July 14, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 29, 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

“Doing Something No One Has Done”

2 Samuel 8:3-4; 6b

David also defeated Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to restore his power at the river Euphrates. And David took from him 1,700 horsemen, and 20,000 foot soldiers. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but left enough for 100 chariots… And the Lord gave victory to David wherever he went.

I love the Golden State Warriors NBA basketball team. One of the most famous Warriors’ coaches named Don Nelson (“Nellie”) changed the game of basketball. In a game where height is tantamount to the team’s success, everyone who has any knowledge about basketball knows that you have to have at least one big tall man at the “center” position if you want to be a winning team (think Shaq)! But Coach Nelson did something unheard-of—he built a team with… no center. The Warriors under Coach Nelson were a bunch of little guys, but to everyone’s surprise, “Nellie-ball” became a huge success! Don Nelson won coach-of-the-year three times and is still to this day the winningest coach in NBA history! Today, many teams have learned from Nelson’s strategy, and his legacy continues on.

Back in the Old Testament times, everyone who knew anything about warfare knew you need chariots to win battles. In fact, in those days a trustworthy measurement of the strength of an army was to count the number of chariots. But David did something unheard-of: He hamstrung nearly all of the chariot horses that he could have added to his army. What was he thinking? But David knew something that no other king or nation at the time knew:  that the battle belongs to the Lord. 

What do you rely on to pull you through hard times? King David writes in Psalm 20:7: “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” Whatever you are facing in this season of your life, our God can be trusted!

Prayer: Lord, You are the sovereign God. Nothing happens without your knowledge, and none can stand against You. Help us to trust in You with the battles and hardships that we face each day. Let us not trust in the things of this world or even the gifts and abilities you have given us. Instead, we want to put our trust in the Lord of hosts. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 15

Lunch Break Study

Read Deuteronomy 20:1-4: When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, “Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the primary war strategy for God’s people?
  2. When facing a powerful enemy, what were the priests instructed to do?
  3. Who is our “enemy”?
  4. Do you believe that God’s presence with you is enough for you to face the enemy?

Notes

  1. The primary war strategy is the presence of the Lord our God with His people.
  2. The priests were instructed to declare and remind the Israelites that God was with them, and that He would give them victory.
  3. On one hand, we can apply this passage to the hardships/trials/temptations we go through in life. But also, Paul writes in Ephesians 6 that our enemy is not flesh and blood but the spiritual powers of darkness (aka Satan and his forces).
  4. If God is indeed who He says He is, and who we believe Him to be, then yes! Although we cannot see Him, we can trust that His presence is enough to give us victory over our enemy.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment today and think about your faith. Hebrews 11 teaches us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Faith is a crucial aspect of our walk with God. Have you been living in faith? Let us spend some time asking God to increase our faith in Him.

July 13, Tuesday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Battling Other Believers”

2 Samuel 2:14-17 (ESV)

And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.” [15] Then they arose and passed over by number, twelve for Benjamin and Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, and twelve of the servants of David. [16] And each caught his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is at Gibeon. [17] And the battle was very fierce that day. And Abner and the men of Israel were beaten before the servants of David.

This scene seems to describe one part of an ongoing feud between bitter enemies—something akin to the warring families of the Hatfield and McCoy or even an awful ethnic conflict.  Nothing of consequence is decided, yet blood is shed.  The men of Saul and the servants of David engage in a fight to the death, essentially for the sake of pride.  

On the one hand, the conflict seems understandable; the ascension to the throne is still being determined.  But on the other hand, this is not just any transition in political power, for Israel is not just any nation: they are the chosen people of God.  The people of Benjamin and the people of Judah are not competing political parties or warring tribes—they are brothers, redeemed by the One True God.  They have a mutual calling to worship and serve Yahweh; yet, brother is killing brother and the fighting is very fierce.  

Even today, some of the fiercest “battles” in our lives are with other believers.  The conflicts with the most heated emotions can be among brothers and sisters.  What could cause such hostility between spiritual family members?

In our passage, the people of God are caught up in a battle for power, prestige, and wealth.  I’m sure they would have said something about “justice” or “the will of God.”  Maybe they would have even played the victim card.  But something other than the glory of God has become their highest priority; and the proof is in the fact that they are willing to sin to get what they want, need, or deserve.

