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

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on July 27, 2015, is provided by Ulysses Wang who pastors Renewal Church in Sunnyvale, California. Pastor Ulysses is a graduate of New York University (BA) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for this Morning

“Who Do You Call When You are in Trouble?”

2 Kings 1:1-4

After Ahab’s death, Moab rebelled against Israel. 2 Now Ahaziah had fallen through the lattice of his upper room in Samaria and injured himself. So he sent messengers, saying to them, “Go and consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron, to see if I will recover from this injury.” 3 But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Go up and meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and ask them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going off to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘You will not leave the bed you are lying on. You will certainly die!’” So Elijah went.

It’s obvious that in this passage God is upset at King Ahaziah because he didn’t inquire of Him as to how his illness would turn out.  What is interesting, however, is the king’s reaction to the news from his messengers regarding the “stranger” that they had met on the road.  Through nothing more than a description of his outfit, Ahaziah knew that it was the prophet Elijah (v.8).  What we can see from this is that Ahaziah was very much aware that there was a prophet of the Lord in his land, yet he had no interest in inquiring of the Lord through him.  For this, he was condemned to die from his wounds.

We take encouragement from this passage that we serve a God who wants us to inquire of Him.  Imagine that!—being invited to ask for wisdom and knowledge from the source of all wisdom and knowledge!  Our struggle, however, is that too often we don’t take God up on His generous offer.  We’ve replaced God with Google or friends or medical professionals.  Not that any of these things are wrong—these things can all be a blessing—but the problem comes when these things effectively replace God in our lives.  Inquiring of God through prayer is considered impractical.  Like Ahaziah, we know that He’s there and He’s real, but in times of trouble, we go elsewhere for answers.

Prayer: What do you need to ask God about today?  James reminds us that, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (1:5).  Spend time inquiring of the Lord. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 4

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Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 4:14-16: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Jesus’ ability to “empathize with our weaknesses” encourage you?
2. If Jesus never sinned, can He truly empathize?  Why is it important that “he did not sin”?
3. Where do you turn to in your “time of need”?  What does this say about where you place your trust?

Notes

1. It gives me confidence that he genuinely understands what I am going through.  He is a God of Immanuel—one who is with us and among us.
2. Since He is God, he doesn’t need to do anything in particular to learn what we are going through.  But since he went through temptations without succumbing to them, it does give us more confidence in approaching Him.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection

How much did you interact with God today?  How much time did you spend talking to Him?  Was He an active part of your day?  Spend some time talking to Him about your day—the victories and defeats, the exciting things as well as the mundane.  Give Him an opportunity to speak to you.

REPOST Today’s QT Devotional—first posted on March 12, 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).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Being Too Concerned About Saving Face”

I Sam. 15: 24-31

Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin and return with me that I may bow before the Lord.”26 And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you. For you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 As Samuel turned to go away, Saul seized the skirt of his robe, and it tore. 28 And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours, who is better than you. 29 And also the Glory of Israel will not lie or have regret, for he is not a man, that he should have regret.” 30 Then he said, “I have sinned; yet honor me now before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may bow before the Lord your God.” 31 So Samuel turned back after Saul, and Saul bowed before the Lord.

About a month ago, my wife asked me my thoughts on the Brian Williams’ scandal, to which I responded with a blank, inquisitive, and ultimately clueless look.  My wife then rebuked me, telling me, “You’ve got to look at more than just sports on the Internet.”  She then proceeded to fill me in on the details of how Williams claimed to have been in a helicopter that was shot down in Iraq in 2003, but over ten years later it was reported that he was not on that helicopter.  He then claimed to be foggy on the details, and how embarrassing this incident was looking for him. 

