June 8, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 17, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Marrying an Unbeliever”

Malachi 2:10-2

“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11 Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the Lord, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob any descendantof the man who does this, who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!”

“Tom” and “Mary,” who met in a Christian college and committed to serving the Lord, were finally married.   But Tom’s father, an elder, didn’t show up for the wedding because Mary was of a different race.  Perhaps, the father believed that his stance was biblically rooted.  Preceding Malachi was Ezra who confessed, “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the peoples around us” (Ezra 10:2).  But this was a misguided zeal that only resulted in much heartache.    

Those who were inspired to write the books of the Old Testament didn’t always know the fullest extent of what they wrote: interracial marriage was one of them.   The Israelites, who saw themselves as a “holy race” (Ezra 9:2), were certainly forbidden to marry surrounding Canaanites, such as Moabites and Ammonites, who worshiped Chemosh and Molech, respectively; these gods demanded human sacrifices (2 Chr. 28:3).  Had the Israelites, especially as a small clan, married them, their distinctive identity would’ve been lost, which would compromise God’s plan to send His Son, “who as to his human nature was a descendant of David” (Rom. 1:3).  No Israel, then no David; no David, then no Christ. 

Would the Israelites who “married the daughter of a foreign god” have acted any differently if they were told of what God really had in mind?  Not likely, because those who aren’t faithful with a few things certainly don’t become faithful when bigger things are given.  Jesus said to the rich man in hell, “If [your brothers] do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (Lk. 16:31). 

Marriage is a big thing, but it is preceded by many smaller things.  How do feel about dating a non-Christian?  Obey this simple teaching: “Do not be yoked together with unbelievers” (2 Cor. 6:14).  For some, this may be too late, but as Ezra said, “In spite of this, there is still hope for Israel” (Ez. 10:2b).  You still have hope, for God’s word says, “If any of [your husbands] do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives” (1 Pet. 3:1).   Pray for your spouse and be nice; sometimes, “nice” speaks louder than correct theology.   

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise you for your great plan for me and for the nations.  Ultimately, we are your bride whom Christ loves and gave himself up for us 2,000 years ago.  Like in any marriage, Lord, remind me to be faithful to you and honor the covenant. Let me not wander off by chasing other lovers.  I love you, God, for who would do for me what you did through your Son Christ.  Thank you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 22

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 King 11:1-3: “‘King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women besides Pharaoh’s daughter—Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians and Hittites. 2 They were from nations about which the Lord had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, because they will surely turn your hearts after their gods.’ Nevertheless, Solomon held fast to them in love. 3 He had seven hundred wives of royal birth and three hundred concubines, and his wives led him astray.”

Acts 5:1-5, 7-10: “Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’ 5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. . . . 7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.’ 9 Peter said to her, ‘How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.’ 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. . . .”

Questions to Consider

  1. Solomon was known as the wisest person in the world but he fell spectacularly.  What led him to his downfall and what lesson can you draw from this? 
  2. With respect to marriage, what may be the most important lesson learned from what happened to the marriage of Ananias and Sapphira?
  3. What are some general lessons about life gleaned from the lives of these three people?

Notes

  1. Wisdom doesn’t make us an automaton that is programmed to always do wise things. The wisdom received from the Lord must guide our free will so we choose that which pleases the Lord.  But once you marry someone who has no regard for that wisdom nor its giver, then that person whom you love becomes a formidable competition to wisdom itself.  Little by little, free will is going to be influenced more by the competition than the wisdom from God.  
  2. It clearly shows that marrying the wrong person can ruin your life.  Sapphira ended up paying dearly for having married a man who didn’t think anything of lying to God.  Thus, a meaningful courtship of appropriate length is necessary to discover about the person before deciding to marry him or her. 
  3. One: Avoid greed.  Solomon was greedy for more women; Ananias and Sapphira were greedy for money.  Two: Learn to be content with what you have.  Three: Keep the promise made to God; don’t act like you have obeyed Him when you haven’t.