As we consider our relationships with others in our local church, what are we motivated by?  What situations tempt us to fall into slander or bitterness?  What priority does the glory of God have?

Prayer: Father, I thank You for sending Your Son that the world might be united in worship of Him.  Yet even when I am among brothers and sisters, I have so many impure motivations and desires.  Purify my heart that I might pursue Your glory and the good of those around me.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 14

Lunch Break Study

Read Genesis 4:3-8 (ESV): In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, [4] and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, [5] but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. [6] The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? [7] If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.” [8] Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 

Question to Consider

1. According to vv. 4-5, what caused the conflict between Cain and Abel?

2. How did Cain respond to his disappointment?

3. Throughout the passage, who does Cain care most about?

Notes

1. Cain became angry because the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but He did not for Cain and his offering.  The conflict was caused by Cain’s jealousy.  It began in Cain’s heart and not in anything external.

2. Cain murdered his brother Abel.  Cain’s desires mattered more than the life of his brother.

3. Cain cares only for himself.  He does not care about pleasing or obeying God, nor does he care about Abel or his well-being.

Evening Reflection

Reflect upon your relationships in the church.  In the more difficult relationships, what priorities are being threatened?  In the easier relationships, what priorities are being achieved?  What things connect or disconnect you from others more than your common relationship with God?

July 12, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on April 8, 2015.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Lord, Awaken My Calloused Heart”

1 Samuel 22:17-19 

Then the king ordered the guards at his side: “Turn and kill the priests of the Lord, because they too have sided with David. They knew he was fleeing, yet they did not tell me.” But the king’s officials were unwilling to raise a hand to strike the priests of the Lord. 18 The king then ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests.” So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck them down. That day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod. 19 He also put to the sword Nob, the town of the priests, with its men and women, its children and infants, and its cattle, donkeys and sheep.

This particular passage depicts a horrific and tragic event in Israel’s history.  Saul, whom God selected to lead His chosen nation, has now become so engulfed in his rage, jealousy, and violence that he resorts to brutally—murdering 85 men who served the Lord. And if that wasn’t awful enough, Saul proceeds to make a blood bath in the town of Nob, killing all who were alive. 

Such brutal edicts may have been perceived somewhat differently back then from the way we might understand them today.  Nevertheless, we can readily see that there was something wrong and insidious about this order from Saul, for even the king’s guards had enough sensibility (and probably the fear of God) to refuse the order of slaying the priests. The price of the guards’ disobedience was probably very costly. It was indeed a day of mourning for Nob, David, and Israel. 

For many of us living in the States, even if we are a casual viewer of today’s news, we see and hear of the real and deadly persecution (and at times, execution) of Christians living in certain areas of the world. For instance, just before Easter Weekend, militant terrorists opened fire at Garissa University College in Kenya claiming 147 lives—many of whom were Christians who had gathered for morning prayer. 

Even upon such tragic news, many of us are too busy, too removed, or even too calloused to allow our hearts to be filled with compassion and concern.  While our indifference pales in comparison to the wickedness of these terrorists, we become indirectly complicit in their crime against humanity by doing nothing.   Let’s ask God to give us a heart that He has so that we, even for a brief pause, may consider, pray, and to intercede for many of our brothers and sisters who are risking their lives for the Gospel. 

Prayer: Lord, I pray for the brothers and sisters who are facing immense persecution in the world today. Protect them. Comfort them. And amid persecutions, be near to them, giving them the strength each day to “rejoice as they participate in the sufferings of Christ” (1 Peter 4:13). In Jesus’ name, amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 13

Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Peter 4:12-16: Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 

Questions to Consider 

  1. How does Peter encourage the believers to respond to suffering and persecution?  
  2. What is the outcome for those who undergo suffering because of Christ? 
  3. Have you endured through some tough sufferings because of Jesus? If so, how did you respond? Have you been “blessed” through the ordeal?   

