the blind man’s face to heal him (Mark 8:23).  Yuck! Therefore, we should not limit ourselves to any certain way; sometimes we just have to rebuke sickness in Jesus’ name.  The important thing is that we are willing to let go of our preconceived theological notions in order to obey and serve the Lord, particularly in the area of praying for healing (v. 39).

Second, Jesus’ daily schedule was pretty much packed, yet early in the morning, Jesus “went out to a solitary place” (v. 42), most likely to pray and have communion with the Father.  Jesus, being fully human as He was, did not excuse Himself from praying early in the morning.  And also, rather than settling in one place, Jesus was always on the move (v. 43).  Sometimes we become lazy because of our physical limitations, but our physical weakness or complacency should not keep us from seeking intimacy with the Lord and having a heart for those around us who are lost, and even beyond our own nation. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, don’t let me forget that Your thoughts are not my thoughts, neither are Your ways my ways. And help me to grow in my intimacy with You through Your word and Spirit.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 3

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 12, 2014.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Winning Isn’t Everything, it’s the Only Thing!”  That Depends

Luke 12:20

“You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.”

While the belief that sports build character may have been exaggerated, it continues to provide graphic snapshots of the fragility of life.  Who can forget the sight of the protruding leg bone of a University of Louisville basketball player in last year’s March Madness? 

A similar thing happened to an NFL coach who was “merely” watching the game from the sideline.  Once, a Greek Bay receiver, after making a catch, slammed into his 52-year-old coach Gil Haskel, whose head then hit the artificial turf.  After being taken to a hospital on a stretcher, the test showed that he lost neurological function and mental status.  His skull was fractured; it was feared that his brain was injured as well.  After the game, the Green Bay’s head coach said that this unfortunate event should remind us all of what’s really important in life.  That was ironic because the oft-repeated motto heard in the locker room was something that another Green Bay coach had said years earlier: “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”  

So how do we win?  The usual route is outperforming everyone whether it is material acquisition, professional accomplishment, or for some, how their children turn out.  But the question boils down to what we’re willing to trade for this.  In one parable of Jesus (Luke 12:18-21), a man traded his very life to win the race to own the biggest barn.  After a great harvest, this man said, “I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.  Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.’”  Unfortunately, an “unplanned” death changed all of that.  Jesus, referring to this man as a “fool,” said, “Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself? “ 

Jesus ended the parable with this conclusion: “This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.”  So, how shall we live? Even as you work hard to obtain nice things in life, know when to say, “Enough.”  Live a life that is rich toward God.   

Always focus on building God’s kingdom.  Don’t be a fool! 

Prayer:  Dear God, give me your wisdom so that I may know what true winning is in life.  Help me to be a winner according to Your eternal metrics.  Thank You for your eternal patience with me.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Philippians 1-2

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on June 16, 2015.   A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), Doug, along with his family (Cindy, Audrey and Benji), recently relocated from Boston to Philadelphia to assume the role of the UC site pastor of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Busy?”

1 Kings 5:7-10

As soon as Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed be the Lord this day, who has given to David a wise son to be over this great people.” And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have heard the message that you have sent to me. I am ready to do all you desire in the matter of cedar and cypress timber. My servants shall bring it down to the sea from Lebanon, and I will make it into rafts to go by sea to the place you direct. And I will have them broken up there, and you shall receive it. And you shall meet my wishes by providing food for my household.” So Hiram supplied Solomon with all the timber of cedar and cypress that he desired.

As mentioned yesterday, Solomon sought to build a temple for God now that Israel finally was in a state of relative peace. In order to succeed in this task, Solomon needed help, so he asked Hiram, the king of neighboring Tyre. Hiram very willingly agreed to help in this task.

I remember when I first became a Christian, I was so eager to help out in any way. During my first AMI Revolution, I was asked to drive someone to the airport, and I felt so privileged to be able to help out. Even though it was just a simple task, I felt like I was contributing to the conference and this made the task seem fulfilling to me. Oh how I miss those days of enthusiasm! Now, often when asked to help with something, I think in my heart, “Ugh, I’m too busy.  There is too much on my plate. Can’t this wait? Is there someone else who can do it?” Long gone is that enthusiasm I once had.

Yet, being invited into God’s work should always elicit enthusiasm! What better use of our time and energy is there than joining in what God is doing? We ought to fight against those burnt-out feelings, that yearning to become selfish and inward-focused, and rather remind ourselves that God is at work around us, doing something beyond our wildest imaginations. How terrible would it be if we missed out on God because we felt too busy or too exhausted?

