April 28, Wednesday

Today’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on January 30, 2014, is provided by Pastor Ryun Chang.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Wrestling of a Different Kind”

Philem. 1:22

“Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings.”

Col. 4:12

“Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.”

Really talented people may not be particularly caring, while truly caring people may not be most gifted.  If you can invite only one person for an upcoming trip, who would you ask?  I guess it depends on the nature of the trip:  to close a deal, the talented one; a personal journey, the caring one.  Better yet would be a friend who embodies both characteristics, perhaps like Epaphras.

The Colossian Church was one congregation that Paul did not plant; in fact, Colossians had “not met [Paul] personally” (Col. 2:1).  The person who founded the church in this Asia Minor city was Epaphras from whom they “learned” the gospel (Col. 1:6-7).  Apparently, this man was quite talented, or at least very energetic, since Paul stated that Epaphras was “working hard . . . for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis” as well (Col. 4:13). 

On top of that, he deeply cared for the Colossian believers since he wrestled, that is, agonized (from the Gk. agōnizomai) in prayer from them.  Just how much did he care for them?   Enough to travel over 900 miles from Colosse to Rome (and then back) to get some answers from his mentor Paul for troubling doctrinal matters (Col. 2:16-23) that threatened his congregations.  That’s dedication and a lot of care.

During the course of our faith journey, everyone gets discouraged from time to time.  So, be an Epaphras: a caring person who agonizes in prayer for the discouraged and is willing to pay them a visit.    And when someone is questioning his faith because of doubts, whether theological or intellectual, may you be like Epaphras, who “researched” hard to find apt answers so that the doubter may be “mature and fully assured” in their walk. 

And when you are the one going through a difficult period, may an Epaphras be sent to you, to pray for and instruct you, so that you “may stand firm in all the will of God.”  May you be loving enough to give and humble enough to receive. 

Prayer: Father, I confess that I have been selfish and uncaring, thinking almost exclusively of meeting my own needs than those of others around me.  Thank You for always forgiving me and giving me other chances to serve You and Your people.  Please hold me accountable, Lord, to be real in my walk with you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 50

Lunch Break Study

By the time Paul went to Corinth alone, he was tired and beaten from his tough second missionary trip. 

Read Acts 18:1-3: “After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3 and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them”; Acts 18:18a: Paul stayed on in Corinth for some time. Then he left the brothers and sisters and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.”

Rom. 16:3-4: “Greet Priscillaand Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me.  Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. . . .”

Questions to Consider

  1. What did it mean for Paul to meet Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth?
  2. Use your imagination here: In what sense did Priscilla and Aquila risk their lives for Paul?
  3. How were their talents instrumental in caring for Paul?   Are you using yours to do the same for someone in need?

Notes

  1. Paul was weary from nonstop traveling, constant persecution, and probably not eating well.  Staying at this couple’s home meant Paul could recuperate and be recharged (e.g., home cooking) for the next mission.
  2. The risk of accompanying Paul meant that at any moment, his friends (like Priscilla and Aquila) could be persecuted along with the apostle.  Since the trips were often difficult and demanding, that also carried its risks. 
  3. The fact that they had the same trade (making tents) likely aided their initial acquaintanceship, and working together certainly forged  a lifelong relationship.   As a result, Paul was greatly helped.

Evening Reflection

Review your day in light of this morning’s theme: Did you get to use your talent to care and love someone?  Did anyone do that for you?  Write up a brief journal of you day.

April 27, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, was first posted on April 27, 2013.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“When Our Belly Clings to the Earth, Our Souls Cling to the Cross”

Psalms 44:25-26 (NIV)

25 We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.  26 Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.

The writer of Psalm 44 had counted on God to bring his people victory, but instead they experienced terrible defeat. The psalmist protests: “[We] had not been false to your covenant,” (v17) yet, “for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered” (44:22).  Now, their bodies “cling to the ground,” a posture of despair and desperate prayer. 