Notes

  1. Peter tells the believers not to be surprised; rather, to actually rejoice when facing suffering and persecution and to “praise God” for bearing His name in the midst of suffering.  
  2. When suffering for Christ, one is actually “blessed” as the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon that person. Therefore, in this place of blessing, one is capable of praising God in the midst of pain and sorrow.  
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Spend some time praying for others tonight, especially those around you who might be going through pain and suffering. Pray again for the Universal Church where many brothers and sisters are facing death because of their faith in Jesus Christ.    

July 11, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on June 15, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Life that Shines”

Philippians 2:14-16

Do all things without grumbling or disputing, [15] that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, [16] holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.

Light is an important metaphor in Scripture, one that is applied both to God and His people. For instance, shining light is often used to describe God’s glory and purity, His majesty and goodness (Num. 6:25; Isa. 2:5). Also, it is remarkable that God’s original intent in calling a people for Himself was to make them His lights to the world.

Paul is addressing the Christians in Philippi, telling them the importance of being blameless and innocent. The word “blameless,” meaning, pure or without mixture, was used in the vocabulary of primitive metallurgy to talk about pure gold, pure copper, or any metal that did not have impurities.  So it means that we should strive not to live a life of hypocrisy, but rather we should conduct ourselves worthy of Christ in all that we do.  Because we live in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, the light of the gospel will shine into the darkness of where we live: This is what Jesus means when he says, “Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works” (Mt. 5:16).

The only way this is possible is if we are submitted to the Holy Spirit and rooted in the Word of God.  Take some time to pray and ask the Lord to search your heart and to remove any areas that might not be considered “blameless” in the eyes of the Lord.  Do not lose heart; God desires to change us and make us more like him.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to do more than merely talk about living a life worthy of your name.  Help me to live it out right, now, in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.   

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 12

July 10, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 6, 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

“Run Away from Sexual Immorality; Run Toward Ants”

Proverbs 6:24-27 

“Keeping you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of the wayward wife. Do not lust in your heart after her beauty or let her captivate you with her eyes, for the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life. Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned?”

There are too many great verses in Proverbs 6.  I love the example about the ants., but I did notice that there is much warning about immoral sexual activities. Stay away from it! It will destroy you.  You will get burned. You don’t want to be reduced to a loaf of bread. 

Proverbs 6:6-11

Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! 7 It has no commander,

no overseer or ruler, 8 yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest. 9 How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—11 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Is there an area in your life that you are being lazy about?  What is it? Bring it before the Lord. Ask God for strength to get it done.  Remember, God did not give us a spirit of timidity but of love, power and self-discipline.  Laziness can destroy your relationship with Jesus. Ask God for His love, His power, and His spirit of self-discipline. 

Prayer: Lord, give me strength and grace today to keep my heart and thoughts pure.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 10-11

July 9, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 21, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Did We Become So Righteous?”

Psalm 18:20-22, 24 

The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord; I have not done evil by turning from my God. 23 I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. 24 The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

I get little uncomfortable whenever I read David’s Psalm where he appears to be self-righteous.  Yes, he did the right thing in his dealing with Saul, to which this Psalm apparently alludes, but he did not always lead a blameless life. God certainly rewarded David for being a man after His heart (Acts 13:22), but it was not solely based on his righteousness. Perhaps, this Psalm is better understood in terms of David the shepherd as a type of Christ, the Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20).  

Thus, those who are in Christ have become “the righteousness of God” (2 Cor. 5:21), and thereby, are blameless before the accusation of the enemy (Col.  2:13-4).  It is not by our righteousness that God deals with us but that of His Son.  While God will reward us based on our works (1 Cor. 3:14; 2 Cor. 5:10), His rewards will far exceed our expectations.  So it is safe to assume that “God will reward us according to the richness of His grace” (Eph. 3:20), and not based on our actual “performance.”   I think David would have agreed.

Before leaving the house today, take a moment to ponder on the greatness of our gracious and merciful God.  He loves you. 