Today, let’s keep our eyes open. Perhaps God is calling us to join Him in something. What will our response be – pessimistic rejection or joyful acceptance? Remember Hiram, who rejoiced at what Solomon was doing and joyfully accepted the invitation to join him in building the temple.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for often thinking I’m too busy or too tired to join You in what You are doing around me. Give me eyes to see You at work and a joyful and willing heart to join You. May I return to my first love, remembering the joy and enthusiasm I first found in You. May my love never grow cold, but rather be fresh and active. In Your name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 6

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Lunch Break Study

Read John 5:19-20: Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

Questions to Consider

1. Who does Jesus rely on? What can Jesus do by Himself?
2. Why does God reveal His works to Jesus?
3. What can we learn about following God from this passage?

Notes

1. As surprising as it may seem, Jesus does not do anything on His own accord. He is totally, 100% dependent on God the Father. This is humbling to us because Jesus, the beloved Son of God, did only what He saw God the Father doing. If Jesus did this, shouldn’t we likewise?
2. God loves His Son! Because of their love relationship, God the Father showed Jesus all that He was doing because God the Father wanted Jesus to be the one to carry out His plans. This applies to us now because God loves us and wants us now to carry out His plans. Because of His love for us, God shows us what He is doing so we can jump right in and join Him.
3. Following God means utter dependence on Him. It means looking to see what God is doing and joining Him there. If we really want to do something for God, we cannot just do it on our own initiative; we need to first see what He is doing. Why would we ever want to do something apart from God?

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Evening Reflection

How was your busyness level today? Do you think you gave room for God to draw you into His work or were you too caught up in your own work? Remember, God loves us and He wants us to join Him so we can know His love in even greater ways. It is because of His grace that we can join Him. Pray for eyes to see God around you tomorrow and a heart that is willing to join Him.

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on September 30, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Death”

1 Kings 17:17-24

And the LORD listened to the voice of Elijah. And the life of the child came into him again, and he revived. 

It’s not every day that one thinks about death, but presiding over a funeral recently had me thinking about it head on. If we are honest, death can be a very scary prospect—even more so if we’ve lost a love one in a very untimely manner. Such is the case for the widow in our story today whose son became ill and he died. She was devastated. Not only had she lost her husband, but now her son as well. In her grief, she looked to Elijah for answers, “What do you have against me, man of God? Did you come to remind me of my sin and kill my son” (v.18)? 

At this point, we might wonder why we are looking to this widow as an “OT figure of faith.” Instead of entrusting her son faithfully to the Lord and accepting that it was His will to take him at this time, she lashes out at the prophet of God, Elijah. And even Elijah seems to be shaken, saying, “O LORD my God, have you brought tragedy also upon this widow I am staying with, by causing her son to die?” (v.20). Here was one of the Lord’s most prominent prophets apparently taking God to task for ending this boy’s life and causing the widow extreme heartache and hardship. 

Death has a way of doing that to us. The most faithful amongst us can be shaken to the core in the time of death. There is something so final, so irreversible about death, that it can send shudders down our spines. Death rattles us, push us to our limits, and can even call God into question. 

But as a way of preview of Christ’s resurrection, we see that God is the God of life— and He has power over death. Using Elijah, God raises the widow’s son to life. When Elijah gives back her son, she says, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is the truth” (v.24). So through this miracle her feeble faith was confirmed and strengthened. 

We learn from this story that God understand our fears and worries about death. But He is calling us to look to Him because He is able to do the impossible. By putting our faith in Jesus, we overcome our greatest fears. Let us never put our confidence in ourselves—even when death comes our way—but let us always place our faith in the object of our faith: Jesus who became nothing so that we might have everything, including life over death. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you that I don’t have to fear death, for, in you, I have enteral life.  But, whenever I find myself feeling not so confident about what may happen after death, remind me that I’ve placed my trust in the One who has conquered death. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 5

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58: I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. [51] Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. [53] For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. [54] When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” [55] “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” [56] The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 

Questions to Consider 

1. What is the mystery Paul is referring to in verse 51?   
2. Why has death, man’s greatest fear, rendered meaningless?  
3. What work are you doing that you consider it to be in vain, and what work are you doing that is not in vain? 