Why doesn’t the psalmist just give up on God?  Why does he continue to pray?  We find the answer in the last verse: “Redeem us because of your unfailing love.” “Unfailing love” is the translation from the Hebrew word hesed, which one writer translates as “the consistent, ever-faithful, relentless, constantly-pursuing, lavish, extravagant, unrestrained, furious love of God.”

There are times we might question why God has let us down; perhaps even doubt whether God is there. Yet we must continue to pray because God has demonstrated his love for us, especially on the cross. When we prostrate ourselves on the ground in desperate prayer, we remember the one whose body was bruised and battered for us.  As the writer Mark Roberts puts it, “When our belly clings to the earth, our souls cling to the cross.”

In desperate and discouraging times, let us keep on praying.  Our God is loving and He is faithful!   

Prayer: Father, help me to remain faithful.  Lord, I have seen Your faithfulness.  I have seen Your provision and incredible display of Your love.  But sometimes, it seems as though You are so far away. I don’t know why You don’t answer my prayers or if You even hear them.  In those times, help me to persist in prayer, cling to the wondrous cross.  I also pray for those who I know are in desperate situations.  I ask that you would hear their prayers and reveal your unfailing love to them.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Jeremiah 49

Lunch Break Study

Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV): Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why can we enter the Most Holy Place (i.e. God’s presence) with confidence? (v19-21)
  2. Along with a sense of confidence, how should we draw near to God? (v22)
  3. What are three ways that we can cling to the hope we have? (vv23-25)

Notes

  1. We can enter God’s presence with confidence for three main reasons:
  • The blood of Jesus (which covers our sins and reveals God’s sacrificial love for us)
  • By the “new and living way opened for us.”  The author of Hebrews equates the body of Jesus with the curtain dividing the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple.  When Jesus’ body was sacrificed for us, the curtain which separated us from God was also torn down.  There are no more barriers!
  • Jesus is the “great priest over the House of God” as well as our great intercessor and advocate.  We are accepted in him, helped by him, and belong to him.
  1. Unlike the priests of old, who had to be ritually cleansed on the outside through washing, etc., before they could enter the Holy of Holies, we are to make sure we are cleansed on the inside.  We are to have “sincere hearts,” which is made possible only as we trust in the sacrifice of Jesus inside of our hearts.  
  2. The author of Hebrews suggests three ways we can hold fast to the hope that we have:
  • By personally professing our faith to ourselves and also to others (v23)
  • By considering ways to spur others toward love and good deeds (v24)
  • By making Christian community a priority (v25) 

According to the author of Hebrews, we discover that that our confidence in God and our  faithfulness to God come primarily from external sources: First, from the work of Jesus as the one who loves us, opens the way for us and helps us; and second, from the encouragement of others!  We are not meant to struggle alone.  When we pray, we can pray with confidence that Jesus is already interceding for us.  And even as we pray, we are to be lifted up in prayers by our brothers and sisters in Christ.  Our primary role is to place ourselves where we can encourage others and also be in turn encouraged by Christ and his church.

Evening Reflection

Think of the ways that you are trying to walk this Christian journey alone:  How involved are your brothers and sisters in your walk with Christ?  How involved are you in encouraging others toward love and good deeds?  Journal about the ways that you can make your faith less about you, and more about Jesus’ faithfulness and encouraging your brothers and sisters in Christ.

April 26, Monday

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 12, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Overseers”

1 Timothy 3:8-13

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. [11] Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. [12] Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. [13] For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

As we looked at yesterday, Paul is continuing his qualifications for leaders.  The passage turns from “overseers” – who are considered the senior leaders or pastors – to “deacons,” which means servants.   All Christians are called to serve one another, and this especially applies to those in leadership positions. Here is what one pastor writes about these verses:

“Here Paul explains the function of the deacon, and two things will result when the service of a deacon is done correctly. First, it will create a great sense of appreciation on the part of the congregation–deacons will have excellent standing for themselves. Their own ministry will be widely received and appreciated. We ought to be careful to be aware of all those who are serving a congregation, and, every now and then, there ought to be some way of recognizing them. It is right that we should give thanks and not take for granted those who so diligently and faithfully serve week after week. They are not being paid, and they are not hired to do this work; they are volunteering it in the name of Christ. That should earn for them a great sense of appreciation on the part of the congregation.”  -Ray Stedman

This pastor’s commentary reminded me of how thankful we should be for the people who serve in our ministries.  There are many in our churches that give countless number of hours and enormous amount of energy serving others, and ultimately, serving Jesus.  Take some time to lift up in prayer the leaders in your various ministries, and thank the Lord for them and their dedication.  