Evening Reflection

If you are married, then before turning in, say a prayer on behalf of your spouse. If you would like to be married, then pray to the Lord about your future mate.   Wait on the Lord.   Enjoy his presence, now.

June 7, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 14, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Deadly Toleration”

Malachi 2:6-9 (ESV)

“True instructionwas in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. 7 For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 But you have turned aside from the way.  You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the Lord of hosts, 9 and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction.” 

The day before my departure from Vietnam back to the States, the news of Asiana Airlines crash at the San Francisco airport inundated the internet.   The smooth 12-hour flight was all over in 10 seconds when the plane crashed into a seawall, resulting in three fatalities and over 160 injured. While the exact cause is still inconclusive, the safety board found that the pilot’s inexperience and unfamiliarity with the aircraft contributed to his lapse over speed-control system. 

This tragedy again demonstrates the critical nature of leadership, which also concerned Malachi, who prophesied about 100 years after the Jews had returned from Persia where there were exiled for a long time.  The returnees, after building the new temple, had hoped to restore the monarchy but that never materialized.  With a vacuum of political leadership, the role of priests became weightier.  

Besides regulating the sacrifices, they also instructed people with God’s word, except in this case, they willfully didn’t.  The priests tolerated, maybe even tacitly encouraged, the offering of inferior animals to God.  Was this their way of ingratiating themselves with the people, by helping them save “money,” so that they would be liked?  They also showed partiality in their teaching, perhaps implying that while the rich were treated with deference, the poor were held in contempt (James 2:1-6).  While the priests might have gained popularity with some people, their leadership and teaching caused many to stumble in their faith.  So, what does the pilot error and wayward priests have in common?  Leadership matters and bad leadership can inflict great damage.  

Do you hold any kind of leadership position at work or at church?  If you are a parent, you are already a leader at home.   How should you lead?  Paul said this: “If a man’s gift . . . is leadership, let him govern diligently” (Rom. 12:8).  So, work hard; don’t cut corners; say “No” to easy money; love and empower those entrusted to you instead of manipulating or lording it over them.  And “fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith . . . so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:2) in your leadership.  Follow the Leader even as we lead. 

Prayer: My King and Lord, I will sing of your love and justice this morning.  You are my leader, my Great Shepherd, and the head of the church.   It is a great honor to represent you so that the unbelieving world will have an opportunity to see how awesome and marvelous you really are.  Lord, use me in such a way that people around me will know and believe in your Son. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today:Ezekiel 21

Lunch Break Study

Read John 13:14-5: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.

1 Peter 5:2-3: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; 3 not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.”

1 Cor. 13:4-6: “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

James 3:1 (ESV): “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.”

Questions to Consider

  1. If we are in leadership of any capacity, how should we lead?
  2. Why should we approach leadership with utmost care and caution?
  3. Today is Valentine’s Day in which love is emphasized.  How is the kind of love promoted on this day different from the kind of love a leader should have for his (her) people?

Notes

  1. First, we should lead by example; we should lead willingly; we should lead eagerly.  We shouldn’t lead merely with words; we shouldn’t lead by threats and coercion; we shouldn’t lead for personal profit.
  2. Because bad leaders can cause people to go astray, God will judge them more strictly.  It’s better not to lead than to lead with bad intentions or inaccurate teachings that cause people to stumble.  Whether it is teaching Sunday school or leading a small group, we should do it diligently so that people are led toward the right direction.  If we are being slothful, then God won’t be pleased. 
  3. Whereas the love accentuated on this day is romantic, feeling love, the love that Paul wrote about is action-love.  A leader should lead with love: being patient and kind toward those who are under him and not being rude or irritable toward them.

Evening Reflection

Most people hold some type of leadership position.  A Sunday school teacher who teaches a group of toddlers certainly is a leader.  In light of that, did you encounter a situation today in which you taught someone, explained something, or demonstrated through examples?  Did anyone see Christ in you today while you were doing that?   Briefly reflect on how the day went today.  Pray.   

June 6, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 19, 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

Proverbs 19:11, 18 (NIV)

“A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense . . . Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death.”