Notes 

1. It’s the mystery of Christ’s return. Christ will come and we will all be made like Him in a twinkling of an eye. 
2. Death has been defeated through Jesus Christ who gives us victory. As Christ rose from the dead, we too will rise from the dead. 
3. Personal Response

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Evening Reflection

“As base a thing as money often is, yet it can be transmuted into everlasting treasure. It can be converted into food for the hungry and clothing for the poor. It can keep a missionary actively winning lost men to the light of the gospel and thus transmute itself into heavenly values. Any temporal possession can be turned into everlasting wealth. Whatever is given to Christ is immediately touched with immortality.” –A.W. Tozer

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on April 10, 2015.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Worth of Friendship”

1 Samuel 23:15-18

While David was at Horesh in the Desert of Ziph, he learned that[a] Saul had come out to take his life. 16 And Saul’s son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God. 17 “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “My father Saul will not lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you. Even my father Saul knows this.” 18 The two of them made a covenant before the Lord. Then Jonathan went home, but David remained at Horesh.

How much value do you place in a friend? Like many of us, you probably value some friends more than others.  So how much value do you place in your Facebook friends? Researchers calculated that a Facebook friend is worth $174.17 (in 2013). It turns out that every time you “like” or “friend” a brand or a business, your actions are worth exactly $174.17 to that brand.  Do you believe that is your worth to your friends? In an age of social networking hysteria, have you made some meaningful friendships—the kind where there is mutual giving and receiving of care, concern, and love? Do you have friends where you are not merely held accountable for your weaknesses, but where you are covered and given grace when that weakness shows?  

David and Jonathan shared a deep friendship that was defined by a covenant before the Lord. One can imagine how exhausted and discouraged David must have been as he sought refuge from King Saul. David had to live in caves and the wilderness, fleeing from one place to another, never knowing rest. But on this day, though brief, refreshing encouragement came to David through his friend Jonathan (King Saul’s son). Technically, Jonathan should have been the next rightful heir to the throne and all of its power and wealth. Yet, Jonathan knew that David would be the next king over Israel, and he would be David’s second. Jonathan was a loyal and trustworthy friend—a friend that would stick closer than a brother who would have laid his own life for David. I hardly think that David saw Jonathan’s estimated worth as being $174.17. I’m certain that David truly valued Jonathan.

Generations later, Jesus said a few words about what it means to be a friend. Jesus shared, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Soon afterwards, He laid down his own life so that we might be forgiven, strengthened, and become His friends. As you would with a good friend, spend some time deepening your friendship with Jesus today.  

Prayer: Jesus, I would like to spend this day deepening my relationship with You. In everything that I do today, whether at home, work, or school, allow me to sense Your living presence, thoughts, and affections. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 4

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Lunch Break Study  

Read Prov. 17:17: A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity; Prov. 18:24: One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother;

Prov. 27:6: Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.

Questions to Consider 

1. What are some qualities that define a biblical view of friendship? 
2. How can the absence of meaningful friendship affect your life negatively?  
3. Think of a person at your school or work who may need a friend.  Pray about reaching out to that person. 

Notes

1. True friends can be counted on when faced with adversity. They remain loyal, even more than some family members. And even if it hurts, they will tell you the truth. 
2. You may have to face adversity alone. On the other hand, having unreliable friends land you in ruin.  Also, without meaningful friendships, you may live in self-delusion. 
3. Personal response

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Evening Reflection

Think about a few friends that you truly value. Spend some time communicating your gratitude for their friendship. If you know a friend who is in need of strength, pray for and share some words of encouragement.

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

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“The Greatest Need of Mankind”

1 King 8:30 

“Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place.  Hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and when you hear, forgive.”

The occasion is the celebration of the completion of the temple.  The king offers a prayer of dedication, asking God to hear the prayers to be offered in this place.  What would the contents of these prayers be?  Most of us would assume them to be for some kind of help or blessing, in which case the king’s prayer should have gone something like: “Hear from heaven . . . and when you hear, deliver us,” or, “and when you hear, bless our land.”  But King Solomon’s prayer, “and when you hear, forgive,” assumes that the prayers offered at or toward this temple would be pleas for forgiveness.  Though he does go on to pray for deliverance and blessing, he does so asking God for his mercies in the context of his people turning back to him (vv. 34-40).  On an occasion meant for joyful celebration, why does he choose to focus on forgiveness, bringing up the inevitability of the people sinning against God (v. 46)?  

