August 6, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on June 26, 2015.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Will We Choose to Build?”  

1 Kings 9:17b-19

“[King Solomon] built up Lower Beth Horon, Baalath, and Tadmor in the desert, within his land, as well as all his store cities and the towns for his chariots and for his horses – whatever he desired to build in Jerusalem, in Lebanon and throughout all the territory he ruled.”

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 3b, 8b

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: . . . a time to tear down and a time to build . . . a time for war and a time for peace.”

With the arrival of summer come thoughts of slowing down, taking a break, having the leisure to do things we feel we usually don’t have time to do.  We start thinking about taking a trip to get away from the normal routine or perhaps picking up a hobby we’ve been meaning to try.

When Solomon became king, the people of Israel, for the first time in their long journey as a nation, had the leisure to build.  They had begun with Abraham as a nomadic people, wandering from place to place.  A famine sent them to Egypt, where they first lived as temporary visitors and later as slaves.  Moses led them out, and they wandered again for a generation before Joshua led them into their own promised land.  But it was still not yet a time for rest, for they had to fight to conquer this land, and the fighting went on through the time of the warrior king, David.  Now that they were finally settled in the land and there was peace, now that their king did not have to think all the time about fighting and defending, he could turn his attention to building.

Throughout history all over the world, when people have had their basic needs for food, shelter and security met, societies began to flourish.  Renaissances happen during times of peace.  Art, music, literature, all the “finer things in life” have room to develop – they are not “necessities” per se, but wonderfully, the way God has created us, we are wired for more than just eating and sleeping and physically existing.  Interestingly, when human beings have leisure, while it may lead to inactivity (read laziness) or even indulgence, it can also be a time for creativity, innovation and discovery.  That is, when we have the leisure, it seems we still want to be doing something meaningful that would feed and enrich our souls.

Now that summer has come and many of us have some extra time, how will we choose to build?  By making special memories with our families?  Reading books that take our long-unused imaginations out for a whirl?  Taking a special retreat with God?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for times of peace, for times of slowing down, and for a life that is something more than just merely physically existing.  Thank you for times to build, into myself and the lives of others around me.  Help me to spend this precious time wisely and well. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 4

Lunch Break Study 

Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-10: David said to Solomon: “My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the Lord my God. 8 But this word of the Lord came to me: ‘You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name.  He will be my son, and I will be his father.  And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why was David not to build God’s house (v. 8)?
  2. Why would Solomon be able to build it (vv. 8-9)?
  3. In what ways is Jesus like both David and Solomon?  What does this mean to us?

Notes

  1. Because he was the one who shed much blood.
  2. Because of the peace that God would grant him during his reign, but also in part because of the battles his father had already fought and won to set the stage for this peace. In short, it was God’s grace that Solomon was chosen for this privilege without having done anything to merit it.
  3. When Jesus died on the cross, he fought the battle, shedding blood on our behalf, so that we could have peace.  When he rose again, he became the prince of peace under whose reign we live, and because of this peace we now have, together with him, we can build God’s house.

Evening Reflection

Did I experience the peace of God today?  Have I made time for resting and building in my life?

August 5, Thursday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Doug Tritton, was first posted on June 19, 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 the Day

“What Do You Truly Value in Life?”

1 Kings 6:37-7:1

In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished in all its parts, and according to all its specifications. He was seven years in building it. Solomon was building his own house thirteen years, and he finished his entire house.

Finally, Solomon had finished building the Temple, the house for God. It took many years, many resources, and much labor, but it was finally finished. So what does Solomon do? He immediately turns to building his own house, which he works on for thirteen years. Did you catch that contrast? The passage says, “He was seven years in building it. Solomon was building his own house thirteen years.” He spent almost twice as long building his own house!

I enjoy reading, especially fiction. One thing I started doing recently was not allowing myself to read fiction until I read a passage from the Bible. I thought to myself, I have my priorities right – first Bible, then other stuff. Yet, what often happened was I would read a quick passage and then read fiction for a much longer period of time.  But I felt like I earned it, since I read the Bible first!

