September 17, Friday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on April 17, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“When All Seems Lost . . .”

1 Samuel 30:6 (ESV)

And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

The showdown between Israel and the Philistines would have to take place without David fighting alongside the Philistines. The Philistine lords sent David and his men back to Ziklag, where upon their return, they discover a terrible tragedy. We’re told the Amalekites had invaded Ziklag while the men were gone; the city was burned to the ground, and everything of value was taken, including the women and children who would likely be sold as slaves. 

Consider the utter dismay David and his men must have felt when they came over the hill, expecting their families to come out to greet them, but instead, seeing smoldering ashes with nobody left. We never know when misfortune will come home to us. It can come in the shape of a stray bullet, an incurable disease, or some tragic accident that we just can’t plan for. Since we live in a broken world, there will always be some pain and suffering. 

David and his men cried until they could cry no more. But in the midst of that pain and anger, “David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.”David did not always do what was right, but when push came to shove, David knew where to turn to: he turned to the Lord. He encouraged himself in the Lord his God! 

I am reminded of two things: First, when all seems lost, all is not necessarily lost; and second, when all seems lost and I don’t know where to turn to, I need to inquire of God. David sought the wisdom of God, and after receiving his counsel from the High Priest, David pursued the Amalekites, and the Lord provided the victory. 

In life, there will be pain and suffering—some being bigger tragedies than others. The right way of handling tragedy will not only offer us comfort, but also the guidance that we need. Handling tragedy without God leads to bitterness, failure, and perhaps, more tragedy. We find that as David handled this tragedy wisely, he experienced one of his great tragedies turn to triumph.

Prayer: Dear God, help me never to be too discouraged to seek You out, for You are able to comfort and guide me in the midst of my pain. May I grow through all aspects of life, but especially when pain and suffering come for me. May I confess, along with the apostle Paul, “your grace is sufficient for me, for your power is made perfect in my weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9).  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Lamentations 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 3:1-6: O LORD, how many are my foes! Many are rising against me; [2] Many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. [3] But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. [4] I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill.[5] I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. [6] I will not be afraid of many thousands of people who have set themselves against me all around.

Questions to Consider 

  1. David writes this Psalm in reflection to the grief that his son Absalom is causing him. How can we tell that David is desperate in this Psalm? 
  2. In spite of his pain, what enables David to sleep peacefully at night? 
  3. What serves to give you confidence in the Lord today? 

Notes 

  1. We see in the opening lines David’s desperate situation with its repetition of the word many.
  2. David calls to mind the many ways in which God has cared for him in the past, and how he was able in faith to sleep peacefully in the face of danger. These past experiences build his confidence for the present, enabling him to walk by faith and not by sight.
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Before going to bed, reflect on this: “The greatest good suffering can do for me is to increase my capacity for God.” –Joni Eareckson Tada.  So, how was your day?

September 16, Thursday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 22, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Meaneth This, That We Are Love by the God of the Galaxies”

Psalm 8:35

When I consider your heavens the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? 5 You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

The universe is much bigger than what David had imagined; in fact, still “it is expanding the same in all directions” (Craig). But one thing has remained constant despite the presence of more than 170 billion galaxies in the observable universe: the earth is still the only place where God created life, men who are most dear to Him. While humans may have been ranked lower than the angels in the OT, now they “serve [us] who will inherit salvation” (Heb. 1:14).  Although life can be disappointing at times, considering such a privileged status we enjoy before God, how can we not bounce back!  For this reason (among others), “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again” (Prov. 24:16). Be encouraged!

As a new day dawns, see your problems in light of our God who thinks you are more important than the vast universe!  Therefore, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is so easy to get down on myself because of my many inadequacies and mistakes. Yet, it is amazing that You would consider me that important because I am created in Your likeness, and because I am a child of God in Christ.  Thank You! Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 28

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 1:22-23: Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

Questions to Consider

  1. Who said it and to whom (Rom. 1:1-7)?
  2. Why was this said (Rom. 1:18-21; 1 Cor. 8:5)?
  3. Why do men prefer to worship created things over the Creator (Rom. 1:25; Acts 19:24-7)?

