July 20, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 24, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Our Infinite Personal God”

Psalm 90:1-2

1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

This morning, we find the psalmist declaring the eternal nature of God as well as acknowledging that God is the creator.  As created being, we are finite, but God as the Creator, is infinite. Even though the mountains may seem to last forever is finite.

Many times, we make God out to be so small in our finite understanding. Yes, He is near and intimate and our friend, yet, He is God who has created the heavens and the earth. As close as we can get to Him and draw near to Him, God is still a mystery. 

The call for us as His people is to hold both these truths about God:  He is a God who is so near and close to us, yet He is the God Almighty who is high and lofty. This morning, let us remember that the God who calls us beloved is also the God who is infinite, eternal, and more awesome than our own understanding can contain.

Prayer: Jesus, your great Name means everything to me and today, I celebrate you as my Defender. You are in me and I am in you. Holy Spirit, thank you for falling afresh on me to be my sole source of power and authority, knowledge and insight, and wisdom and clarity in my life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 22

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:2-3: I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Background tidbit: The word translated agree in Phil. 4:2 is the same word that is translated being of the same mind in Phil. 2:2.

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the apostle Paul’s concern here?
  2. How does the apostle admonish the people involved in this conflict?
  3. What conclusions can you draw from the fact that these godly women were not getting along? 

Notes

  1. Paul is concerned because a particular bout of relational angst has popped up in the church which is hindering the ministry. 
  2. He exhorts these women to deal with their “drama” in a God honoring way (i.e., “agree in the Lord”), and for others to assist them towards that end. And he appeals to their salvation as the primary motive, as if to say, “You are sisters in Christ! How can you argue like this? This kind of argument is beneath you.”
  3. As long as there are relationships here on earth, there’s going to be conflicts.  Some disagreements are necessary and healthy; others, not so much. In any case, conflicts are a normal part of life and you can’t escape it. The question is: how are you going to respond to it?

Evening Reflection

John 17:12: “While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me. I have guarded them, and not one of them has been lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.”

Prayer: “My living God, You are my Defender who rescues me and I rest in Your defense, for You say that I am Yours and You love me. You died for me and You are pleased when You see my faith and have delighted in the fact that I have Your righteousness, which cannot be taken away from me. Even though the enemy has tried to accuse me and proclaim me a failure, but You, Oh Lord, have defended me. It means everything to me to know that You are my Defender, who loves me so much when I have done nothing to deserve it.  Praise Him!  Amen.

July 19, Monday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Would You Name Your Son After John, But Which John?”

Malachi 3:1, 4:4-6

“See, I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty; 4:5-6: “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”

Many children are named “John” by Christian parents, but which John?  There is the apostle John, who, as one of Christ’s top three disciples, wrote five books of the New Testament.  He is also believed to be the only disciple who died in his old age while in exile.  Very impressive! 

Then there is John the Baptist whose coming was prophesized by Malachi and of whom Jesus said, “He is the Elijah who was to come” (Matt. 11:14).  Wearing clothes made of camel’s hair with a leather belt, he looked more like Fred Flintstone than a prophet.  He preached in the desert, not in a building.  He didn’t write any books.  Even so, many were attracted to his no non-sense message, some even becoming his disciples.  

That all changed when Jesus, whom John described as “more powerful than I” (Matt. 3:11), showed up; and John the Baptist was no match for him.  While Jesus performed many miracles, “John never performed” even one (Jn. 10:41).  While the people were so amazed at Jesus’ teaching, saying, “What is this?  A new teaching—and with authority!’” (Mk. 1:27a) John’s message was predictable: Repent!  So, he probably wasn’t surprised when told, “Everyone is going to [Jesus]” (Jn. 3:26), which included his disciples (Jn. 1:37).

Ultimately, John’s uncompromising message—this time, rebuking the badly behaving King Herod (Lk. 3:19)—landed him in jail.  His lonesome stay there abruptly ended when Herod beheaded him to grant a young dancer’s wish.  John was still in his early 30s. 

So, which John would be named for your boy?  Before you decide, know this: Of the one who died early, lonely, and broke, Jesus said: “Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist” (Matt. 11:11).    Now which one?  At the end, the only opinion of us that matters is what God thinks and John the Baptist was highly esteemed by God.  

How about you?  If you covet God’s high opinion of you instead of man’s, while you don’t need to dress and talk like the Baptist, you do need to obey God like him, regardless of the cost.   So, what is one area in your life that you need to obey God, now?