This showed me what I truly valued. I valued my time reading fiction over reading the Bible. Yes, I would read the Bible, but merely so that I could get to something else right afterwards. In reality, my heart was not really into reading the Word, since my heart really was longing for the leisure time afterwards.

What do you value? What do you most look forward to each day? Is fellowship with God at the top of the list, or something else? 

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You value me. You gave me life, hope, and everything that I need. Yet, often I value other things over You. Forgive me for often putting you low in my priorities and help me to reorient my values towards You. May fellowship with You always be a spring of abundant joy in my life.

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 6:19-21: Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does it mean to lay up treasures on earth?
  2. How do we lay up treasures in heaven?
  3. Where is your treasure right now?

Notes

  1. The easiest answer is material things—like wealth and possessions. Yet, we can lay up treasures in anything of this world – time watching TV, time on Facebook, etc. When we value these activities over God’s kingdom, we are laying up treasures on earth.
  2. We lay up heavenly treasures by putting our mind on heaven! And we do this through fellowship with God. By seeking intimacy with God, our hearts are re-oriented towards eternity, towards the Kingdom. What is amazing is that we can live a heavenly life now! We do not need to wait for heaven to know God deeply; we can know Him here and now.
  3. Are you treasuring God, or treasuring the things of earth? What we value shows where we are laying up treasures. What is most valuable to you?

Evening Reflection

Reflect on the reality that God values you. He treasures you so much that He was willing to go to the cross to rescue you. Allow that truth to bring comfort to your soul. As you reflect on the value God has given you, ask for a heart that values Him in return. Pray that your life and your priorities would reflect the value you place in your relationship with God.

August 4, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 26, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Tithing”

Malachi 3:6-12

“I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’ 8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. “But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.

Do Christians tithe?  Not many, as it turns out.  Missiologist David Barrett reported in 2000 that while the annual income of all the Christians in the world was about $12 trillion, their total giving stood at $213 billion, a meager 1.7 percent.  Pollster George Barna once noted that while 17 percent of adults claim to tithe, only 3% actually do so.  

Many Israelites in Malachi’s time also didn’t tithe.  Referring to them as “robbers,” the displeased Lord declared that they are under a curse because of their stinginess.  Even so, to encourage them to give more generously, God promised to bless them abundantly if they began tithing.  

Actually, there is a more effective way to spike up people’s offering: make tithing a requirement for salvation.  One group has done this and its members give about 7.5 percent of the income to their organization, the Mormon Church, which teaches that there are three levels of heaven.  To make it to the highest heaven called “Celestial,” tithing is required along with a life of duty, morality, and loyalty. 

Now, if your pastor begins preaching that tithing is required to go to heaven, maybe half of the congregation will stay and start giving more, while the other half, the smart ones, will leave.  What makes them intelligent is because they know “it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—and not by work” (Eph. 2:8-9a), which includes tithing.   If one qualification for entering heaven is how much we give, then those who gave more would have the right to boast.  But Ephesians 2:9 ends with, “. . . so that no one case boast.”   

The fact that good works are not required to qualify us for heaven is why we tithe: to show our gratefulness to God, because if good works were required, then no one would be able to go to heaven (Rom. 3:20).  We want our money to be used to tell more people about the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Christ.  

So, how is your giving?  Don’t rob God.  Be thankful that He is letting us keep 90 percent of His money.  Be generous today; be generous this Sunday.  Reflect.  Think.  Pray.

Prayer: I sing a song of love and praise to my amazing God who has blessed me in so many different ways.  However, I confess that I harbor an unthankful heart whenever I see others who have more.  How immature and childish, and there is no hope for me apart from you believing in me.  And through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in me, help me to complain less, be more thankful and generous.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Revelation 2

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 8: 7-9: “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”

2 Cor. 9:6-8:  “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is one theological reason Paul offers that ought to motivate us to give more generously?
  2. Why would God want a cheerful and willing giver?
  3. Do you struggle with giving?  Do you know why?  If you’ve struggled in the past, how did you overcome it?  