Notes

  1. The apostle Paul said this about the Romans during the time when the decadent Nero was the emperor.
  2. Paul, being aware of the many gods worshiped in the Empire (e.g., Mithras, Cybele, Isis, Bacchus, etc.), wanted to clarify that they were doing so despite clear evidence for the existence of the Creator God. 
  3. The Marxist analysis of religion is not entirely wrong: men can manipulate religion for their own benefit and pleasure. In Ephesus, many promoted the worship of Artemis (which promoted sensuality) because the sale of her image was very profitable.  By keeping the masses uninformed and ignorant of the truth, this brutal cycle could last a long time.  While the Christian church, at times, behaved shamefully, there was always a remnant who worshiped the Creator, upheld His moral and ethical laws, and loved their neighbors; 4 Because we are greedy for more things (e.g., wealth, fame, power), we dedicate the best of our thinking, energy, and time to get more wealth and power instead of serving God’s interest. 

Evening Reflection

Earlier today we talked about idolatry.  In what ways do we commit the sin of idolatry, worshiping “things” instead of our Creator? First, what does it mean that we worship “things”(last part of Col. 3:5)? Second, review how you spend your money and time.  In view of that, who are you truly worshiping?  Is it time to make some changes in your life?

Now, before going to sleep, step outside for a moment and see the countless stars that adorn our universe. What thoughts come to your mind as your day is ending?

September 15, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 24, 2015, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary.  He and his wife just planted an English-speaking church in Tokyo. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What is Behind Our Concern for Justice?”

2 Samuel 4:8b-11 (ESV)

And they said to the king, “Here is the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul, your enemy, who sought your life. The LORD has avenged my lord the king this day on Saul and on his offspring.” [9] But David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, “As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my life out of every adversity, [10] when one told me, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing good news, I seized him and killed him at Ziklag, which was the reward I gave him for his news. [11] How much more, when wicked men have killed a righteous man in his own house on his bed, shall I not now require his blood at your hand and destroy you from the earth?”

A couple years ago, my motionless car was hit by another car in a parking lot.  The other driver apologized profusely, and it was clear to all involved that she was at fault.  Later, I was shocked to find out through my insurance agent that she claimed I hit her—I was outraged.  How dare she lie so blatantly!  Her teenage son was in the car, too:  What kind of morals was she teaching him?  Oh the injustice!  Avenge me, oh God!

Now, I definitely got worked up about the whole situation, but was my passion for justice or for myself?  To be honest, I was mostly worried about what this might do to my insurance payments, and how much hassle it would be to lose my car for a couple weeks.  The righteous justice of God was not really the fuel to my indignation.

David, on the other hand, had a genuine appreciation for justice.  Rechab and Baanah essentially tell him, “You are now the king of Israel!” but David is far more concerned about justice.  His personal situation calls for joy and thanksgiving, but David zeroes in on the fact that “wicked men have killed a righteous man.”  David must have known that Ish-bosheth’s death or exile was the only way he could become king.  Yet he would rather stand on the side of justice than ascend to the throne through injustice.

Are we concerned with justice, whether it benefits us or not?  What if justice actually runs counter to our comforts and concerns?  As we consider building up our bank accounts, advancing in our careers, or succeeding academically, are we concerned more about justice and fairness, or whether we come out on top?

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You love justice and hate evil.  I am often tempted to bend the rules or ignore injustice when it will benefit me; so help me to delight in righteousness and justice.  Even if it is costly, my reward is to reflect You well. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 27

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 19:5-10 (ESV): And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” [6] So he hurried and came down and received him joyfully. [7] And when they saw it, they all grumbled, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” [8] And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.” [9] And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Question to Consider

  1. Why does Jesus stop to speak to Zacchaeus, even though he is a sinner?
  2. As one who defrauded others, what did Zacchaeus formerly care most about? 
  3. When Christ seeks out Zacchaeus, what change of heart takes place in him?

Notes

  1. Jesus singles out Zacchaeus because He has come to seek and save the lost.
  2. Zacchaeus cared more about his personal wealth than about justice, his social standing, and even God.
  3. Zacchaeus becomes radically concerned for the poor and for justice.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day.  Were there any times when moral issues were gray?  If so, how did you come to a decision?  Pray that God would grant you wisdom to know and do what is right rather than what is expedient.

September 14, Tuesday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How I Stopped Speaking ‘French’ which I Spoke with Fluency”

Mark 16:17

“And these signs will accompany those who believe:  In my name they will . . . speak in new tongues.”

Eph. 4:30

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths . . .”

“You speak fluent French,” I said to the man whom I met at a bookstore, and I added, “I used to speak French myself.”  I glanced at my wife who gave me the look of “You did?”  Of course, I wasn’t referring to the French I took in high school, but the propensity to lace every conversation with profanity.  In fact, the first sin that I confessed at the moment of my conversion was for my “dirty mouth.”  Thereafter, despite occasional slipups, especially as a young Christian, God helped me to overcome that problem.  

