July 26, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on May 26, 2015.  Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Hard Is It for You to Accept Correction?”

2 Samuel 19: 7-8

“Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.”So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. Meanwhile, the Israelites had fled to their homes.

Even though David was a man after God’s own heart, he was not immune to moments of weakness. After hearing that Absalom, his son who had betrayed him, was killed by the army, David began to mourn in a way that made all his people uncomfortable. Joab, David’s commander of the army, rebuked him sharply for an inappropriate display of grief. Though Joab’s tirade was extremely harsh, David’s meek response showed that he was humble enough to accept correction.

When I began a new job last summer, I had only 10% of the skills and knowledge to complete my tasks each day. In addition, I didn’t know anyone’s name, where to get lunch, or even where the restroom was – needless to say, I made quite a few mistakes in my first few weeks on the job. However, because I was open to learning and began to ask others for feedback, I grew in my ability to do my work and to take on more difficult tasks.

Unfortunately, even though I know that my relationship with God is a journey of continuous learning, I must admit that I do not similarly invite correction and teaching. In fact, I try to present myself as not needing anybody’s rebuke! But Scripture is full of the reminder that the wise man not only responds to rebuke but is thankful for it (Psalm 94:12-13, Psalm 141:5, Proverbs 9:8, for some examples). It seems that by avoiding correction, I only relegate myself to foolishness.

Do you invite correction into your life, and do you gladly accept the words that others offer? It can be very difficult to accept rebuke, and certainly very few people are keen on being criticized or told that we are wrong. Our pride will certainly blind us to our own faults and keep us from respecting the opinions and words of others.  

It is not easy to cultivate a humble heart, but God is the one who can transform us. I urge us to pray for three things: (1) vulnerability to let others into our lives, (2) recognition of someone whose guidance and correction we can accept, and (3) the humility to accept correction when it is delivered. I am sure that as God changes our hearts, we will find ourselves open to correction and reacting with grace and wisdom just as David did.

Prayer: Father, You know that I can be too prideful to let others into my life. Give me eyes to see that You have placed me in a community so that I can be correctly taught. Give the people around me wisdom and love to speak into my life, and give me humility to learn their well-intentioned corrections. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 5

Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Corinthians 12: 4-7, 14-26: Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. . . . 14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many. 15 If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? 18 But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. 19 If all were a single member, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts,yet one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, 24 which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, 25 that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. 26 If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does Paul say about the distribution of gifts?
  2. What does Paul say about the body having many parts?
  3. What is the significance of sandwiching the passage about “many parts” within this passage of spiritual gifts? How can this be practically applied in our lives? 

Notes

  1. One, gifts are distributed individually, meaning that each believer is important and has individual work to do for the Lord. Second, distribution comes from the Spirit- therefore, no one can boast of any gift or any work, because it has all been distributed out of the grace of God. 
  2. As a body, each part is significant and needed. Although others may be completely different in skill or gifting, they should not be rejected as a result of their differences. As God is triune but one, so the church should be of many parts but wholly united. 
  3. We are called to honor all others in the body; this respect and love will guide our ability to work in harmony and also accept one another’s gifts. We must ourselves also discern what our spiritual gifts are as our contribution to the body of Christ.  

Evening Reflection

Did you discover anything new about yourself that you weren’t aware of before?  How did you respond to someone who criticized you today?  How did you handle a situation in which you didn’t really know what you were doing?  How did you react when someone shared a nasty gossip about a mutual friend?  How can your faith in God be relevant in such situations?  Ask the Lord for wisdom and boldness to live the life of faith in where you work, study and live.

July 25, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on December 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Day When My Heart Aligned with My Father’s Heart”

Proverbs 23:15-16

“My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. My inmost being will exult when your lips speak what is right.”

My relationship with my father has been distant for much of my life. I’ve never fully doubted his love, but his long hours at work and the language barrier created obstacles to our closeness. To be honest, though, much of the distance has been my fault. I looked at more of our differences, as well as believing the lie that he would never approve of my accomplishments, which exasperated the separation.