Notes

  1. The theological reason: Christ was rich before his incarnation, in the sense that he had all his glory with him, but he became poor when he left it with the Father (Jn. 17:5: “. . . the glory I had with you before”) to be “made in human likeness” (Phil. 2:6-7) so that he can take our place and die for our sins.  One natural response to that, according to Paul, is to be excellent in giving.  
  2. To be forced to give means that the giver isn’t convinced that what God did for him is all that great nor that he appreciates God.  When I was working as an airport shuttle van driver in 1990, I once refused a $10 tip from a customer who disrespected me.  I said, “It’s okay; I don’t want your tip.”  Likewise, God wouldn’t want anything from someone who gives only because he is forced.
  3. For most people, giving equates to losing money or not being able to buy or do things.  It really comes down to having the right perspective: God is letting me keep 90 percent of His money.  Also, the promise in Malachi shouldn’t be dismissed: He will certainly bless the generous giver in more ways than one: “enlarge[ing] my territory” (1 Chron. 4:10) is certainly one of them.

Evening Reflection

How did you spend His money today?  Did you get to spend it on someone who needed some encouragement?  If you have not been generous with God, then pray for a right attitude.

August 3, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 9, 2015.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Positive Spiritual Growth”

1 Samuel 14:24-30 (NIV)

Now the Israelites were in distress that day, because Saul had bound the people under an oath, saying, “Cursed be anyone who eats food before evening comes, before I have avenged myself on my enemies!” So none of the troops tasted food. 25 The entire army entered the woods, and there was honey on the ground. 26 When they went into the woods, they saw the honey oozing out; yet no one put his hand to his mouth, because they feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard that his father had bound the people with the oath, so he reached out the end of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it into the honeycomb. He raised his hand to his mouth, and his eyes brightened. 28 Then one of the soldiers told him, “Your father bound the army under a strict oath, saying, ‘Cursed be anyone who eats food today!’ That is why the men are faint.” 29 Jonathan said, “My father has made trouble for the country. See how my eyes brightened when I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better it would have been if the men had eaten today some of the plunder they took from their enemies. Would not the slaughter of the Philistines have been even greater?” 

When we think about growing in godliness, there are many factors that we can attribute to positive spiritual growth.  We think about dedication to reading God’s word, faithfulness in prayer, serving, attending small group, and the list goes on.  But one important thing that we often neglect in our pursuit of godliness is watching how we speak. With the exception of the heart and the mind, the tongue is probably the most sinful part of the body.  Think of all the sin that comes out of our mouths: lying, slandering, gossip, put downs, cursing, boasting, just to mention a few.  

From this story, we can add to that long list, the sin of making rash vows.  Saul was an impatient man, and that lack of prudence can be seen in the words that spill out of his mouth with damaging effects.  In the end, his oath becomes a curse on his own son.  So often, we underestimate how much our words impact the lives of other people.  Our words have incredible power, and a misspoken vow, an untimely oath, a passing curse, or even a flippant promise can cause great hurt and damage. How many families, friendships, and congregations have been undone by thoughtless words?  

Personally, I didn’t realize how much my speech affected others until my son, Jeremiah, started speaking.  When he was just a toddler learning how to talk, we were at home playing with his toys.  But when one of them broke, he looked at me, looked at the toy, and then he said, “What a piece of crap!”  Now, this might be a humorous example, but it revealed to me how much my words impact what my children say and believe.  As we get older, we might think that our words don’t impact people very much; but personally, I believe our words carry more weight with age.  If a child says something hurtful, it is easy to dismiss, but when an adult or someone in power misspeaks, it can cause a great deal of pain.  Because our words can make such an impact, the Bible is clear that we should watch every word and that all our conversations should be seasoned with grace.  

Prayer: Lord, we are a people with unclean lips and prone to hurt one another with the things we say.  Help us to grow in this particular area so that our words build others up instead of tearing them down.  Reveal to us the sin that comes from our mouths and leads us into repentance.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Revelation 1

Lunch Break Study

Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)

Let 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the importance of saying things at the right time and place?
  2. Who is ultimately grieved by our corrupt talk?
  3. How can we put away the clamor, slander, and malice that pollute our speech?  