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all the leaders and volunteers in each of our churches.  May we never take them for granted and may you encourage those who serve you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 49

Lunch Break Study 

Read Philippians 1:3-6: I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, [4] always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, [5] because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. [6] And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Questions to Consider 

  1. Why is Paul thanking God in these verses?
  2. What does it show us about gospel partnerships?
  3. Are we thankful for the gospel relationships we have in our lives?  

Notes

  1. Paul begins his letter by thanking God for gospel relationships.  From the very start of his ministry in Philippi, 
  2. It seems that Paul’s special relationship with the church there was inevitable. What caused Paul the deepest satisfaction was the Philippians’ “partnership in the gospel.” He was grateful and filled with joy over the frequent evidences of the Philippians’ sharing in the work of the gospel. These had been shown to him “from the first day” he had preached the gospel in Philippi, which was about ten years before. 
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

We have been thanking the Lord today for leaders and partners in the gospel.  Let’s always be reminded of these gospel relationships and always praise God for them.  

April 25, Sunday

Today’s Devotional, first posted on April 26, 2015, is provided by Pastor Jason Sato.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“Having a Longer Memory of God”

2 Samuel 5:17-20a (ESV)

When the Philistines heard that David had been anointed king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. But David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. [18] Now the Philistines had come and spread out in the Valley of Rephaim. [19] And David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the LORD said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly give the Philistines into your hand.” [20] And David came to Baal-perazim, and David defeated them there.

My first mission trip was quite an experience.  I had witnessed firsthand the power and goodness of God.  I had met believers who endured persecution yet were excited for opportunities to love their unbelieving neighbors.  In the midst of poverty and tragedy, God was doing a mighty work.  I returned home, convinced that our God is mighty to save…and then I immediately forgot.  

Once I got back to San Diego, the challenges and struggles of everyday life seemed so much more real than God’s greatness.  Problems in my church and my city appeared far too large for God to do anything about them.  Though I never explicitly thought this (partially because it’s so ridiculous), I felt that God was mighty in other cities or countries but not in mine.

King David proves to have a longer memory than mine.  Immediately following David’s coronation as king of Israel, he faces his first challenge.  To “congratulate” him on his coronation, the Philistines gather to seek him out and kill him.  

David knows that the God who had brought him to the throne is still in control.  The God who was powerful and faithful in his early days is ever the same.  David asks for the Lord’s guidance and determines to go to battle only when God has led him into it.  He knows that he needs God’s favor more than an airtight strategy.  The odds are stacked against him, but David waits and listens for the voice of God and then obeys.

Take a moment to remember God’s faithfulness to you over the years.  Recall how He has demonstrated His power in your life.  In what area of life today do you need a God like that? 

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You remain the same yesterday, today, and forever.  You are always good, always faithful, always mighty to save.  Lord, I need Your grace and strength more today than when I first met You.  For the sake of Your Son, be my Rock and my Salvation as You have always been. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 48

April 24, Saturday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, was first posted on April 18, 2015.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for This Weekend

1 Samuel 31:6 (ESV)

“Thus Saul died, and his three sons, and his armor-bearer, and all his men, on the same day together.” 

Reading about another fallen church leader is never easy to stomach. Even more difficult to bear is reading about how their sin affects those around them. The Bible says that your sin will find you out (Num. 32:23); and when it does, people who sinned are not the only ones who get hurt but also their families, friends and churches as well.