Some theologians distinguish between Christ as our Savior as opposed to Christ as our Lord to teach that the only requirement for salvation is to believe Jesus as the Savior; and later on, one can decide whether to make Christ his Lord.  In the meantime, the “saved person” is under no obligation to change his life.   What’s missing in such a short-sighted thinking is the role of the Holy Spirit in salvation.   Upon reading Titus 3:5-6 that says, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior,” a good question to raise is, “What does the Spirit do as he renews us?”  Apostle John would answer, “When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin . . .” (Jn. 16:8).   And when the Spirit was poured out upon me even as the Lord was saving me, I felt so guilty for letting unwholesome talk to come out of my mouth “to curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness” (James 3:9). 

For some, “speaking in new tongues” literally means to have the gift of tongues.  While that gift is still alive and well today, we can also understand that verse to mean that as a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), we “put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor,” to “build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 5:29).

So I told the man at the bookstore that I no longer had to cuss to express my discontentment and bitterness because I found peace in Jesus Christ.  How do you use your words?  Instead of hurting someone’s feeling with our insensitive comments, use them to encourage somebody today.   

Prayer: Dear Christ, I magnify and glorify your name that is above all names.  There are no apt words to describe your majesty, love and grace.  But I confess that I have spoken many words that have brought dishonor and disgrace to your holy name.  Forgive me.  Through the Holy Spirit, constantly remind me of the need to use my mouth, first, to exalt you, and second, to edify those around me.  Thank you.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 26

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Tim. 5:13 (ESV): “Besides that, [younger widows] learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not.”

Proverbs 11:13: “A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy person keeps a secret”: 20:19: “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid anyone who talks too much”; 25:9-10: “If you take your neighbor to court, do not betray another’s confidence, or the one who hears it may shame you and the charge against you will stand.”

1 Kings 21:13: “And the two worthless men (hired by Jezebel) came in and sat opposite him. And the worthless men brought a charge against Naboth in the presence of the people, saying, ‘Naboth cursed God and the king.’ So they took him outside the city and stoned him to death with stones.” 

Proverbs 10:19: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongues is wise”; 

17:28: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What are some typical ways in which our tongues end up hurting people around us?  Can this happen even at a prayer meeting?
  2. Among several factors behind why people gossip, what is a prominent one? What can we do about it?
  3. What are some ways to keep us from putting our foot in our mouth?  What has been your experience?

Notes

  1. The book of Proverbs prominently mentions gossiping.   Sometimes, there is a fine line between sharing a prayer request and gossiping.  Since the Lord knows the person whom we are thinking of, perhaps we do not need to be too specific when discussing someone’s problem in order for others to pray.  The more malicious way is creating a lie to hurt our rival, competition, or a disliked person. 
  2. The 1 Timothy passage implies that boredom is a factor behind gossip; thus, people do what comes naturally—talk.  And when words are many, imprudent words are bound to be said.   So, we should know when to wrap up our conversation, especially avoiding all-night meaningless talks. 
  3. Thinking beforehand what we are going to say, even writing down our thoughts can be helpful.  If we have nothing good to say, then it might be better to say nothing.   I found that having something good to say is the best time to offer constructive criticism.  When writing an e-mail, which can prevent harsh words spoken in haste, we ought to read it once or twice before clicking the send button.  We should tone down the harsh sounding words to ensure that the message will be heard.  

Evening Reflection

Only the Lord knows how many words came out of our mouth today.  What are some words that you would like to take back?  What are some words that you ought to repeat tomorrow?  Evaluate your day and pray for wisdom in this area. 

September 13, Monday

REPOST Today’s QT Devotional—first posted on March 11, 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

“What Wrong with You?”

1 Sam. 15:12

And Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning. And it was told Samuel, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a monument for himself and turned and passed on and went down to Gilgal.”

Every time I read this passage I think, “What is wrong with Saul?  He totally fell off the wagon and is setting up idolatrous images of himself,” similar to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue (Dan. 3) or the golden calf (Ex. 33).  In other words, I start to self-righteously judge Saul, thinking, “I could never do such an idolatrous thing like that.”  But as I read this passage more carefully, I realize that the Bible never says that this monument was supposed to function as a center of idolatry, worshiping Saul.  It simply says a “monument for himself.” It could have simply been a pile of rocks celebrating his victory over the Amalekites.  In that light, I realized that not only do I set up monuments for myself, but our society is preoccupied with self-monuments.  Think about it:  Why do people write their names in wet concrete?  Why do teenagers who are “in love” carve their names together in trees?  Why are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, etc. so popular?  Why does every architect dream of designing a New York skyscraper?  I could go on and on.  