Notes

  1. Even words that are good in themselves can be injurious when spoken in the wrong circumstance or in the wrong moment.  The apostle Paul reminds us that our words should fit the occasion and the person.   It takes a great deal of discernment to speak in a way that builds others up consistently.
  2. In the end, our words prove most painful to the Spirit of God.  As much as we may hurt the intended recipient of our sinful dialogue, it is ultimately God that grieves over our misspoken words
  3. Perhaps, the most effective way to clean up the elements of sin in our speech is to remember to be kind to one another and to have a tender heart for those whom you are speaking with.  

Evening Reflection

Is there something you said today that was rash, hurtful, or downright mean?  When was the last time you evaluated the content of your speech and confessed them before the Lord?  Like the prophet Isaiah, ask the Lord to purify your lips.  

August 2, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 25, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Not Ten Suggestions but Commandments from God”

Malachi 3:5

“‘So I will come near to you for judgment. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the aliens of justice, but do not fear me,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

Some relativists say, “Whatever is true for you is true for you and whatever is true for me is true for me. . .  But no one should force his or her views on other people since everything is relative” (Moreland).  People with a similar mindset have also decried missionaries stopping tribal practices, such as cannibalism and wife-beating.  An anthropologist working in Peru, after noting that tribal men there no longer beat their wives, said, “I’ll bet if you ask any one of those old women if they thought wives ought to be beaten, they’d say yes” (Christianity Today, Oct., 27, 1997:24).  Evidently, secular relativism is misguided and, ultimately, dangerous.  

What Moses came down from Mt. Sinai weren’t the Ten Suggestions; they were Ten Commandments that are binding for all cultures and times.  Now, some relativists may not have any problem with the last three in Malachi’s list: calling out unfair labor practice; standing up for the weak in society; and speaking up for (illegal) aliens; they may even use the Bible to justify their convictions.  However, when the matter concerns sexual freedom, whether it is premarital, extramarital or same sex, the Bible becomes a hated book.  One liberal bishop, who had ordained an active gay to priesthood in the 1980s, attacked the Bible by entitling his book, The Sins of Scripture. 

Picking and choosing is what some relativists do, but don’t we do the same when it serves our interest?   For instance, the Prosperity Theology, which seeks material blessing from God, may not be all wrong.   Isn’t that what Jabez prayed, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory!” (1 Chron. 4:10).   But many conveniently forget the responsibility that comes with God’s blessing.  They will keep 1 Timothy 6:17—“God . . . richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment”— while excluding what comes next: “Command them . . . to be generous and willing to share.” 

Ultimately, God’s commandments are for our own good in the long run.  Sure, adultery may be exciting at first but you’ll have to pay for that later (e.g., your own kids who disrespect and resent you).  Whatever your issue may be, choose God’s non-negotiable commandments; they are good for you.   Think.  Pray.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I was allowed to know the truth and be convicted of it.  I know I haven’t done much to help others who do not know the truth or are simply confused, like the secular relativists.  Dear Lord, use me to reach out to people like them.  Help me to be disciplined to be prepared and to pray so that I can be useful for your kingdom work. Amen.   

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Matt. 23:23-4: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. 24 You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.”

Matt. 7:3-5: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Romans 14:2-3, 22: “One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them” . . . . 22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God.”

Questions to Consider

1. Jesus’ comment about the Pharisees is quite interesting.  How did the Lord summarize their error?

2. Ultimately, the relativists who say, “Don’t judge because everything is relative” are doing the same thing.  Use Matt. 7:3-5 to tell our relativist friend what his oversight is.

3. What are some issues you are personally grappling with at the present moment?  After all, everything is not black and white.  Some things in life call for prudence and the right timing.  

Notes

1. Jesus judged the Pharisees for picking and choosing God’s laws they preferred to keep.  They were good with giving tithing to the Lord (doing so publicly), but neglected much more important matters of justice and mercy.  For instance, they tied up heavy loads for men to carry while they themselves did nothing to help them (Matt. 23:4).  Jesus said they should have done both.