Prayer: Dear LORD, I praise and worship You this morning. God, I tend to blame people for my problems because deep inside I see myself as a victim, which I realize is a warped view of myself.  In the end, I am where I am in life because of my unwise choices. There is only one who is righteous—Christ. In Him and through the Holy Spirit, I’m no longer a victim but someone who is enabled to lead a fruitful life.  Thank You.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:1: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Questions to Consider

  1. How is it possible that we are no longer condemned for all the sins that we ever committed (2 Cor. 5:21, Col. 2:13-4)?
  2. What is God’s reward based on (1 Cor. 3:14-5, Matt. 10:40-2)?  What does it mean that giving a cup of water is rewarded?
  3. We need to do our part to avoid sinning, but there is more to it than that; what’s God’s part (1 Cor.  10:13, Phil. 2:12-3)?

Notes

  1. In short, Christ assumed our debt (i.e., becoming sin for us), which we didn’t have the“spiritual capital” to pay for, and “took it away, nailing it to the cross.” So, in the legal sense, we are no longer guilty of the sins that were charged against us. 
  2. While salvation is God’s gift freely given to those who believe in Jesus, God’s reward is based on our works.  Thus, David was right when he said “the Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness.” However, the fact that God considers our works to be worthy of being recompensed, and that He gives far more than what we deserve (e.g., even over giving someone a cup of water), shows God’s magnanimous grace. 
  3. In today’s Psalm, David said, “I did this” and “I did that” to keep himself from sinning.  Indeed, it ultimately comes down to us making the right decision, but we aren’t doing it alone.  First, God provides a way out from succumbing to temptations; second, the Holy Spirit strengthens our will so that we will make the right decisions, but because the Spirit is gentle, he won’t force us do anything.  However, we have been greatly empowered to “keep the ways of the LORD”. Now that’s grace!

Evening Reflection

John 15:5: Apart from me you can do nothing.

The crowd wildly cheered as Jesus, riding on a donkey, entered Jerusalem a few days before being crucified. Had the donkey mistakenly believed that the cheers were for him, how silly that would have been!  While that was highly unlikely, the same cannot be said about us since we have limitless desires for self-recognition and capacities for self-delusion.  Jesus’ disciples were no exceptions since they often discussed who was the greatest among them.  Once when Jesus asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” they said nothing because “they had argued about who was the greatest” (Mk. 9:33-4).   The disciples did not stop there; they had the same discussion right after Jesus revealed that one of them would betray Him (Lk. 22:24).   We can be sure that God, who “opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” will not tolerate such attitudes.  Before using us, God will teach us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing.  It is a lesson that we need to be reminded of constantly.

July 8, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on December 9, 2014.

 Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“A False Sense of Urgency”

Proverbs 21:5

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”

In the book, Why We Buy, Paul Underhill describes various aspects of retail psychology. There are strategies that retailers employ in order to manipulate us into buying more. It’s to the point that over half of the grocery purchases in the U.S. are unplanned. One of the strategies is to create a false sense of urgency by using phrases such as “limited time offer” or “while supplies last,” even if they don’t indicate the available quantity of the item.

Just as there’s a false sense of urgency that retailers create which can lead us to financial poverty, there is often a false sense of urgency in our lives when we get caught up in the busyness of life, which then leads us down the path of poverty in our intimacy with the Lord.

There have been too many days when my intimacy with the Lord has been rushed. I would speed through His Word, rush through the list of prayer topics, say my “Amens” and rush out the door. If I’m being really honest, there are too many times when I skip it altogether and rush out the door. I find myself so hasty doing things for God and God’s people that I neglect being with the One who called me in the first place. I’ve made too many minute issues more important than they should be, and while I get things done with my time, I find myself becoming more spiritually dry. 

It’s during this season that God has reminded me that a persistent, diligent, ardent longing for His presence is what will fill me. The life of abundance He has for me is received through the diligent study of His Word, the diligent prayers in His presence, and the diligent soaking in of His goodness.

Has your hastiness in this life brought upon spiritual poverty in your relationship with the Lord? This morning, God is asking us for diligence in hosting His presence because He wants us to live the life of abundance.

Prayer: Father, I ask for an increase of diligence when it comes to Your presence. Fill me with an abundance of Your love and goodness. Grow me in my longing of You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 8

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 16:7-11:  I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 10 For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Questions to Consider

  1. According to these verses, what is God’s desire for us?
  2. What allows us to receive this blessing?
  3. What is the assurance given to us in these verses?