Maybe I am being too philosophical, but I think our fascination with building monuments has something to do with man’s inner desire to last forever.  We know we are mortal, but we don’t want to be forgotten after we leave this world.  This is not all bad either.  I believe that our desire to last forever stems from the fact that we are made in the image of God who is, among many other things, eternal.  But in the end, I see two shortcomings in Saul in 1 Sam. 15:  First, Saul’s desire to build a monument for himself was based on vanity.  You see this by the way Samuel rebukes him in 15:17: “Though you were once little in your own eyes…”—implication being that Saul was once humble but became self-centered.  Second, Saul wasn’t building an eternal monument.  I challenge anyone to find this monument that Saul set up; you won’t, because it’s long been destroyed.  Of course, we know that there is a place where we can build up treasures or monuments, if you will, that will last forever (Matt. 6), but in order to set up a storehouse there, we cannot think vainly of ourselves.   

This morning ask yourself, am I building up monuments for myself?  If so, how long do you want or think these monuments will last?  Are there monuments that you could be building that will last forever?  Are you willing to give up vain glory to build up these eternal monuments?  

Prayer: Lord, please give me humility of mind and heart, so that I would think of others over myself.  Also, please guard my heart and help me to invest in things that will last forever, namely your kingdom and the souls of men.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Phil. 2:3-11: Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Questions to Consider

  1. Based on this passage, how would you define humility?
  2. How did Christ model humility for us?
  3. How did God respond?

Notes

  1. We see that humility includes thinking of others more significantly than ourselves and considering other’s needs above our own.  
  2. Christ demonstrated humility by taking the form of man and then letting mankind put him on a cross.  
  3. God lifted Christ up.  Now, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess the Lord.  

Evening Reflection

How much did you think of yourself today?  Did you put the interests and desires of others above yourself?  Did you think about God and did you try to invest in heavenly monuments today?  

September 12, Sunday

UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 21, 2013.  

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Being One with the Triune God”

Psalm 89:26-28

He shall cry to me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ 27 And I will make him the firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth. 28 My steadfast love I will keep for him forever, and my covenant will stand firm for him.

Jesus didn’t just show up into the New Testament out of nowhere; his appearing had long been foretold through messianic prophecies found throughout the Old Testament, like today’s text.  This is a “messianic” text where, in one sense, it depicts a description of David, yet it also points to Jesus as the firstborn of God and the highest of the kings of earth. This is called a Christological understanding of the Old Testament. 

Within these verses, we are given a glimpse of the dynamics between God the Father and Jesus the Son: Jesus declares who the Father is, and the Father exalts the Son. It is humbling and awesome that God would use His relationship with David, an imperfect human, to foreshadow the relationship between the perfect Son and perfect Father. On a side note, that gives us hope that we don’t need to be perfect for God to use us.

The beauty and wonder of the relationship between the Father and the Son is that we are invited to join into that relationship. In John 17, we read Jesus’ high priestly prayer that just as He and the Father are one, that we would be one with them. 

Today, God is reminding us through His Son, that we are invited into that deep, steadfast love relationship with the Father.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to covet constantly my time with You.  May that consist not of isolated events but a tapestry of precious and continuous moments in the presence of the Triune God.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 24

September 11, Saturday

UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought was first posted on August 20, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Kingdom Characteristics”

Luke 6:12-26

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor. 17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all. 20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.  25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry. “Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. 26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Three thoughts here:

First, noted that Jesus prayed all night (v. 12) before choosing the Twelve.  Most likely the choosing occurred sometime after Jesus had met with each of them individually.  At that time, anyone who was willing to follow Jesus’ teaching could be labeled as a “disciple” (v. 17).  The number of disciples, therefore, was as many as 72 (Luke 10:1), or an entire crowd (John 6:22, 25, 60).  Certainly, the task of selecting the Twelve could not have been simple since there were many people of diverse backgrounds to choose from.  Perhaps, for that reason, even the Son of God had to pray all night.  Thus, should we not pray before making an important decision?

Second, Luke puts emphasis on anyone who is willing to be Jesus’ follower (v. 20), which shows that the kingdom characteristics are not just for the few and the elite but all Christians (vv. 20-26).  Does your life reflect the kingdom characteristics?  Which one of the characteristics do you need to work on?