It has been said that the greatest need of mankind is for forgiveness.  That whatever our felt needs are (i.e., security, love, purpose), in reality, the most pressing problem that a human being needs to solve is his or her need for forgiveness from their Father God.  Simon Wiesenthal, a Jewish holocaust survivor who later became a Nazi hunter, told a story of a dying Nazi guard who, for his atrocities against the Jews, desperately pleaded for forgiveness from him; Wiesenthal walked away.  But, this universal need for forgiveness was what Jesus Christ came to provide the answer to.  Perhaps Solomon, in his God-given gift of wisdom, understood this, and that is why he made a plea for future forgiveness the cornerstone of his first prayer offered at the temple.  Possibly, the king brought up the people’s sin and need for forgiveness on an otherwise celebratory occasion because he “kn[e]w that nothing good lives in [us], that is, in [our] sinful nature” (Rom. 7:18). 

What is the usual content of my prayer?  Do I tend to avoid the unpleasant topic of sin as I focus on “my needs?”  Do I realize that my greatest need is to be in right relationship with my Father?

Prayer: Father, I want to be in right relationship with you.  Examine my heart and help me to see in what areas of my life I need to sincerely repent and turn back to you.  May a desire to be right with you be the cornerstone of my prayer today – and when you hear, forgive.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 3

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Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 103:1-5, 8-12, 20-22: Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sinsand heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us . . . 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.

Questions to Consider

1. What is it like to experience God’s forgiveness?  (vv.1-5)
2. What is God’s attitude towards those who fear him when they sin?  (vv. 8-12)
3. What is the resulting state of our hearts once we have received the forgiveness of God? (vv. 20-22).  What encouragement do we have today to approach God and deal with our sin?

Notes

1. We receive healing; he extricates us from the mess we’ve created in our own lives because of our sins; he grants us the things that truly satisfy us; we are restored.
2. Sin angers him, but he is gracious and so willing to forgive and remove our sins from us.
3. Our hearts are filled with praise.  How great the gift of forgiveness is!  If these are the benefits, then why delay dealing with sin?  Why not confess and repent right away?

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Evening Reflection

What is the state of my heart?  Is it filled with praise because I have experienced his forgiveness?  Is it at peace because I am right with God?  If not yet, then continue to seek the Lord, being confident that he will hear, and when he hears, forgive.

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 23, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Grace”

Psalms 8:9-9:2

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart. 1 I will tell of all your wonders. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

Did David win a lottery? He is so exuberant here!  No, while he certainly had his share of good days (e.g., victories on the battlefield), his bad days—mostly due to his own faults (adultery, unwise parenting)—sometimes overshadowed them.  Yet the LORD never ceased to love him, continuing to uphold the covenantal promise made to David.  For that, the king was very grateful and expressed that gratitude through his many psalms.  David understood grace, that is to say, he experienced a spiritual reality in which “where sin increased, grace increased all the more” (Rom. 5:20).  That inspired him to worship the LORD in exuberance. 

Many things in our lives justify our complaints! What are some of yours?  How long is your list? Now, view them in light of the richness of God’s grace and mercy in Christ, and begin praising Him.  Try!  

Prayer: God, I often complain about how people treat me and all the things that I don’t have. But this morning, I want to praise You with all my heart because I see that Christ is greater than all of my problems.   LORD, I thank You for Your amazing grace.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 2

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Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:18-19: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.  Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

1. What is one thing that we do that keeps us from making music in our heart to the Lord? What does “drunk on wine” mean?
2. When Paul and Silas were imprisoned unjustly in Philippi, they, instead of pouting, worshiped the Lord (Acts 16:16-25; Phil. 3:10). What is so refreshing about that? 
3. What are the practical benefits of praising God (Ps. 63:4-8)?

Notes

1. In the Greek world, one influential god was Dionysus who was known as the god of wine and madness. Thus, here Paul meant literal intoxication from drinking too much wine as well as being greatly influenced by dominant secular values.  Those who find themselves in such a compromised spiritual state will not find praising God to be important, beneficial, or necessary.
2. Paul and Silas had every reason to complain (“Thanks a lot, God”) since they were put in prison for having done good (liberating a demonized girl) but instead of pouting they praised God!  Where did that mindset come from?  According to Phil. 3:10, Paul saw that as an opportunity to share in the sufferings of Christ.
3. According to David, our “soul will be satisfied” and feel nearer to Him. (“My soul clings to you.”)  I am sure praise is not the first thing that we think of when unpleasant things happen, but let’s try that the next time we find ourselves complaining.  Sad musicians make good music that uplifts people; maybe our praises will do the same for us.