Notes

  1. God’s desire is to preserve us in life and to pour into us the fullness of joy.
  2. We receive this blessing by blessing the Lord (v. 7), by setting the Lord before us (v. 8), and by being in His presence (v. 11).
  3. In verse 11, it says that God makes all this known to us. It’s not about what we can do to earn the fullness of life, but about what we do to receive it.

Evening Reflection

Tonight is as good of a time to practice diligence with the Lord. Spend some time in slow, intentional engagement with Him, whether through the Word, conversational prayer, or praise. Let’s have some quality time with our heavenly Father.

July 7, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 3, 2015; it has been updated. Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for the Morning

“Success without Integrity or Integrity without Success: Your Move”

1 Samuel 11:6-14 (NIV)

When Saul heard their words, the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he burned with anger. 7 He took a pair of oxen, cut them into pieces, and sent the pieces by messengers throughout Israel, proclaiming, “This is what will be done to the oxen of anyone who does not follow Saul and Samuel.” Then the terror of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out together as one. 8 When Saul mustered them at Bezek, the men of Israel numbered three hundred thousand and those of Judah thirty thousand. 

9 They told the messengers who had come, “Say to the men of Jabesh Gilead, ‘By the time the sun is hot tomorrow, you will be rescued.’ ” When the messengers went and reported this to the men of Jabesh, they were elated. 10 They said to the Ammonites, “Tomorrow we will surrender to you, and you can do to us whatever you like.”  11 The next day Saul separated his men into three divisions; during the last watch of the night they broke into the camp of the Ammonites and slaughtered them until the heat of the day. Those who survived were scattered, so that no two of them were left together. 12 The people then said to Samuel, “Who was it that asked, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Turn these men over to us so that we may put them to death.” 13 But Saul said, “No one will be put to death today, for this day the Lord has rescued Israel.” 14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingship.” 15 So all the people went to Gilgal and made Saul king in the presence of the Lord. There they sacrificed fellowship offerings before the Lord, and Saul and all the Israelites held a great celebration. 

Some years ago, I had a discussion with a friend on whether if would be preferable to have a large ministry whose leaders were powerfully gifted but lacking in character, or to have a small ministry where the leadership was high in character but not as visibly anointed.  It was a fun conversation because I think we both knew the right answer.  But admittedly, it was difficult not to entertain the thought of being highly successful without having to pay the cost of growing in integrity.  In a perfect world, we would want the best of both scenarios—high character leaders impacting large numbers of people with their anointing; but in an imperfect world, you can have one without the other.  

In Saul’s first act as king, we see that he leads Israel to a resounding victory over their enemies, the Ammonites.  In the process, he appears to be more than a capable leader who is able to rally the people to a just cause, and coming up with a brilliant strategy to ensure the conquest of the enemy.   Even afterwards, he shows mercy towards those who questioned his right to be king.  On the surface, this appears to be the best possible beginning for the new monarch.  Perhaps, the Israelites were justified in asking God to give them a king and that everything would turn out well after all.  

However, just because something appears to look good on the surface does not mean that trouble is not brewing underneath.  What is even more disturbing in this passage is that Saul is described as being empowered by the Spirit of God to accomplish this specific task of leading Israel into battle.  I think this is one of the saddest facts regarding the life of Saul, because even as the Holy Spirit worked through him, the Spirit of God never worked in him.  In reflection, given a choice, I realized that having a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit and yielding to His intimate work of inner transformation is more valuable than simply having some powerful gifts of leadership.  Remarkably, when we ask for the former, God graciously gives us the latter.  

Prayer: Lord, it is easy to fall into the temptation of success without integrity and character.  There are always shortcuts in life.  Help me to yield to Your Holy Spirit as He brings about conviction of sin and leads me into the righteousness of Christ.  Also, help me to use the gifts of the Spirit to impact people—great and small—and to be faithful with every opportunity that comes my way.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 7

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 7:15-23 (NIV): Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. 21 Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” 

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the good fruit that is the evidence of a true relationship with Christ?
  2. How can people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus perform the mighty works described in verse 22?
  3. What is the end result of doing ministry in the name of Jesus without having a personal relationship with Jesus?  