Are you an impatient person?  Patience and wisdom are tied together here.  We get into a lot of unnecessary heartaches because we are not patient with our words and our decisions.  We don’t like waiting; we like our opinions heard and heard now.  Be patient with someone today.  Spend time asking for the wisdom to wait patiently. 

Are you a parent? How are you at disciplining your children?  You and I need much wisdom in this area.  Pray for your kids tonight. Write out a prayer for each child.  Ask God for insight in this area of disciplining your child.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 20

Prayer:  Lord, teach me to patiently overlook an offense. Lord, help me to discipline my child (children) with love and wisdom.   Amen. 

June 5, Saturday

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 7, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Are You Worried?”

Matthew 6:25-33

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? [26] Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [28] And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, [29] yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. [30] But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

“Worry is not believing God will get it right” – Tim Keller

When my oldest daughter was younger, she would have this fear around Christmas time that she would not get any presents.  Her greatest worry was that she was not “good enough,” and because of her naughty behavior throughout the year, there would be no presents for her.  Seems kind of silly, but as followers of Christ, I do not think we are much different when it comes to worry and anxiety.  

Worry can be one of the greatest hindrances when it comes to our faith in Christ. The root of our anxieties is this: “How much do we trust in who God says He is?”  Life’s pressures invite us to worry incessantly about tomorrow. Yet Christ says divine providence makes this anxiety foolish. Birds do not worry; they sing, and still they find food each day without sowing or reaping. We, as God’s children, have more worth than they, and can be all the more confident that He will provide for us as well. “The lilies of the field” neither toil nor spin. Their life and worth is so limited that they are fuel for our fires, yet their glory is far greater than Solomon’s glory. Since the Father provides for these, He also will provide for us, His children. Far from compounding our anxiety, making God’s kingdom the center of our lives frees us from anxiety. If we seek this kingdom first, He will meet all our needs (v. 33). We need not worry about tomorrow, for God always takes care of His own.

What area of your life is God asking you not to worry about?  Make a commitment to set your heart on His kingdom and righteousness, and trust that He would provide for your needs in His time.  Amen.  

Prayer: Dear God, remind me to fix my eyes on You and trust You wholeheartedly.  Fill me with Your Spirit in order that I may live by God’s power.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 18-19

June 4, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 13, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Such Magnanimous and Unmerited Grace”  

Malachi 2:4-6 (ESV) 

“So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts. 5 My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. 6 True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity.”

Bill McCartney was the coach of the University of Colorado football team that won the national championship in 1990.  That same year, he founded the Promise Keepers, a national men’s ministry focusing on building strong marriages and families through biblical values.  But, ironically, his family was in shambles much of the time while he was coaching:  his only daughter gave birth to two out-of-wedlock babies and his wife drifted into depression as her husband was constantly on the road.  

Levi, the third son of Jacob, was like McCartney in the sense that nothing he did in life suggested that  God was going to make a covenant with him full of great promises.  While the covenant with Levi was one of life and peace, he, along with his brother Simeon, were men of neither peace nor life.  Once, they killed all the men in Shechem in revenge because one of them had violated their sister (Gn. 34:25).  Still haunted by this event that had occurred several decades ago, their father, in his deathbed, said, “Simeon and Levi . . .  their swords are weapons of violence. . . . Cursed be their anger, so fierce, and their fury, so cruel! . . . I will . . . disperse them in Israel” (Gn. 49:7).  

So, why does God choose people like McCartney and Levi to proclaim a message that they themselves didn’t live out?   In short, such magnanimous and unmerited grace  bestowed on the undeserved and unworthy gives us hope—that we are never counted out by God.  His specialty is choosing unlikely people, and then changing them so that they are fit for his work.   In speaking of Old Testament judges like Gideon, Barak, and Samson whom God used, the Hebrews writer wrote, “Whose weakness was turned to strength and . . .  became powerful in battle” (Heb. 11:34).   Realizing the irony of how God was using him, McCartney admitted, “It’s absurd that I’m the one.  I’ve made so many mistakes.”  But God changed him and he can change you as well.  