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Evening Reflection

As you look back today, were you aware of God’s presence? Too busy to notice Him? In view of David’s remark, “I will tell of all your wonders,” jot down some wonderful things that God has done for you and thank Him for them. 

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 11, 2014.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“You Are Not Dedicated Enough!”

Matt. 6:33

“Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Coaches in professional sports get fired all the time.  Many years ago, the Phoenix Suns of NBA fired Paul Westphal when his team had lost five straight home games and owned a dismal record of 14-19. Perhaps it was because the team’s four starters hadn’t played due to injuries. Only three years before, the same coach had led the Suns to the NBA’s best record and reached the finals. 

Now, one criticism against Westphal was that he was not dedicated enough. His critics noted that he spent too much time with his family as evidenced by him attending PTA meetings. This criticism was similar to what Jimmy Johnson, the famed coach of the Dallas Cowboys who led them to two Super Bowl championships in the 1990s, said about his successor Barry Switzer.  Johnson, who divorced just before taking over the Cowboys to focus on coaching, did not like Switzer flying out to watch his son play college football on Saturday, and then return for his game on Sunday.  Unlike Johnson, Westphal didn’t divorce his family to win. He even admitted that coaching in the NBA was not the most important thing in his life—his family always came first.

Westphal’s example is admirable, even inspiring to busy parents who juggle between family responsibilities and career pursuits.  The apostle Paul, who probably wasn’t thinking about PTA meetings, nonetheless, wrote, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever” (1 Tim. 5:8). While that is a sobering thought, we must guard against family getting in the way of seeking first God’s kingdom, because winning a championship or working to close a deal is not the same as responding to God’s call in our lives.  Sometimes, it may be God’s will that we stay home or work a little longer, but at other times, He wants you “there” to worship or serve God even if you miss your son’s soccer game or daughter’s recital.  When we cannot be there, we trust that “God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28^b).  

Is God at the center of your juggling act?  If not, what adjustments (even repentance) are needed to ensure that God doesn’t have to compete for your attention?  Something to think about, and then act. 

Prayer: Dear Jesus, help me to keep my priorities straight and keep me from deluding myself into thinking that I am seeking you when, in truth, I am pursuing other things with more passion and investment. Thank you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ephesians 1

UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on August 26, 2013.kk

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“That’s Way Too Much”

Luke 7:36-50

One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, 38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.” 41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?” 43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

I would like to address the matter of what you consider excessive (“too much”).  

Many people in Jesus’ days, as well as ours, may deem what the woman did in this passage as being overly emotional or exaggerated.  We don’t mind if we get emotional about things that can bring us happiness, or if it’s about what we love to do.  In fact, some people are willing to pay an incredible amount of money just to experience something for a few hours.  But when it comes to expressing our love and devotion to God in worship, anything longer than one hour is seen by many churchgoers as unnecessarily long.  

Now, this event (a sinful woman wiping the feet of Jesus with her hair and ointment) is not to be confused with similar stories in the Gospels.  Here, the Pharisee was not concerned about the woman’s alleged wastefulness (John 12:5); but rather, the following two issues were raised: a sinful person before God’s holiness and Jesus’ reputation as a prophet.  The bottom line is that the only way a sinner can approach God is through worship in love and gratitude of His grace of forgiveness (v. 47); and the exaggerated expression of thankfulness becomes a tiny, miniature expression of the overwhelming grace of God’s forgiveness.  

When it comes to worshiping God, nothing can be too emotional nor overly exaggerated, for God is worthy of our total devotion.  The issue is not about how I am known by others but whether I have come to know and love my Savior who pardoned my sins (vv. 42-42).  During our Sunday worship, the goal of preaching is to show how great and merciful our God is; and afterwards, the only legitimate response from the congregation, that is, the worshipers, is an abundant expression of our love for God who, after all, has forgiven us of all our sins.  

So, have you been holding back your emotions before God in worship fearing what others might think?   Has the expression of your gratitude toward Him diminished?  Ask the Lord to take you back to that place where He found you, where nothing mattered, other than the Lord Jesus Himself.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, you are the only one who has the authority to forgive sins on earth.  Therefore, I display my emotions publicly to glorify your magnanimous love for me.  I praise you, Lord.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 5-6