2. The relativists believe absolutely that, first, “everything is relative,” and second, those who don’t agree with them are in the wrong.   They even hold some things to be absolutely true: being racist and “homophobic” is wrong and women’s rights should be upheld.”  In other words, they aren’t as relativistic as they would like to think.

3. In Romans 14-15, Paul presents what amounts to be Christian relativism to be applied over grey matters.  Each must have a conviction as to why they believe and practice that way, but they should not judge those who think differently on the matter (Rom. 14). 

Evening Reflection

We run into all kinds of people, especially at work or school.  Is there a person that fits the profile of a relativist?  Start praying for him; talk to him over a cup of coffee.  Review your day.  Pray. 

August 1, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on December 13, 2014.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Where Wisdom Is Attained”

Proverbs 22:17-19

Incline your ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply your heart to my knowledge, 18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips. 19 That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made them known to you today, even to you.

One of the best definitions for godly wisdom is “navigating life through the application of biblical principles.” While we are called to pursue wisdom through self-study and contemplation, this Proverb reinforces the notion that growth in wisdom happens through the community as well (perhaps more so).  This is to say, those who are wise are called to dispense wisdom, and the unwise are called to seek after wisdom.

There is an anonymous quote that goes, “Wisdom is not learned behind a desk. Wisdom is learned in the school of life as the Holy Spirit matures us, taking the Scriptures we know, the situations we experience, the trials we undergo and the wise company we associate with to teach us the deepest and richest application of God’s Word to life.”

The wisest words ever spoken to me, the words I still immensely treasure, came on the tail end of a difficult period of my life. After leading a small group for the first time, I felt discouraged and lost. People were complaining, members seemed spiritually stagnant, and I felt in over my head. With all these thoughts and emotions swirling within me, I poured myself out to my pastor who shared these four simple words: “Welcome to the ministry.”

As difficult as it was to understand, this has proven to be wisdom, time after time. Scripture paints the picture that ministry is inherently difficult (since it deals with all kinds of people), and at times even confusing.  In time, accepting this normality has given me strength to press forward in faith. In a sense, it has helped me to grow in trusting the Lord in the midst of the difficulties of life.

Now, as I’ve grown in grasping this wisdom, I find myself sharing this with younger leaders. That is, the strength and the trust in the Lord I have grown in through this wisdom are being transferred to those who hear the same words and applying them.  As I am getting older, inclining my ears to hear the words of the wise and sharing them has not stopped; for it is God’s desire that His people live in wisdom and pursue it for ourselves and one another.

Prayer: Dear God, I am in desperate need of Your wisdom. Lord, give me wisdom and lots of it.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 12

July 31, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 7, 2013.  Pastor Young is a graduate of University of Illinois (BS), Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Westminster Theological Seminary (MA). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

Whose Idea was Sex?

Proverbs 7:21-23, 27 

“With persuasive words she led him astray; she seduced him with her smooth talk. All at once he followed her like an ox going to the slaughter, like a deer stepping into a noose till an arrow pierces his liver, like a bird darting into a snare, little knowing it will cost him his life. Her house is a highway to the grave, leading down to the chambers of death.”

Sex was God’s idea. He intended it as a gift to be used inside marriage. It was to be a beautiful act of love shared between husband and wife.  But the enemy has hijacked this gift of sex and uses it to tempt us. It is one of the biggest battles of our times. Please read this entire chapter and gain wisdom in this area!

Prayer: Jesus I want to keep my eyes on you.  Jesus, fill me with your love so my heart will not have room for lust.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 10-11

July 30, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on November 29, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“What God’s Steadfast Love Really Looks Like”

Psalm 118:1-16 (NIV) 

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord say, “His steadfast love endures forever.” 5 Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord is on my side as my helper; I shall look in triumph on those who hate me. 8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. 9 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes. 10 All nations surrounded me; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 11 They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 12 They surrounded me like bees; they went out like a fire among thorns; in the name of the Lord I cut them off! 13 I was pushed hard, so that I was falling, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. 15 Glad songs of salvation are in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, 16 the right hand of the Lord exalts, the right hand of the Lord does valiantly!” 