Prayer: Dear God, as I’m your holy presence, I confess that I have yearned for man’s approval more than yours; I have craved after man’s validation than yours.  I know all too well that this is going to be a lifetime battle, but this is one battle that I must win. Through your strength I must live to honor you by obeying you.  Lord, strengthen my will and resolve to live like John the Baptist, giving my all for your glory.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 21

Lunch Break Study

Read John 3:26-8, 30: “They came to John and said to him, ‘Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.” 27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him’. . . . 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 1:24-6: “Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ 26 ‘I baptize with water,’ John replied, ‘but among you stands one you do not know.  He is the one who comes after me, the throngs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’”

Matthew 11:2-3: “When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples 3 to ask him, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

Questions to Consider

  1. How would you characterize John as a person?  
  2. I would imagine John the Baptist to be a rugged and tough individual (someone who lived in a desert, eating locust and honey).  But while he was locked up in prison, he had a very human moment.  What was it? Can you relate to it?
  3. What can you learn from the example set by John the Baptist?

Notes

  1. First, he was a very humble person; second, he was very clear about the purpose for which he was born; third, he knew what his role (an opening act but not the act) was and readily accepted it. 
  2. While being locked up, he had some doubts as to whether Jesus was the true Messiah that the Old Testament had prophesized.  He was a mere human after all.  So, if John experienced a period of uncertainty, we shouldn’t be surprised if others, perhaps even you, go through something similar.  But John didn’t linger in his doubt too long.   Christ’s firm response allayed his doubt.
  3. The Baptist seems like a guy who was at peace with himself, not needing to possess too many things (including a big following) to feel secure or significant.  He knew his role and accepted its limitations. He could have badmouthed Christ to get his people back (like what the Pharisees did), but he didn’t because his worth didn’t come from who or how many followed him; it came from knowing God.

Evening Reflection

How was your day?  What made today more significant and meaningful for you?  Did you experience anything similar to what John the Baptist did when his “competition” (Jesus) was gaining on him?  Pray. 

July 18, 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 December 21, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Be Good at Sharpening”

Proverbs 27:17

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Have you ever tried cutting something with a dull blade (i.e., vegetables, paper)?  If you have, you probably understand the frustration it can bring; and an unsharpened blade becomes useless and is eventually thrown away.  Just as only a sharpened blade is most effective, this proverb states that when it comes to relationships, it becomes most meaningful when we sharpen one another.  

This proverb is one of the best-known and often-quoted verses in the book.  The rubbing of iron against iron produces a sharp edge, so should the purpose of our friendships (relationships).  There is mutual benefit in the rubbing of two iron blades together; the edges become sharper, making the knives more efficient in their task to cut and slice. But what are we exactly sharpening one another for?  

In the context of the book of Proverbs, it probably means mutual instruction in areas of wisdom and godly living, which is the way to maturity. It points to the fact that sharpening one another involves being integrated into a community – specifically deep, Christ-centered relationships.    This verse also implies that our relationships in Christ should go beyond just the superficial; but rather they should strive to make each other godlier through encouragement and rebuke.  

Take some time and pray for your relationships that you currently have.  Ask the Lord that it would go beyond just fun, sports and hangouts, but that they would “sharpen one another” for Jesus.  

Prayer:  Jesus, thank you for the friendships that you have placed in my life.  May these relationships strive to sharpen each other towards greater godliness and wisdom.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 20

July 17, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 23, 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

Anger Issue Anyone? 

Proverbs 29:11 (NIV)

“A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.”

I have an anger issue.  I saw it growing up. My dad was generally a very calm person but when he blew up, he went a little crazy.  I have a similar issue; I have no excuse for it.  I know better but I find myself acting like the fool that Proverbs talks about.  Of course, my family gets this foolishness the most.  Pray for me.  I believe it has gotten better but probably the better person to ask is my wife.  Honestly, I don’t know if she would agree.  Pray for me. 

Prayer: Lord, forgive me.  Lord, give me grace.  I want to be a man who keeps himself under control for Your glory.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 18-19

July 16, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on December 12, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Give Us the Authority to be a Voice This World?”

Proverbs 22:11

“He who loves purity of heart, and whose speech is gracious, will have the king as his friend.”

When I was in seminary, a guest lecturer asked my class a simple question: “What gives us the authority to be a voice in this world?” A few tentative hands were raised with these answers: “The truth of Scripture”; “the Holy Spirit”; “the good works we do.”  But all these answers were shot down. The lecturer said, “Integrity. Integrity is what gives us authority to speak and expect people to listen. Without integrity, we lose our influence.”

We don’t have to look too closely to see how the Church is losing its influence in this world. With each rising scandal and controversy, our right to be heard in this world is becoming increasingly compromised. Yet, this is not the sole responsibility of celebrity pastors who find their failures being aired out in the public arena. 

Have you seen a car speed, swerve, and display general recklessness only to discover a Jesus Fish on its rear bumper? How about people who confess their faith to their co-workers only to go out drinking and going overboard? How many times have we compromised our morals and standards of holiness?

According to this Proverb, the authority to speak influentially in a way that is heard and makes an impact comes from the integrity of the internal with the external. It’s not about perfection, but when what is true in our hearts flows forth out of our lips as consistency, people listen.