Notes

  1. The good fruit that Jesus speaks of is a life of obedience to God.  It doesn’t matter how big your church is or how many miracles you have performed. Without personal devotion and love towards God, these things are actually in vain.  
  2. Not surprisingly, we see many people who don’t have the right motives, using the Spirit of God and the name of Christ for personal gain.  There are two possible answers:  Like Balaam (Numbers 24:2), God can choose to give His Spirit to non-believers to fulfill His purposes; or these signs could be performed through a deceiving spirit.  
  3. There is absolutely no benefit to doing ministry or good works in the name of Jesus without a saving relationship with Him.  The end result is eternal separation from the One whose name was used for selfish desires and to promote personal gain.  

Evening Reflection

In our modern world, it is so easy to judge everything by the outward appearance, and to be tempted by the world’s standards of value and success.  In what ways are you attracted to outer success, whether in your choice of churches, career, or even relationships?   How can you learn to see through the eyes of God and judge people not by the outward appearance, but by their inward character?  

July 6, Tuesday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“God’s Concern for His Name”

Mal. 1:11

“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.”

Family honor should matter, but too much emphasis on this can result in something bizarre or even violent.  For example, at a wedding ceremony of his son, the proud father (a pastor) abruptly announces a prayer huddle in front but just with his sons who bear his name, which excluded the bride.   Standing all alone, the bride perhaps wonders whether it is too late to back out.  

In some Islamic countries, brothers are willing to kill their sister if her behavior is deemed dishonorable.  While we can agree that “a good name is more desirable than great riches” (Prov. 22:1), these guys are  way too much.

God is also concerned about his name and He doesn’t like it when it is dishonored.  One grievance against King David was the effect of his adultery with Bathsheba among the Canaanites: “Because by doing this you made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt” (2 Sam. 12:14).  The grievance against the Israelites living abroad whose lives were undistinguishable from the Gentile sinners, despite “brag[ging] about [their] relationship to God” (Rom. 2:17), was no different: “God’s name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you” (Rom. 2:24).  

Is the motivation behind protecting the family honor the same as God’s concern for upholding His name?   Definitely no.   The families are mostly concerned about how others view them, usually a self-flattering portrayal that others do not see.  However, God’s concern for his name stems from His love for people among the nations.  The Lord knows that the defamation of His name by those who claim to follow Him will prompt the nations to think that the God of the Bible is no different than the capricious, even immoral gods whom they grew up worshiping.  Thus, they will neither seek nor believe God when He is finally presented to them.  It’s their loss as well as God’s.  

As you start this day, don’t just focus on you and your family, but think about the kingdom.  Today, it snowed here.  As I was shoveling snow out of the driveway, I decided to clear out some snow for my neighbor.  They are not believers but they know we are.  They thank me.  I hope the name of our God was exalted just a little bit.   Now, go and shovel some “snow” so that God’s name may be exalted.   

Prayer: Glorious God, how great and excellent is your name.  We exalt your name on high and the name of your Son Jesus, the only name through which we can go to the Father.  Lord, I want to make your name great at the place where I live and work so that others may desire you and ultimately be found in Christ.   Motivate me and empower me to do something today that would make your name to stand out.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 6 

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Pet. 2:12, 15: “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. . . . For this is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men.”

Jeremiah 4:1-2: “If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord. “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray, 2 and if in a truthful, just and righteous way
you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,’ then the nations will be blessed by him and in him they will glory.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is one main factor that causes us to be ineffective in serving God and furthering his kingdom?
  2. In what way did the failure of the Israelites to distinguish themselves among the nations hurt those very nations?
  3. What is the best way to distinguish ourselves from the world so that what we do gives further credence to the greatness of our God?

Notes

  1. We become co-opted by the values and practices of the secular world, thereby losing our Christian distinction; that is, our saltiness.  As a result, we become good for nothing as far as representing God.  In fact, we may become recipients of ridicule by the skeptics of the Christian faith. 
  2. Israel’s wayward ways, in effect, blocked God’s channel of blessing for the nations since her undistinguishable life prompted the nations not to hold God in high regard.  They thought, “Why bother seeking  the God of Israel when these Israelites prefer our god and our ways?”
  3. Nothing is more powerful that leading a credible public life, backed by a corresponding private life, consisting of good and kind deeds performed “with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). 