In Psalm 118, the psalmist praises God for his “steadfast love” that has rescued and delivered him from various times of difficulty. The word translated as “steadfast love” (also as “loving kindness,” “mercy,” or “loyal love”) is the Hebrew word transliterated hesed. This is a very special word used to describe God’s unending covenantal love of His people and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to them.

Whether we deserve it or not, whether we’ve been faithful or not, God has committed Himself to His people (first through Old Testament covenants and ultimately through Christ’s blood). He has made promises (because He loves us) obligating Himself to care for us and bring forth His glory through us. This is immensely good news! 

Like the psalmist, we should praise God for His hesed, that is, His unending, unfading, unchanging love and kindness toward us. No matter what we do or what happens around us, once we enter into relationship with God through His son Jesus Christ, we know we have His loyal love for all eternity. 

Prayer: Thank You God for Your steadfast love for me even though I am so undeserving of such great affection.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 23:1-6: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He takes me to lush pastures, he leads me to refreshing water. 3 He restores my strength. He leads me down the right paths for the sake of his reputation.4 Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me. 5 You prepare a feast before me in plain sight of my enemies. You refresh my head with oil; my cup is completely full. 6 Surely your goodness and faithfulness will pursue me all my days, and I will live in the Lord’s house for the rest of my life.

Questions to Consider

  1. How does David describe his relationship with God?
  2. How does David’s experience as a shepherd affect his understanding of God?
  3. Take some time to meditate on Psalm 23 today. In what ways has God’s  steadfast love (hesed) followed you in your life? In what ways have you experienced God’s faithfulness pursuing you (whether you desired it or not)? Then, spend some time thanking God for His covenantal love. 

Note

  1. In Psalm 23, David describes His relationship with God as that of a sheep to his shepherd. 
  2. He closes the psalm by saying that God’s steadfast love (also translated “mercy” or “faithfulness”) follows him all his days. In David’s experience, God’s loyal, covenantal love was not a passive emotion, but an active pursuit. God was so faithful to David that he believed God’s love was following or pursing him wherever he went. It’s comforting to have this understanding of the love of God. It’s important that we know that God is actively loving us (be it through blessing or discipline) and will always do so. 
  3. While Psalm 23 is a familiar passage that some may be able to recite from memory, it’s important that we allow David’s reality of God’s shepherding to become ours as well. I’ve used a less familiar translation to help you read and experience this psalm afresh. 

Evening Reflection

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. (Psalm 20:7 NIV)

It’s easy to trust in what we can see. For those living in the Old Testament, chariots and horses signified power, wealth, and protection. But God is the only one in whom we should put our trust. He is the only one whose promises are truly reliable. What are your chariots and horses? What are the things in which you place your trust over God? Surrender those things to Him and declare that He is the one you trust. 

July 29, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on December 16, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Messiness of a Life Unexamined”

Proverbs 24:30-34: 

I passed by the field of a sluggard, by the vineyard of a man lacking sense, 31 and behold, it was all overgrown with thorns; the ground was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I saw and considered it; I looked and received instruction. 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, 34 and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man.

I consider myself neat and orderly and tend to associate with similar people, but during college, I had a friend who was lacking in this area. In the course of one year, his dorm room exemplified the gradual march of entropy, going from order to chaos. Just as the vineyard in this proverb was overgrown with thorns and nettles, my friend’s floor became overgrown with unwashed clothes, papers, and garbage.

As an observer to this madness, I asked him the only question I could: “What happened?” With tears in his eyes, he honestly replied, “I really don’t know. I kept putting off organizing my room, and then suddenly I realized that my floor disappeared.”

Likewise, our sluggishness in addressing issues in our lives leads to our “sudden” downfall. Whether it is a certain sin, lack of reconciliation, dragging our feet in fulfilling our promises, our inaction leads us into ruin. This is not about perfection or legalism, for we belong to a God of grace and mercy; yet, wisdom counsels us to consider the results when things are left unchecked and procrastinate.

Through this morning’s text, God is reminding us to be people who are not afraid to address the issues in our lives. His desire for us is to live out the goodness and righteousness He has created us for. So He calls us to submit to His work of sanctification so that our lives can reflect the abundant life awaiting us.