Are you feeling the blues these days because of what’s going on at work or family?  Turn to God, now.  Have hope!  This, too, will pass but stay close to the Lord; walk with him in peace and uprightness.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, I recognize you as my Lord and King.  You are such an awesome and mighty God who can take those who are weak and turn them into mighty women and men of God.  In our desperate attempts to change ourselves, we look for all the experts before we look to you.  How foolish and dishonoring!  Lord, I turn to you this morning to change me; my heart and my character.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 17

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 1:27-9 (ESV): “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; 28 God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

James 1:2-4: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Jer. 9:23-4: Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.  For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What gives hope to people who desperately need it?  Explain it in terms of 1 Cor. 1:27-9.
  2. While there is more than one way to change us, the trials in life are probably the most effective way.  How do trials help us to change and grow as a person and a believer? 
  3. We read that God chooses the foolish and the weak to shame the wise and strong, respectively.  Now, let’s assume that you are the wise and strong in the sense that you have more knowledge and your position is higher than others.   Does that mean God cannot use you?  If he does, what kind of a heart do you need to embody?

Notes

  1. Not only do people need to know that God can change lives, they also need to see real examples of unlikely people whom God used after changing them (or keep on changing them).  1 Cor. 1:27-9 spells out clearly God’s preference so that no man can boast of what he has done.  This isn’t about God’s ego trip but to make sure that people place their hope in the One who can actually help them.
  2. Trials make us feel helpless, weak, and not in control.  They can either break us or make us if we turn to God.  If we tend to be prideful about ourselves, then trials can humble us; if we tend to rely on ourselves, then trials can help us to depend God; if we are control-freaks, then trials can remind us that not many things are under our control.
  3. When Paul says “weak” or “foolish,” it can refer to literally weak or foolish people (e.g., not so educated), or someone who, despite being wise and strong, has a tender heart toward God. Such a person will not boast in his wisdom, might or riches; he will, instead, want the world to know how great and awesome God is.   

Evening Reflection

What is an area in your life that needs a change?  Did something happen today that reminded you of this? Turn to God this evening and ask him to really change you.  

June 3, Thursday

REPOST Today’s Devotional, first posted on April 23, 2015, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato who, along with his wife Jessica and three young children, serves in Japan as an AMI missionary.  Please pray for them as they are getting to ready to plant a new church (English speaking).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Integrity” 

2 Samuel 3:26-29 (ESV) 

When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it. [27] And when Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside into the midst of the gate to speak with him privately, and there he struck him in the stomach, so that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. [28] Afterward, when David heard of it, he said, “I and my kingdom are forever guiltless before the LORD for the blood of Abner the son of Ner. [29] May it fall upon the head of Joab and upon all his father’s house, and may the house of Joab never be without one who has a discharge or who is leprous or who holds a spindle or who falls by the sword or who lacks bread!”

During a mission trip, I met a young man who had traveled to Southeast Asia to do humanitarian work.  While he was doing some good, he cut corners, made some immoral decisions, and had a poor working relationship with the local government.  Perhaps, he felt like the ends justified the means.  

At times, we all feel like we have to take matters into our own hands.  But when things are up to us and God is not part of the equation, we can find ourselves in a morally questionable position.

In our passage this morning, David is still waiting to take his rightful place as king of Israel.  While David is concerned about his integrity before God, those around him are busy trying to control the unfolding of events.

Abner is the military commander of Ish-bosheth, David’s rival.  He had been taking advantage of the conflict between David and Ish-bosheth and was accumulating power.  When challenged by Ish-bosheth, Abner switches allegiances and supports David.  Motivated by a desire for power and position, Abner gives little thought to the honor of God even when he does the right thing and supports God’s chosen king.

Joab, David’s military commander, is motivated by a more noble cause.  His desire is to avenge the death of his brother Asahel.  Joab feels the need to personally ensure that “justice” is done, and he is willing to commit murder in order to do so.  Neither Abner nor Joab is concerned about holiness.  Sin is justified as long as it serves a “greater purpose.”