My response after hearing all of this was something to the effect, “Wow, that is unbelievable, but hey, I’ve been there before.”  No, I’ve never been to Iraq or got shot down in a helicopter, but I am ashamed to admit that there have been several times in my life where I have lied to save face.  What’s worse, even when everyone knew I was lying, I continued to lie because perpetuating the lie felt less embarrassing than revealing the truth at that moment.  For example, has your boss ever asked you to do something, but you totally forgot to do it?  Then when she asks if you did it, you respond with a false yes.  Then when she proceeds by asking how it went, you perpetuate the lie by just making stuff up.  Why did you do this?  Because at that moment, the truth now entails not only admitting that you forgot in the first place, but that you just lied to her to save face.  (For the record, I never lie to my current boss.)  

When I look at Saul in 1 Sam. 15, I see this guy who is so concerned about saving face that he will say and do just about anything.  When Samuel asks, “Why didn’t you obey the Lord?”  Saul responds, “I have obeyed” (v. 20).  But as Samuel rebukes him for not fully obeying (vv. 22-23), Saul says that “he feared the people” (v. 24). Finally, when Samuel proclaims that the Lord will replace him as king (vv. 28-29), Saul seems more concerned that Samuel attend the feast to “honor him before the elders” (v. 30).  At this point, Saul seems misguided in his priorities, wouldn’t you say?  Instead of being right before the Lord, he wants to look good in front of people.

How about you?  Do you ever fear the thoughts and judgments of people more than you fear the Lord?  Does that fear cause you to act with less than 100% integrity at times?  Today, let’s determine to be people who live in fear of the Lord (not fear of man) and act righteously and blamelessly in what we say and do.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to fear You more than I fear people.  Give me integrity of word and deed to speak only truths, even if that means embarrassment to me.  Thank you that You are the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:16).  

Bible Reading for Today:  Galatians 3

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Lunch Break Study

Read Eph. 4:25-32: Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. 26Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27and give no opportunity to the devil. 28Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Questions to Consider

1. Concerning words, what are the things Paul tells us not to do?
2. Concerning words, what are the things Paul tells us to do?
3. Who are some people you could “build up” (v. 29) with your words or deeds?

Notes

1. Paul tells us to put away falsehood/lies (4:25), corrupting talk (4:29), and slander (4:31).  These are the specific verbal sins, but of course, there is more than just verbal sin mentioned.  
2. Positive words include, speaking the truth (4:25) and building each other up (4:29).  And likewise, there are many positive actions and emotions mentioned.  
3. Personal application, but please try to think of a specific person.  

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Evening Reflection

Where you completely honest and forthright today?  On the positive side, did you have an opportunity to build someone up?  If so, did you take that opportunity?  Has Christ sanctified your pattern of speech, thought, and/or personal integrity in the last few years?  

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 30, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Constitutes God’s House for Us?

Psalm 92:12-15

The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

This morning’s Psalm reminds us that the root of the blessings and goodness in our lives stems from being found in a right place.  Just like cedars can grow in Lebanon (and other similar environments), the righteous (i.e., those who live by faith in Christ) cannot grow unless they dwell in God’s house and courts, which is more than just going to church.  It is the way we live our lives, that is, places we go to spend our time and money, the people whom we meet to socialize.  

Among the many attributes of God, the psalmist here underscores God’s holiness, which implies separation.   This raises the question of whether our lives are separated from the values of this world even as we live in the world as his ambassadors.   

Theologically and spiritually, what constitutes God’s house for us?  It is being in a right relationship with God by being justified through faith in the person and work of Christ (Rom. 5:1), thereby having peace with God instead of receiving His wrath for our sins (Rom. 5:9).  Thus, we can enter boldly into the presence of God because of what Jesus has done. We are invited into His presence. It is in that place where we truly experience the promise that we will flourish even as we grow older. 

Today, we are encouraged to enter the presence of God, not based on how righteous we can make ourselves, but because of Christ. God is calling us to desire more of His presence in our lives, to host Him, to be planted firmly in His presence. He is declaring our ability to do so because of the righteousness of His son, Jesus. Today, do not wait or hesitate, but call out your desire to flourish in His presence. 