What issues have you been putting off? Is there unforgiveness, sins, or unfulfilled promises made to God that you need to address? Today, receive the grace of God and take action!

Prayer: Father, examine my heart, and if there is anything I’ve put off, reveal it to me. Lord, give me the strength and boldness to wrestle through it with You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 5:21-26: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire. 23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are going with him to court, lest your accuser hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you be put in prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the new paradigm of sin that Jesus introduces in this text?
  2. What does this text tell us of God’s priorities?
  3. What wisdom can we gain from this text?

Notes

  1. Jesus tells us that it is not only our actions that are sinful, but also our intentions and words.
  2. Verses 23-24 tell us that God desires reconciliation more than sacrifices and offerings.
  3. Verses 25-26 warn us that sluggishness in reconciliation can lead to punishment. If someone has something against you, they might act on it if you do not reconcile.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to honestly assess how you are doing with the Lord and with those around you. Are there unspoken words hanging in the air, tensions never worked through, things that have been hidden due to fear of confrontation? If so, we have placed ourselves and others in bondage. Tonight, let’s ask the Lord for His grace and strength. If there are specific things that He is placing in your heart, pray over them and ask for an opportunity to take action.

July 28, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on April 15, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Be Smart About It—Repent When It Matters”

1 Samuel 28:6 (ESV)

And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD did not answer him, either by dreams, or by Urim, or by prophets. 

With the Philistines gathered at Shunem, ready to attack in the morning, Saul was “afraid, and his heart trembled greatly” (v. 5). Before his precipitous fall from grace, when Saul still walked in the Spirit, he was a man of great courage (see 1 Sam. 11:6-11). But Saul began to lose courage when the Spirit departed from him (1 Sam. 16:14); and now after the death of Samuel, his courage appears to have eluded him completely. 

Saul was in a terrible lot, but what made this even more troubling was the silence of God. Saul hoped God would speak to him through dreams, the Urim (High Priest), or the prophets, but God would not talk to him. So Saul, longing for the guidance of Samuel, seeks out a medium to perform a séance for him. 

This silence demonstrates that God will not always answer everyone who seeks Him—not when the seeker is living in active disobedience as Saul was. He not only rejected God’s previously revealed will, but King Saul continued to live in active rebellion by desiring to destroy David. So when Saul was seeking to hear from God, his interest was not in finding out the will of God; rather, he was seeking to gain knowledge to benefit himself. Since Saul didn’t care to obey God in what he already knew, God would not give him more to know.

Having said that, we can still be comforted by the fact that the silence of God is often followed by a second chance; that is, God will speak to us again because he wants us to repent.  God did this for Saul who, after realizing that David didn’t kill him when he had the chance, wept, saying, “You are more righteous than I . . . May the Lord reward you well” (1 Sam. 24:17, 19).  But that repentance was short-lived as Saul tried to kill David afterwards.  The point is, if we continue to reject His word, time after time, and actively live in disobedience to his Word, the only thing left is God’s judgment. 

As followers of Christ who have the revealed Word of God and the Spirit of God living in us who gives us the power to obey, we have no excuse for not knowing God’s general will for a righteous living.  Once we have come to understand it, the next step is obedience; and as we submit to God’s general will, it will bring greater clarity to God’s specific will for our lives (regarding jobs, relationships, where to live, etc.).  So, be smart about it—Repent when it matters. 

Prayer: Lord, please hold me by your hand and constantly remind me of your might and power lest I foolishly assume that I am self-sufficient and autonomous.  I know that apart from You, I can do nothing.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:Nehemiah 7

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 

Questions to Consider 

  1. What are the benefits of Scripture?  
  2. What is the goal of being in the Word?   
  3. What is one way the Word of God helped you this week?  

Notes 

  1. It is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness.  
  2. That one may be complete, equipped to do good work. 
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

“Does it make sense to pray for guidance about the future if we are not obeying in the thing that lies before us today? How many momentous events in Scripture depended on one person’s seemingly small act of obedience! Rest assured: Do what God tells you to do now, and, depend upon it, you will be shown what to do next.” –Elizabeth Elliot