This is clearly demonstrated in Saul’s last battle against the Philistines in 1 Samuel 31.  The battle turned so badly for Israel that they were in full retreat to their own camp.  At this moment, a Philistine archer hit Saul and severely wounded him. Saul, turning to his armor bearer, demanded, “Draw your sword, and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and mistreat me” (v. 4).  Because his armor bearer, being afraid, wouldn’t do it, Saul took a sword and fell on it, bringing a tragic and inevitable end to his undistinguished life and reign. Sadly, Saul did not die alone that day; that is, his prideful rebellion against God ended up causing the death of countless men, including his three sons (one being Jonathan) and his armor bearer. 

What this shows is that you cannot “plant” sin, even if it’s in private, and not expect to reap its consequences that will spill over to those who are in your sphere of influence. The principle is also conversely true. If you make good choices by living in obedience, it will have a way of blessing those who you come to contact with. 

As you are reading this, perhaps the Holy Spirit is bringing to your attention how your sins (perhaps habitual) are affecting the people around you—the people whom you love. Whatever the sin may be, the good news is this: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).  It is sobering to see how sin absolutely diminished the life and reign of Saul.  And yet such a fate may befall us, unless we are vigilant about sin, by praying and walking humbly with our God. 

Pray Based on This: “Although God loves us unconditionally, He does get angry at sin, wickedness and evil. But He is not an angry God. God hates sin, but He loves sinners! He will never approve of sin in your life, but He always loves you and wants to work with you to make progress in living a holy life in Christ.” – Joyce Meyer

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 46-47

April 23, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 29, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Practice Hospitality”

Philem. 1:22

“And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.”

Paul’s request here feels somewhat foreign to us in two regards: first, most of us don’t live in a house with a spare room that can readily be turned into a guest room; two, we rarely pray for someone to visit us and for them to stay for awhile.  But a recent experience with a relative, who was still unmarried and whose mother died a few years ago, made me realize the importance of hosting people, regardless of the size of my home.

One day, my wife was informed of his plan to attend a weeklong conference held in our city.  Even though all travel expenses were covered, including a hotel stay near his meeting, he wanted to stay with us.  But we live in a small house, and that week our son came home for spring break; his room is the basement.  While we planned to invite him to dinner, the thought of someone staying in our small house for a week didn’t enamor me.  I reasoned that his stay would affect me since I work at home (on the dinner table), mostly writing until the late evening.  

However, it became apparent that this relative really wanted to stay with us.  I actually prayed about this, and the Lord made it clear t hat this had more to do my unresolved feelings toward him than anything else.  Thus, even though the best I could offer was for him to share the basement with my son, this accomplished physician didn’t care.  So, he ended up eating with us every night, used my car to commute to his meeting, and spent the evening interacting with my family.  During this time, I came to see that this lonesome man simply missed being around a family.  Perhaps, that’s why, as I was praying one morning, the Lord told me to tell him, “You can stay with us any time you are in town.”   Surprised to hear this, he said, “Oh really, thanks.”  I think that did more for me than for him.    

“Practice hospitality” (Rom. 13:13b) said Paul.  To do that sometimes, we must first “accept one another . . . just as Christ accepted you” (Rom. 15:7a).  So, who in your life do you need to accept?  

Prayer: Jesus, I realized today that sometimes willingness to be hospitable toward someone is tied to overlooking that person’s faults.  Lord, help me to be gracious, especially toward those who have disappointed or hurt me.  Remind me of Christ’s sacrifice and empower me to be hospitable with the strength you provide.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 45

Lunch Break Study

Read Heb. 13:1-2: “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. 2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  

Gn. 18:2-5: “Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3 He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. 4 Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. 5 Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant. . . .”                                                                                                                                                

Jer. 31:25: “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” (Read it literally; ignore the context.)

Questions to Consider

  1. Define hospitality.  What would that involve in the context of AMI churches?
  2. How does hospitality affect those who receive it?
  3. How does hospitality affect those who give it?  What has been your personal experience?