We are called to be influencers for the kingdom of God wherever we go. It is our integrity that will allow us to fulfill this calling. Are there any areas of contradiction in your life that God is calling you to reconcile? Let us apply the grace of God that will transform us to be a people of integrity.

Prayer: Father, I need your grace. I know there are many areas that I make compromises in my life. Bring agreement between what I know is true and the way I live my life. Grow integrity in me that I may declare your kingdom in this world.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 17

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 6:39-42: He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does this text tell about living a life of integrity?
  2. Why is it important to be people of integrity in how we relate with those around us?
  3. According to this text, what kind of influence are we called to wield?

Notes

  1. It begins when we cast a critical eye on ourselves instead of others.
  2. Verse 42 tells us that our ability to help others comes when we deal with our own issues first.
  3. We are called to be people who help others without judgment while being honest with ourselves.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. What are some patterns of compromise that weakened your integrity? In what ways were there separation between your heart and your words. Pray and ask that God would bring reconciliation between your thoughts and your words so that integrity will rise and you will be one of influence as God has called you to be.

July 15, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 5, 20145  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Will I be Remembered”

1 Samuel 12:1-5

And Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have obeyed your voice in all that you have said to me and have made a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and gray; and behold, my sons are with you. I have walked before you from my youth until this day. 3 Here I am; testify against me before the Lord and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I taken a bribe to blind my eyes with it? Testify against me and I will restore it to you.” 4 They said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us or taken anything from any man’s hand.” 5 And he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and his anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they said, “He is witness.”

When I turned 30, I remember struggling with the concept of legacy, because I thought I had wasted most of my twenties and had accomplished little in my life.  By the word “legacy,” I’m referring to the idea of how you will be remembered and whether or not your life has made an impact.  As I thought of all the people that I knew who had gone on to become successful in business and other respected professions, for the first time, I seriously gave some reflection on what I was leaving behind as a pastor.    In hindsight, maybe I was overly self-critical because I was reading the biographies of people who had accomplished great things before their 30th birthday.  For example, John Calvin wrote The Institutes of the Christian Faith during his twenties.  Charles Spurgeon was leading the London Tabernacle, a church of ten thousand people, before the age of thirty.  But this self-reflection provided a healthy sense of urgency as well.  

Though we can’t measures ourselves against ‘outliers’ like Calvin or Spurgeon, it is still vitally important to use the years of our youth wisely.  The prophet Samuel reminds us of the importance of living a life of integrity from the outset of our youth and to not waste our time on frivolous things.  From the early years of his life, Samuel walked before the people of Israel with honesty, compassion, and a clear conscience.  And now as a gray-bearded prophet, this servant of God was able to use the authority that could only be conferred to someone who had been exonerated through a lifetime of character and conduct to both exhort and encourage the next generation.  In other words, Samuel’s ability to influence people did not just happen:  It was developed over a lifetime of faithfulness.

Most people don’t think about the type of legacy they will leave behind when they pass away.  Too often, we only give thought to our legacy in our fifties and sixties; but this makes little sense, because by the time you’re that old, there’s really not much you can do to improve your legacy.  You can certainly destroy your reputation at that age like many have done, but the older you get, the harder it is to leave a lasting imprint on those who will remember you.  Personally, I don’t really buy the fact that fifty years old is now the new thirty.  The time to think about living to leave a legacy is now.  

Prayer: Father, help us to number our days wisely.  Instead of wasting our time living for things that will not ultimately matter, give us a sense of urgency for the things that will last for eternity.  Remind us today of the importance of integrity and the character and conduct that is needed to truly influence the world around us.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today:  Joshua 16

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:15-21 (NIV): Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 

Questions to Consider

  1. Why is it important to make the best use of your time in the midst of an evil world?
  2. How can we ensure that we are living wisely and avoiding foolishness?
  3. Have you ever considered that activities like getting drunk are not just sinful but also a waste of time and opportunity?  

Notes

  1. The literal translation of verse 16 is that believers are commanded to “redeem’ the time.  We are to extract what is precious and pure from that which has become corrupted by the evils of our day.  The apostle Paul is mindful of the fact that the ability to live for God changes from season to season, and while we can, we must make the most of every opportunity 
  2. If we understand the will of God, we will keep ourselves from wasting our time on foolish and costly detours in life.  As 1 Thessalonians 5 reminds us, the will of God is to pray without ceasing, rejoice always, and to give thanks in all circumstance: This is a good starting point in discerning the will of God.    
  3. Sin impacts our lives in more ways than one.  Time wasted on sinful pursuits should also bring us to sorrow and repentance.    

Evening Reflection

How did you spend your time today, and how can you make better use of the time God has given you?  Reflect on the productive things that you accomplished and think of ways to minimize wasted opportunities.        

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