As the rightful king, David has the most at stake in how the events unfold.  He must have had many opportunities to involve himself in intrigue and strategies, but instead, contented himself with waiting on the Lord.  This trust in God freed David to focus entirely on honoring and obeying Him.  David knew that when he became king, he wanted to do so with a clear conscience.

While we are wise to plan ahead and to consider the larger goals of our lives, we cannot afford to minimize the importance of honoring the Lord, especially when things appear to be out of control.  Let us, therefore, strive to be people of integrity. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to honor You today!  My mind so easily dwells on the career I’m establishing or the goals I have for my life.  Don’t let me neglect faithfulness to the people and to the tasks that You have set before me today.  Help me not to give in to fear or a need for control.  May my actions, words, and thoughts be pleasing to You.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 16

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-10 (ESV): Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. [9] They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. [10] And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

Question to Consider

  1. When the apostle Paul lists the qualifications for a deacon, which qualities refer to character?
  2. Verse 9 refers to having a clear conscience.  How does integrity relate to having a clear conscience?
  3. According to verse 10, what is the true test of character?

Notes

  1. All of them.  Above all else, a deacon is to have integrity in word and deed.
  2. Someone whose words and actions are consistent has nothing to hide.  Thus a Christian leader does not have to be perfect, but they do have to be honest about their faults and consistent in living out their convictions.
  3. Time is the true test. One’s character will inevitably be revealed over the course of time.

Evening Reflection

Take a moment to reflect upon your day.  Was holiness before God a conscious priority?  Were you ever tempted to think that “the ends justify the means”?  Ask the Lord to purify your heart that you might walk in integrity before Him.

June 2, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on April 14, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Your Thought Life”

1 Samuel 27:1 (ESV)

Then David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand.” 

The older I get, the more I realize how strong the link between our thoughts and our circumstances is. It’s not an exaggeration to say that for many people their problems stem from the way they think. 

Today we come to a very sad passage, beginning in David’s heart as he thinks to himself –disclosing to no one—“Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will despair of seeking me any longer within the borders of Israel, and I shall escape out of his hand” (v.1). Through his own thoughts and with his own words, we find David shaping his immediate future. 

King Saul continues to give chase, seeking to kill him. David, discouraged and tired, chose to believe that Saul’s persistence was greater than God’s promise. Whereas he trusted God to provide and guide him in the past, David was eager to pave his own way by leaving Israel and by living among the idol worshipping Philistines.

This is not an account of an incredible act of betrayal, but an example of what happens when we allow our thoughts to get the best of us. Saul could have never forced David to join the Philistines, nor could David have ever imagined joining them when he killed the giant Goliath. But because he began to give heed to his own doubting voice, he found himself, along with six hundred loyal men, leaving the Promised Land, His God and His people to live with the ungodly. 

Our thoughts have tremendous power to shape our actions, our circumstances, and even our whole destiny. A negative mind produces negative words, and consequently a negative life. In that sense, our minds can actually become traps that cause us to continue our cycle of negative thoughts and actions. With enough repetitions we will have our personalities formed and defined by our negativity and cynicism. 

It’s not that we don’t encounter genuine disappointments in life, but we must continue to remember God is with us and is for us. He has a plan to prosper us and make us succeed. Because the Holy Spirit lives in the believers, we can overcome and find joy even in the midst of our trials. Let us be led by the Spirit of Jesus who lives in us, and let us speak words of life and affirmation to others as well as to ourselves. 

Bible Reading for Today:Ezekiel 15

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:8-9: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Questions to Consider 

  1. What are we to dwell and meditate on according to this passage? 
  2. Paul is instructing the young church in Philippi to remember his way of life, and to practice them. From what you know of Paul, what is something you can emulate Paul on today? 
  3. Consider the most beautiful thought you have about your relationship with God and dwell on that. 