Notes

  1. It is giving aid and comfort to those who need it.  Of course, in today’s world, most people would be hard pressed to bring in complete strangers to their home.  At the very least, we can offer our places to people from other AMI churches who are attending events held at your church.  
  2. The Jeremiah passage says it very succinctly: “Refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”  When you are in a jam and someone steps up like that, it brings great relief.
  3. Obviously, it would make them feel good and there is nothing wrong with that.   Perhaps more importantly, being hospitable (i.e., being generous) can clarify our priorities, giving us an opportunity to remember why God has blessed us.   

Evening Reflection

Let’s review today.  Did you have an opportunity to be hospitable toward someone?  Was someone hospitable toward you?  Make a journal of this day in light of those questions.

April 22, Thursday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, was first posted on July 31, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Humility”

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

For those who want to climb up the ladder of success, the least desired trait or attitude may be humility, because for many people, it means becoming a doormat.  But humility is a beautiful and powerful characteristic in the Kingdom of Heaven.  If you desire to be humble, then you desire to be like Christ.  

Humility is the kingdom’s way to greatness:  Jesus, putting a child in the midst of the disciples, said:  “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:4).  In looking back to those who had the greatest influence in my life, they weren’t people who were necessarily the most intelligent or the most talented, but they were those who were genuinely humble.  Humility has power; power to stop wars, and power to open doors for transformation and growth.  When we embody humility, we are “allowing” God to complete the work He is doing in us because, while “God opposes the proud. . . [he] gives grace to the humble” (James. 4:6).  And the grace of God is what ultimately changes us to be useful for his kingdom work.  

But let’s not mistake humility with insecurity. For instance, when Moses encountered God through the burning bush, Moses was not humble, but he was insecure: he was focused on what he couldn’t do rather than on what God could do through him.  Many of us don’t realize that insecurity is an unhealthy focus on self, fed by fear, doubt, and faithlessness. On the other hand, humility enables us to hear and see what God can do in us, opening the door to real faith; a faith that doesn’t depend on self, but on the promises of God. Humility allows us to believe in something greater than ourselves. 

Prayer: “Blessed are the poor in spirit. Blessed are those who mourn. Blessed are the meek. Blessed are the merciful. Blessed are the pure in heart. Blessed are the peacemakers. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness.” Jesus, help me to be humble. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 44

Lunch Break Study

Read Mark 10:42-43: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

Questions to Consider

  1. What are the differences between having a low self-esteem as opposed to biblical humility?
  2. How does humility show greatness?

Notes

  1. One factor that fuels low self-esteem is comparing oneself to others, especially those who have   worldly success.  Who is going to feel good about oneself after that?  Biblical humility stems from realizing that we are unworthy to merit salvation and too weak to do anything worthy of God.  But instead of giving up, we look to God to strengthen us.
  2. Humility on our part can lead to greatness when people see how God has demonstrated his power through us and in spite of us.  In Acts 4:13, Peter and John were described as unschooled and ordinary by their opponents, but God was glorified when they noticed the boldness of Peter and John, despite of them.  

Evening Reflection

Examine yourself to see in what area of your life you need more humility.

April 21, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 29, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Can You be Trusted?”

Philem. 1:20-1

“I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”

Few things in my house still remind me of my time in Mexico in the 2000s. One is a generator and the other, two computer projectors.  These items were donated to me by someone who served in my youth group in the 1980s.  Actually, while I needed these things for my teaching ministry, conducted mostly in the city but sometimes in rural areas, I never asked for them.  But one day in 2003, she asked me whether I would like a projector and the PowerPoint.  “Sure,” I said.  Those who are familiar with my teaching know how much PowerPoint I use; well, it all began with her gift.  When this projector broke down, not only did she get it fixed, but bought another one for backup.  Sometime later, when I asked her whether a portable battery pack would be strong enough to run a projector, she immediately shipped me the generator!