There was one event in my early twenties that became the catalyst for change. I don’t remember how we began, but we started to talk about church and God, as well as what it means to live for Him. As I began to share my thoughts and what I had been learning about faith, he seemed both satisfied and relieved. At one point, he said, “You’re right.” This was an affirmation with no sense of patronization. 

His approval and pleasure came when the words I spoke aligned with the wisdom he spent years raising me to live it out. As he saw that my worldview and faith reflected the biblical truths he held onto, there was a realization that he may have just raised his son correctly. I believe that this is the fruit of parenting. At the end of the day, a child of godly wisdom is a delight to his/her parents. I also believe that when we look at this proverb, the desire of God for us is revealed.

The proverb mentions a heart that is wise. God’s desire for us isn’t wisdom that comes from objective, distant truths that we recite and follow. Rather, if wisdom is a matter of the heart, then we become wise when our hearts reflect the heart of God. In intimacy and understanding our Father, our heart begins to treasure the things on God’s heart. Our values and priorities change, and our worldview changes because of this. Then our decisions align to this wisdom that reflects God’s heart. 

This is what delights God: It’s when we don’t squander the lives He has given us, and when we steward it with wisdom. This Sunday, as we worship the Lord, search honestly in our hearts: Are you making wise living a matter of do’s and don’ts, or are you seeking to treasure what God’s heart treasures? If we want to bring gladness to God, let us begin by aligning our hearts to the heart of the Father. 

Prayer: Dear God, strengthen me with Your truth and through the Holy Spirit, in order that my heart continues to align with Yours.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 4

July 24, Saturday

UPDATEDToday’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 30, 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

“True Contentment”

Proverbs 30:8, 9 (NIV)

“Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the Lord?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

I love this message! I pray this regularly. I pray that you will be satisfied in Jesus so that it does not really matter how much or little you possess.  The apostle put it best when he declared, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (Phi. 4:11-12).  This world tries to tempt us away from our pure devotion to Christ.  I pray that you will be rich in Christ.  Abide in him.

Prayer: Dear God, give us our daily bread. Give us Jesus. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 2-3

July 23, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on August 18, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Giving and Receiving”

Matthew 10:8; Acts 20:35

“Freely you have received, freely give”; “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

In 2003, when my sister-in-law gave us a 1995 Camry, we were thrilled since we were still driving our 1989 Accord while living in Mexico. But since our old car was still running well, we gave it to a Mexican pastor who lived in another city, an acquaintance of a fellow missionary who told us about his need.  Several years later, this pastor and others were at my house for a meeting.  As we spoke, he told me with a beaming smile how he made a handsome profit by selling my old car to someone desperate enough to buy a 20+ year old car! Perhaps, he either forgot or decided to ignore what Jesus taught:  “Freely you have received, freely give.”  While this man didn’t sin by opting to do this, he certainly wasn’t blessed by selling that which he received freely.  

Of course, we should not do good with the hope of getting more in return.  Rather, we do good, among other reasons, to bring glory to God, particularly in a world hostile to Him.   Apostle Peter, living in such a world, wrote, “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” (1 Pet. 2:12).  Nevertheless, we should neither ignore what Christ said about how giving affects the extent of God’s blessings: “Give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Lk. 6:38).   

One day, while I was teaching in Mexico, the stand that held by my laptop fell over and totally destroyed my computer.   Later, a man from that church, who heard about the accident, gifted me with a brand new laptop.  God was being very generous with me!  And having realized how much God had blessed me through other people’s generosity, naturally, as we were leaving Mexico to move to the states, we gave away the Camry and the tent-trailer, which was so useful to me.   I sure hope those who received them for free didn’t sell them; for their own good.  Folks, let’s be generous!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we once again recognize the magnitude of your generosity towards us in every sphere of our lives.  Thank You for giving us so many things that we don’t deserve.  Remind us and empower us always to be generous so that others may be blessed as we have been.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Nehemiah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Luke 12:11-21: And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.” Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” 14 But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” 15 And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Why did Jesus tell this parable in the first place?
  2. What caused the rich man in this passage to be greedy instead of being generous?
  3. How is your generosity?  What is keeping you from freely giving what you have freely received?