Prayer: Lord, amid Your palpable presence, I will declare that You are my strong and powerful Guide. Your love and mercy washes over me, for You are good every day! You give me abundant life each day, making a way for me to be victorious even when I cannot see it. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 2

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Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:4: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Questions to Consider

1. What is the major theme of this book? 
2. Two other major themes of Philippians are having the right attitude and the importance of fellowship, respectively.  What does the attitude consist of?
3. In addition to Philippians, Paul wrote Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon during his Roman house arrest. Collectively, these books are often referred to as what?

Notes

1. It is “rejoice in the Lord.”  The words joy, rejoice, and gladness appear in 15 out of the 104 verses in Philippians.
2. Regarding attitude, Paul gives a number of instructions regarding one’s inner life—the world of his feelings, thoughts, and dispositions.
3. The Prison Epistles

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Evening Reflection

Psalm 31:3: “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”

Heavenly Father, tonight, I thank You for Your mercies that are new each day, drawing me to Your heart, providing for me and protecting me, and giving me rest in Your wise ways. In Your Word You tell me that You do this for all Your children, for the sake of Your great Name.  Amen.

Tonight, take time to thank the Lord for how he has guided you throughout the day.  Think about how God puts his arms around you, gives you hope, encourages your heart, and strengthens you in His presence.  Take time to rest upon the comfort of the Lord.

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on September 21, 2015, is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for This Morning

The Humblest Person Who Actually Wasn’t”

2 Samuel 7:18-21

Then King David went in and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far? And yet this was a small thing in your eyes, O Lord God. You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come, and this is instruction for mankind, O Lord God! And what more can David say to you? For you know your servant, O Lord God! Because of your promise, and according to your own heart, you have brought about all this greatness, to make your servant know it.”

There once was a church that realized the importance of humility, so it formed a committee to find the most humble person in the church. Many names were submitted and numerous candidates evaluated. Finally, the committee came to a unanimous decision. They selected a quiet, little man who always lived in the background and had never taken credit for anything he had done. They awarded him the “Most Humble” button for his faithful service. However, the next day they had to take it away from him because he pinned it on.

Humility is a bit tricky, because once you know you have it, it’s hard to keep! Has anyone ever come up and told you, “Wow, you are so humble!” How are you supposed to respond to that? Today’s passage sheds some light on what genuine humility can look like.God had just promised to make David’s kingdom an everlasting one, an amazing covenant that would likely prompt many to boast. But David comes before the Lord in an amazing confession of humility, declaring, “Who am I, O Lord God… that you have brought me thus far?” What this passage tells me is that true humility comes from reflecting on our past and recognizing that God is the one who has brought us to where we are.

Where would you be today if it weren’t for God working in your life? Today, let us spend some time sitting before the Lord and making that confession: “Who am I, O Lord God… that you have brought me thus far?”

Prayer: Lord, who are we that you pour out your love, mercy, and grace ceaselessly upon us? Thank you for your faithfulness, from the time of Abraham to David, and even to the present—you have always been faithful. We cannot thank you enough.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Galatians 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 5:5-6: Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.

Questions to Consider

1. Who is Peter writing to?
2. Why do you think Peter uses the analogy of clothing in his exhortation to be humble? 
3. What is God’s stance towards “the proud”?

Notes

1. In the context of the letter, Peter is writing to Christians in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. But in application, we can say he is writing to all Christians.
2. Clothing comes up in many places in the Bible. Here, Peter is using it to say that humility is not a status that you achieve, but like clothing, we need to put it on every day.
3. “God opposes the proud” (v. 5b).  If you think about it, this is scary, because one place you definitely don’t want to be is in opposition to God. Pride is something we need to deal with seriously.

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Evening Reflection

In Deuteronomy 8, Moses repeatedly urges the Israelites to remember the Lord and not forget what He has done for them lest they become proud. Today, spend some time remembering what He has done for you—how He first encountered you, and how He saved you! Reflect on how He has sustained you through difficult times, blessed you with every good thing, and that He is still faithful to you.