Evening Reflection

Did you have an opportunity to exalt God’s name today?  Wrap up your day by briefly journaling what happened today.  Pray for a more effective tomorrow.

July 5, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 20, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What We Say Matters”

Malachi 2:17 (ESV)

“You have wearied the Lord with your words. But you say, ‘How have we wearied him?’ By saying, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delights in them.’  Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’”

Malachi 3:13-5 (ESV)

“Your words have been hard against me, says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have we spoken against you?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.’”

A young pastor, having grown impatient with the travel agent who again put him on hold, murmured in frustration, “What a dork!”  He thought that the agent was away from the phone.  She wasn’t.  Oops.  Who, among us, hasn’t done the same?

The words that wearied God in Malachi’s time are awful but none worse than these:  “Now you have rejected us. . . .  All this happened to us, though we have not . . . been false to your covenant. . . . Awake, O Lord!  Why do you sleep?” A psalmist said that (Ps. 9a, 17b, 23a).  “Know that God has wronged me. . . . Though I cry, ‘I’ve been wronged!’  I get no response; though I call for help, there is no justice.’”  Job said that (19:6a, 7).  But they pale in comparison to what the frustrated the prophet Jeremiah said (20:7a), “O Lord, you deceived me, and I was deceived.”

These are biting words aimed at God’s very character and “men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken” (Matt. 12:36).   Even so, God, in His mercy, gives us opportunities to amend our errors before that day.  After all, the One who knows “all men” and “what [i]s in a man” (Jn. 2:24, 5) understands that we are weak, and that when pushed and shoved, our words turn careless and thoughtless.  But He also knows that if we keep on saying them, before long, we may actually believe what we say, which is not good.  

So the Lord will gently remind us through the words of Scripture or caring brothers, or the conviction of the Holy Spirit, that He isn’t like that.  Thus, God, to help Job realize his error, begins the dialogue by saying (38:2), “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words of without knowledge?”  By the end, the penitent Job says (42:3), “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to speak.”

Today, be mindful of using your tongue to bear witness of God’s wonderful character to unbelieving friends or coworkers like, “God is good,” “God loves and cares for you,” “God is in control,” etc.

Prayer: My Father, the one area where I have erred the most is what I often say with my mouth.  Instead of praising and thanking you, I complain, criticize and even gossip.  What can I say, Lord?  Forgiven me.  Make me aware of the great importance of using my words to honor you whether I am at work, church or home.  So I say now, “Thank you, my glorious and wonderful God; my soul exalts you.”  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 5

Lunch Break Study

Read James 3:2, 6, 9-10 (ESV): “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. . . . Cross references:

  • James 3:2 : 1 Kgs. 8:46; Prov. 20:9; Eccles. 7:20; 1 John 1:8
  • James 3:2 : [Matt. 12:37]
  • James 3:2 : See ch. 1:26

6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.  9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” 

James 1:9 (ESV): “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”

Eph. 4:25, 9: “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another. . . . 29 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.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Describe the situation with our mouth: what is so ironic about how we use it?
  2. What are some practical ways to limit our careless and thoughtless words from hurting others and ultimately ourselves?
  3. How should we use our words instead?  How have you been doing with your spoken words?  

Notes

  1. With our mouth, we praise our God as well as speak badly of others (even God sometimes).  Those who think they don’t commit many sins must have laryngitis because sooner or later, we say things that hurt others as well as dishonor God.  It’s like the law through which we become conscious of sin (Rom. 3:20); our words make us conscious of sin.  So cry out, “Lord, forgive me, for I’m a sinner!”
  2. Listen well; speak slowly, meaning think before you talk; limit your words.  Don’t talk nonstop because sooner or later you will end up saying what you will regret.
  3. We should edify others with words of encouragement as well as through constructive criticism: truthful words, not empty flattery; fair evaluation, not personal attack. 

Evening Reflection

How did you use your tongue today?  Was God honored and others uplifted, or was it the other way around.  Lift up a prayer to the Lord.