Notes

  1. Jesus was talking about something very serious (being persecuted for faith), but the only thing on the mind of this person in the crowd was getting his share of the family inheritance.  His sole interest was, somehow, using Christ’s power and authority to make sure he got his share of the pie.
  2. The reason for this man’s wealth, according to Jesus, was the fertile land that produced an abundant crop.  God was directly responsible for his prosperity, which meant that it wasn’t his to keep, at least, not entirely.  But this man planned to keep it all to himself.  
  3. Our default position is always wanting more, and on top of that, we are always insecure about our future.  A toxic mixture of those and other sin-related factors causes us to be ungrateful and be narcissistic misers. Knowing our weakness, we need to intentionally plan to be generous.  

Evening Reflection

As you look back, did you have an opportunity to be generous today with your money, time, or even talent?  How did you fare?  Instead of focusing on our failure, look to God who loves us unconditionally. 

July 22, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by a former AMI church staff, was first posted on July 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What God Truly Cares About the Most”

Jonah 4:6-9

Now the Lord God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the plant. 7 But when dawn came up the next day, God appointed a worm that attacked the plant, so that it withered. 8 When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might die and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 But God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the plant?” And he said, “Yes, I do well to be angry, angry enough to die.”

Is it sufficient for us to only do the right things for God, or does the Lord look for something beyond than that?  That’s the conflict we find in this morning’s text. 

We already know that God’s will for Jonah was to go to Nineveh and proclaim judgment against its habitants, and that God sent a great storm to hinder Jonah from running away. Once he was thrown into the sea, God appointed a great fish to swallow him in order to preserve him.

Based just on these prior events, we are left with a God who simply wanted Jonah to fulfill the function for which he was called to do.  However, the Lord’s desire for Jonah went much deeper than that.  First, we see that God, after appointing a plant to give Jonah shade, also appointed a worm to attack it.  Since the word “appoint” used in 1:17 is used in 4:6 as well, there may be a connecting motive between the two instances from God’s standpoint. 

So, what was God’s desire for Jonah? In short, God uses the plant and the worm to confront Jonah by revealing what is really in his heart.  In a matter of hours, Jonah went from gladness in response to the miraculous growth of the plant that benefitted him to bitter anger over its destruction. Evidently, Jonah’s disposition was solely based on what was pleasing to him, both psychologically (revenge against the hated Ninevites) and physically.  

However, God is not merely interested in using Jonah for his grand purpose; He is interested in Jonah himself, to help this conflicted man to be right before Him.  God could have given up on this disobedient prophet during the storm or even when he went to the outskirts of Nineveh to see it destroyed, but the Lord persistently pursued after Jonah.

As much as God cared for the great city of Nineveh, that the people there would not be destroyed by their sins, God cared for Jonah that he would not be destroyed by anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness.  Ninevites repented when they were confronted, but will Jonah? This text, then, poses us this question: “If God confronts us, then, how will we respond?”

Prayer: Father, search me and know me. If there is any grievous way in me, reveal it to me. Lead me in the way everlasting.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 24

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage for this morning’s devotion.

Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24 And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is significant in God’s use of the plant and worm?
  2. What led to Jonah’s state of anger and bitterness?
  3. In light of Jonah, what should be the attitude of our heart in accordance with the Psalm 139 passage?

Notes

  1. When we look at the use of the word “appoint” with the instance of the great fish, we can infer that God used these things (worm, plant) to ensure Jonah’s awareness that it was God who orchestrated everything, that it wasn’t circumstantial.
  2. Jonah felt that nothing was going his way: first, God spared Nineveh, who, in his mind, deserved the worst punishment from Him; second, what small comfort he received from the shade was taken away. 
  3. We are called to be humble before God, asking that He reveals our hidden thoughts. We are also called to hope and trust in Him so that we are led in accordance to His perfect will.