Third, we see in verses 24-26 how Jesus characterizes those who are not blessed, which can be summarized as follows: What our culture believes to be good and fortunate is completely opposite of what is considered good and blessed in God’s kingdom.  How does that speak to you?

Prayer: Father, help me to desire the characteristics of Your kingdom so that I may embody them through the power of the Holy Spirit to the glory of Your Son.  In addition, please continue to keep America safe from terroristic attacks even as America needs to repent of her many sins.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 22-23

September 10, Friday 

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on November 17, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“It’s Important What You Remember”

Psalm 106:1-12 (NIV)

 Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. 2 Who can proclaim the mighty acts of the Lord or fully declare his praise? 3 Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right. 4 Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people, come to my aid when you save them, 5 that I may enjoy the prosperity of your chosen ones, that I may share in the joy of your nation and join your inheritance in giving praise. 6 We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. 7 When our ancestors were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, the Red Sea. 8 Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known. 9 He rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up; he led them through the depths as through a desert. 10 He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. 11 The waters covered their adversaries; not one of them survived. 12 Then they believed his promises and sang his praise. 

A pastor once told the following story: “A friend of mine once told me that he went to a training conference where a course was being taught on how to improve your memory. He spent nearly $200 on the books, tapes and worksheets for the course and brought it home. When he arrived at home he stored the course and then went about his daily business. He confessed to me that he has never even started the memory course because he forgot where he stored it and hasn’t been able to find it.”

Let’s face it, we all make promises and resolutions and commitments that we fail to keep (no matter how good our intentions). But God’s word is so reliable, that when He makes a promise, it’s as good as done. No matter how long it takes for Him to accomplish what he promises, we know He will. Let’s stand confidently in the promises of God today! 

Prayer: Lord, motivate and empower me to commit your word and promise to my memory so that I am guided toward the right path in life.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Mathew 21

Lunch Break Study 

Questions to Consider

  1. What is one thing from the Lord of which the Bible is full?
  2. What is one helpful thing to do with the answer to the first question?
  3. What encouraging promises of God have helped you over the years?

Notes

  1. The promises of God can be found throughout Scripture. 
  2. Sometimes it’s helpful to commit to memory these promises so we can keep our hearts hopeful and anticipate God’s movement in our lives and the world. 
  3. My favorite ones are as follow:
  • Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).
  • And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
  • If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  • Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9).
  • My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19).
  • And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask 

anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14).

Evening Reflection

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. (2 Corinthians 1:20a) 

God has made many promises and when we look throughout scriptures we see Him fulfilling them time and time again. And in Christ, He most greatly demonstrated His faithfulness to us. God is trustworthy to keep His promises. We can count on Him! 

September 9, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 18, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Childlike Faith”

Psalm 8:1-2

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!  You have set your glory above the heavens. 2 From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.

Most of us don’t even remember what it was like to be a child.  As grown-ups, we are self-conscious and constantly worrying, but this morning the Lord reminds us to “change and become like little children” (Matt. 18:3-4) so as to embody humility, simplicity (11:25), and innocence (19:13) in our faith.  

Start this day by doing what you usually don’t: Sing a praise!  “God is so good” or “Lord we lift your name on high . . .” Do you worry about what others think about you?  We all do it but ask the Lord to free you from it.  Reflect on this: “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Cor. 3:17).      

Prayer: Father in heaven, I think that You’re really cool and awesome. I’m so proud and privileged to be called Your son through my older brother Jesus Christ.  LORD, when I take myself too seriously, remind me that I’m a child of God who always has a reason (i.e., Christ) to rejoice.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 20

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 13:11: When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.  1 Cor. 14:20: Brothers and sisters, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults.

Questions to Consider

  1. We are told to have a childlike faith.  Should be like children when it comes to thinking?
  2. What are some childish manners that we need to give up (1 Cor. 3:1-4, 14:13-20)?
  3. What is one factor that causes us to remain as an immature child (Heb. 5:11-4)?
  4. What kind of situation tends to stir up our insecurities? 