Notes 

  1. Anything that is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things
  2. Among many things, Paul was grateful for the Philippian’s’ generosity. Consider to whom you should be grateful for. 
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

“Our heavenly Father understands our disappointment, suffering, pain, fear, and doubt. He is always there to encourage our hearts and help us understand that He’s sufficient for all of our needs. When I accepted this as an absolute truth in my life, I found that my worrying stopped.” – Charles Stanley 

June 1, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on February 12, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Malachi 2:2-3 (ESV)

“If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings.  Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. 3 Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.  So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the Lord of hosts.”

What devotional thought can come from, “Spread dung on your faces?”  

What a way to start the morning!

Remember what Peter did immediately after his reinstatement after denying Jesus three times?

Curious about John’s fate, he asked, “Lord, what about him?”  Not too pleased, “Jesus answered, ‘If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?’”  Totally misreading this, Peter began to spread a “rumor . . . that this disciple would not die” (Jn. 21:20-3).  What Peter mistook for a factual statement was a hyperbolic expression that aimed to capture the intense emotion through exaggeration.  It’s like saying, “I’m so hungry I am going to die.”  

“Spread dung on your faces” certainly is a hyperbole, but what does that expression represent?  Is it God’s intense indignation against Israel for her contempt for God?  That’s part of it, but this hyperbole goes beyond merely expressing his anger; God actually “already cursed them.”  Called the curse of the Law, Deuteronomy 28:15-68 begins with, “If you do not obey the LORD your God . . . all these curses will come upon you. . . .”

So where is the good news in this?  Though, as violators of God’s Law, we deserve to be cursed, we need not worry because “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Gal. 3:13).  The next time you read about the Roman soldiers spitting on Christ (Matt. 27:30), consider this phrase “spread dung on your faces” as a hyperbole of that.   

But then no hyperbole exists that can exaggerate what happened on the Cross where Jesus allowed himself to be cursed.  Why?  “So that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Jesus Christ” (Gal. 3:14).  What blessing?  “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3).  In Christ, we are no longer cursed but blessed because we have become righteous (as if we’ve never sinned).  What grace and privilege!  What a way to start the morning!

Today, if you sense that your friend isn’t really walking with the Lord, or that a co-worker doesn’t know the Lord, begin to pray for her so that the “curse” can be lifted up in Christ.   

Prayer: Father, I say the word “Holy,” without really feeling it because I am so used to things that are unholy in my life: my entertainment, my habits and my desires.  While I may not fully understand your holiness, I know that you are holier than what I can ever imagine.  Therefore, Lord, it must be so hard to deal with our unholiness.  Forgive us!  Don’t reject us.  Thank you that in Christ, we have been accepted.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 14

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Cor. 5:21: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the  righteousness of God.”

1 Pet. 2:24a (ESV): “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. . . .”

Rom. 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the ultimate consequence of God’s curses placed on those who break His Law?
  2. How is Christ able to lift the curse from those who have been cursed?
  3. What is the final result of having the curse lifted from us?

Notes

  1. Paul states that the wages of sin is death, which refers to spiritual death—a state of being eternally separated from God.   That cannot be annulled in the court of the law (both human and heavenly) but must be paid by the perpetrator or his qualified substitute. 
  2. Christ, who had no sin, therefore was under no curse, assumed our sin, and then paid for its penalty by bearing it in his body on the Cross. It’s like the co-signer of a loan who pays for it because the one who actually borrowed it declared bankruptcy.  
  3. As a result, we have become the righteousness of God (i.e., obtaining absolute holiness, as if we have never sinned); now we can live to righteousness [i.e., enabled, through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in us, to do the things that please God (Rom. 8:9)]; and have eternal life (i.e., among other things, absence of sin and death). 

Evening Reflection

Let’s assume that you didn’t have a good day; things just didn’t go your way today.  Now, reflect on why this day can still be good and wonderful.   Turn your eyes on Jesus and look upon his lovely face. 

May 31, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, was first posted on June 1, 2015.  A graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA), Yohan served as a staff at several AMI churches in the past. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t Trivialize God’s Blessing in Your Life”

2 Sam 22:31-37

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. 32 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? 33 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. 34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 35 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 36 You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.