Evening Reflection

The true vulnerability before the Lord is difficult.  We have so many hidden motives. Yet, God is persistent in His desire to make us right before Him.  Let’s examine our hearts and ask the Lord to bring healing, hope, and repentance in all areas of our lives. 

July 21, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King who serves as associate pastor at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on July 8, 2015.  Cami is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“From Whom Am I Receiving Advice?”

1 Kings 13:11-19

Now there was a certain old prophet living in Bethel, whose sons came and told him all that the man of God had done there that day. They also told their father what he had said to the king. 12 Their father asked them, “Which way did he go?” And his sons showed him which road the man of God from Judah had taken. 13 So he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And when they had saddled the donkey for him, he mounted it 14 and rode after the man of God. He found him sitting under an oak tree and asked, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” “I am,” he replied. 15 So the prophet said to him, “Come home with me and eat.” 16 The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. 17 I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’”18 The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) 19 So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house.

George Washington once said, “Associate yourself with men of good quality, if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” I wonder if he learned this from the apostle Paul who warned the Corinthian church that, “bad company corrupts good character” (1 Corinthians 15:33). Most of us can think of times when we foolishly or ignorantly listened to bad advice and of the calamity that ensued thereafter. In these moments, we quickly learn to be more selective about those from whom we receive counsel. 

In our passage for today, the man of God (who, in his defense, had been doing a great job up to this point of following the Lord’s commands faithfully) takes some bad advice. A self-proclaimed prophet comes to him and lies, saying he’s received a word from the Lord that blatantly contradicted the word God had already spoken. The man of God listens and finds himself in trouble with God because of His disobedience. It may seem a bit like an unfair situation for the man of God. After all, how was he to know that the prophet was lying? It seems like an honest mistake. 

Oftentimes in life, it is hard to tell the good advice from the bad. But there are a few clues that can usually help. In our story for today, the second prophet is living in an idolatrous land (where the king had erected idols to be worship in lieu of God). Most commentators say that this points to a compromise in the lifestyle of the prophet – for he remained among an idolatrous people. Furthermore, God had not chosen to use this second prophet to deliver His message (the reason why the man of God came to the land in the first place). Lastly, the prophet’s words were in direct contradiction to what the Lord had already said. All of these things should have been red flags for the man of God. 

As we look at our own lives, we can learn much from this story. We must ask ourselves, “From whom am I receiving advice?” The character and life’s witness of a person deems him worthy to speak into our lives. We are always more likely to receive good advice from a person with life lived for God and a heart submitted to Him. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please give me discernment as I listen to the advice of those around me. In every decision I make, give me a heart that is humble enough to hear from those walking faithfully with You as well as the conviction to resist the guidance of those speaking in contradiction to Your word.  

Bible Reading for Today: Joshua 23

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1:1-3: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why do you think delighting in the law of the Lord helps us not to walk in the counsel of the wicked (or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of scoffers)? 
  2. Why do you think it’s important to meditate on the law of the Lord day and night? 


Notes

  1. If our delight is in the law of the Lord, we will not find enjoyment in doing things contrary to his commands. Part of becoming like Jesus is allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate in us a heart that actually enjoys doing the things of God. The more this happens, the more likely we are to resist bad counsel and sinful paths. 
  2. Even though our goal is to have a transformed heart and to delight in that which is good, we know from experience that this is not always the case. Therefore, it is all the more important to meditate on (read and re-read, learn and recite) the law of the Lord. When we are tempted to turn to the left or the right of the narrow path, the practice will help keep us on track. 

Evening Reflection

When you have to make a decision, how do you go about receiving advice? Are there people in your life through whom you can hear from the Lord? Have you been receiving advice from others that contradicts the Word of God? Oftentimes, we seek the advice of people whose lives model whatever it is we desire. If we desire the things of God, we are much more likely to receive godly advice from godly people. But if we desire the things of this world (money, power, success, etc.), we are much more likely to take the advice from people who’ve achieved those things. Ultimately, it is God (through his Holy Spirit and His word) who gives the best counsel. Spend some time with the Wonderful Counselor, asking Him to lead you in any upcoming decisions you have to make. 

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