Notes

  1. No, the Bible doesn’t condone everything about children.  For instance, when it comes to thinking, we are to be adults, children. 
  2. In Corinth, the childish manner referred to an intense argument among the believers overwhom they were following spiritually and theologically. It is akin to Calvinists, Armenians, Pentecostals, and Dispensationalists fighting among themselves. In addition, Paul wanted them to approach the matter of speaking in tongues in the church with more maturity (“In your thinking be adults”). He didn’t want them to just speak in tongues without thinking about how that may affect those who don’t understand or unbelievers who are visiting the church that day (1 Cor. 14:23).
  3. While there may be other factors, Heb. 5 makes it very clear that spiritual immaturity is a result of a lack of biblical knowledge as well as not putting into practice what is learned (Heb. 5:14).  Of course, knowledge without humility puffs us up, which leads to childish actions again (1 Cor. 8:2). 
  4. Our immaturity tends to show up when we don’t quite know what to do with those who make us feel uncomfortable for whatever reasons.  John the Baptist shows that knowing and accepting our limitation and seeing ourselves as a conduit for the advancement of others, will result in a surprising joy! (Jn. 3:26-30).

Evening Reflection

The morning began with a reminder about being childlike in faith.  In view of that, how was your day?  Did you get to laugh today?  Honestly appraising yourself, what type of situation tends to bring out the immaturity in you?  Take a moment to ask the LORD to help you not give into childish ways.  What mindset do we need to cultivate3 (Jn. 3:26-30)?

September 8, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Phillip Chen who is associate pastor at Kairos Christian Church in San Diego.  Phil is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Let’s Not be a Foolish Donkey”

1 Kings 3:5-10 (ESV)

At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant David my father, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you. And you have kept for him this great and steadfast love and have given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child. I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of your people whom you have chosen, a great people, too many to be numbered or counted for multitude. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this.

There is an Aesop’s fable of a foolish donkey that had an idol strapped on his back as he was led through the town to deliver the idol. All of the people who saw the idol would bow down in respect and worship. After a while, the donkey believed that it was he that the people were bowing down to in worship. One morning, when the idol was not strapped on his back, he wandered into the towns, expecting to be worshipped by the people. But no one even gave him a second glance. In anger, he demanded worship by those around him, but soon found out that he was, in the end, just a donkey who was undeserving of worship.

Although the focus of this passage is on Solomon’s request for wisdom and understanding in ruling God’s people, he says something very important in this dream that we should not overlook. He declares that it is the Lord God who has given David a seat on the throne over Israel and that it is the Lord God who has made Solomon king over all of Israel.  He hasn’t done anything to earn it. He recounts God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. Surely Solomon would have heard from his father of what happened to Saul and how God could take away his position as king over Israel as quickly as He established him as king. Solomon does not overlook this fact and shows what it means to have wisdom and understanding: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom. The understanding of who we are in comparison to God and the brevity of our time on this earth is what helps us approach God with humility. The understanding that everything is but a gift that is given to us by the Lord is an important reminder that we must come back to again and again. 

We can often get caught up with our own accomplishments and think of ourselves higher than we ought to. Let us strive to live a humble life by ascribing glory unto our God rather than deceiving ourselves into believing that glory belongs to us. Solomon, in his early reign, is marked as a man with great wisdom and understanding because of his humility. May it be that we are also described as people with great wisdom and understanding.

Prayer: Father, forgive us for the times we robbed You of Your glory. Too often we tend to wrongly take credit for what You are doing in and through our lives. May we become more and more aware of the times we do this and correct ourselves so that we are correctly ascribing glory to you. You are the One who is truly deserving of all praise and worship! Help us have the wisdom to understand that. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Matthew 19

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Chronicles 29:12-16 (ESV):David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly, saying,  “Praise be to you, Lord, the God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all.Wealth and honor come from you; you are the ruler of all things. In your hands are strength and power to exalt and give strength to all. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand. We are foreigners and strangers in your sight, as were all our ancestors. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope. Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 

Question to Consider

  1. Where did David give this declaration and why is it important?
  2. What does David mean that they were foreigners and strangers in God’s sight?
  3. David says that everything comes from God’s hands, and all of it belongs to him. What are things in our lives that we need to attribute to Him?

Notes

  1. David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly. Corporate worship and praise is so important because it is one of the most effective avenues to remember the faithfulness and goodness of our God.
  2. David sees the grace of God in that they were once not a people, but now are considered God’s people.  They were once aliens and outcasts, but God has drawn them in.
  3. Opportunities, health, friendships, even the strength to do certain things all are from Him. Everything indeed is from the Lord.

Evening Reflection

As the day ends, spend some time reflecting on your current place in life and the position you are in. Ask God to reveal to you how He has brought you this far and how he continues to sustain you each and every day. As you recount His faithfulness and goodness in your life, give Him the praise and glory He deserves!