37 You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.

For all intents and purposes, I consider myself a Philadelphian.  One of the unique traits of Philly folks is that not only do we not mind being booed, we actually thrive on it.  Now when you combine this trait with my Asian cultural upbringing of deferring compliments, you get a pretty quirky personality trait.  Not only am I uncomfortable with compliments, I enjoy being criticized; and if no one is there to criticize me, I’ll put myself down.  For example, the other day I fixed something in our house.  My wife said to me something to the effect, “You did a really nice job fixing that. Thank you for doing it.”  I responded with, “Well, it took me three tries, three hours, and $50, all of which I could have saved if I wasn’t so dumb to break it to begin with.”  

I used to think that self-deprecation was a noble trait as it seems like a variant of humility, but I have come to realize that humility entails understanding what God is doing in you, and acknowledging Him for that—simply put, giving credit where credit is due, namely to God.  Think about David’s life: We are introduced to the youngest son of Jesse as a shepherd who also serves as the family’s delivery boy.  We watch this teenager kill a giant; then as a young man, he leads armies, and ascends to the throne.  If anyone had a reason to become proud, it was he.  However, instead of trivializing his accomplishments, David acknowledges that it was the Lord who “arms [him] with strength, causes [him] to stand on the heights, and trains [his] hands for battle.”  

My guess is that there are many of you reading today’s devotional who have accomplished well for yourselves and your families.  In light of all this, I hope that you have a proper perspective of your life, not trivializing the ways that God has blessed you and worked through you.  But I also hope that you do not fall into the trap of believing that it was all your hard work and talents that got you to where you are.  Let’s acknowledge as David did: “You make your saving help my shield; your help has made me great.  You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way.”

Prayer: Lord, help me to see and acknowledge what you are doing in my life, and how you are using me.  Help me to be sober-minded and humble, and also to be bold to know that there will be times when You want to use me.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 13

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11: The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. 8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

Questions to Consider

  1. What do you think Peter means when he says “love covers over a multitude of sins”?
  2. How are stewarded gifts a demonstration of God’s grace (v. 10)?
  3. What gifts are specified in this passage?  And are any of these gifts you should develop for your personal ministry?

Notes

  1. In this context, it would seem that the attribute of love that covers over a multitude of sins is forgiveness.  In other words, by forgiving we can “cover” wrongs done to us and vice versa.  
  2. When gifts such as hospitality and service are administered, we see and feel God’s love and grace demonstrated through his church.  Anyone who has ever been in need of help can attest to this.  
  3. Hospitality, speaking (probably teaching or prophesy), and serving are specifically mentioned here, but all of your God given gifts should be used to build up the church.  

Evening Reflection

Did you serve anyone today in the grace of the Lord, through his power?  Did you acknowledge or feel the Lord’s power on you?  Even in your job, did you thank the Lord because it is He who enables you to work and gain wealth (Deut. 8:17-18).  Take time to thank Him for your life.  

May 30, Sunday

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 17, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Our Response to Jesus”

Luke 5:27-32

After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, “Follow me.” 28 And leaving everything, he rose and followed him. 29 And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

I would like share two thoughts from this passage.

First, not everyone immediately responded to Jesus’ call, but when they did, they responded immediately—no time was wasted.  It seems to me that when God calls, we can take our time (mostly while procrastinating) or immediately reply.  What will be your response to God today?   “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:1).

Second, who doesn’t know that it is not the healthy who needs a doctor but the sick (v. 31)?  Nevertheless, because the religious leaders of Jesus’ days, believing their own press release, saw themselves as righteous in their own eyes, they did not see their need for healing.  It seems like Jesus healed more people physically than spiritual.  Was it because humans are more acutely aware of their physical maladies than their impoverished spiritual condition?   Could it be that Levi was aware of his spiritual brokenness since his work of collecting taxes involved dishonesty and serving the interest of the Romans?  

May our sins awaken us to the true reality of our spiritual condition so that we may cry out to Jesus the Savior.  

Prayer: Jesus, help me to cry out to you; Lord, help me to respond to your call immediately.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Ezekiel 12