In today’s text, Paul certainly is not advocating a relationship in which pastors fleece their flock: “Hey brother, give me some cash—the more the merrier!”   What can easily be ignored here is the relationship between Paul and Philemon, a man of means who became a believer through him in Colosse.  That alone, however, is not enough for God’s servants to be able to say, “May I have some benefit from you?”   In addition, a relationship of trust, a partnership (Philem.1:17), had long been established between the two.  Philemon knew that Paul did not “think that godliness is a means to financial gain” (1 Tim. 6:5) and that he “preach[ed] the gospel . . . free of charge” (1 Cor. 9:18).  Paul also knew that Philemon was “generous and willing to share” (1 Tim. 6:18).  Out of that mutual understanding and trust, Paul could be forthright in making these requests to Philemon, who was neither suspicious nor offended.

I, too, became up-front with this godly woman in my periodic requests; she trusted that I was doing the Lord’s work with integrity and I knew that she just wanted to be part of God’s work.   How about you?  Can a missionary have that kind of confidence in you?  Can a layperson have that kind of confidence in her pastor?  Before asking or giving, let’s work on building the trust first.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, it is amazing how much I have been blessed over the years by you.  In every area of my life, I have received so much more than what I need.  Therefore, please lead me to those who serve you with integrity, who are in need of the kind of resources that I can provide.  Fill me with your Spirit. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 43

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Kings 22:3-7: “In the eighteenth year of his reign, King Josiah sent the secretary, Shaphan son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam, to the temple of the Lord. He said: 4 “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest and have him get ready the money that has been brought into the temple of the Lord, which the doorkeepers have collected from the people. 5 Have them entrust it to the men appointed to supervise the work on the temple. And have these men pay the workers who repair the temple of the Lord— 6 the carpenters, the builders and the masons.  Also have them purchase timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. 7 But they need not account for the money entrusted to them, because they are honest in their dealings.”

Questions to Consider

  1. In view of the lack of ethics existing in work places, what is so refreshing about what went on?
  2. In what sense is the working relationship here similar to the one between Paul and Philemon? 
  3. How do you build this kind of trust?  (Lk. 16:10)

Notes

  1. The money went through several hands in order for work to begin: donors, to the collectors, to the high priest, to the supervisors, and to the actual workers.  In many countries, by the time the money reaches to the level of workers, half of the original amount would have been siphoned off.  That’s why some buildings and bridges don’t stay up.  Financial honesty means a reliable structure, which, needless to say, is a matter of life and death.
  2. Accountability enforced by an outside party is all the more necessary in an environment in which people have shown that they cannot be trusted.  It is also placed as a preventive measure as well.  But, those who supervised the reparation of the temple didn’t need it.  To reach that level, the relationships must be tested, and trust, earned (which is what happened between Paul and Philemon). 
  3. Luke 16:10 says like this: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”  Trust is built by showing responsibility and trustworthiness with little things.

Evening Reflection

Evaluate your day from the standpoint of trust: Did people around you gain more trust in you by the way you lived and worked today?  What are some areas that you need to fix?  Let’s begin by trusting in God.  

April 20, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 2, 2015; it has been updated. Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

1 Samuel 9:1-27 (ESV)

There was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, son of Zeror, son of Becorath, son of Aphiah, a Benjaminite, a man of wealth. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a handsome young man. There was not a man among the people of Israel more handsome than he. From his shoulders upward he was taller than any of the people. 3 Now the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. So Kish said to Saul his son, “Take one of the young men with you, and arise, go and look for the donkeys.” 4 And he passed through the hill country of Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. And they passed through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then they passed through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. 15 Now the day before Saul came, the Lord had revealed to Samuel: 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be prince over my people Israel. He shall save my people from the hand of the Philistines. For I have seen my people, because their cry has come to me.” 17 When Samuel saw Saul, the Lord told him, “Here is the man of whom I spoke to you! He it is who shall restrain my people.” 

One of the questions that have always come to my mind in reading 1 Samuel 9 is: “Why did God direct Samuel the prophet to choose Saul as the first king of Israel?”  For those who know the story, Saul was a horrible king who rejected God’s commands and was self-serving, murderous, and insane towards the end of his life.  God certainly could have kept this man from the throne, yet not only does He permit Saul to become king, but He is the active agent in the process of bringing Saul to power.  Was this simply a case of not reading Saul’s resume carefully and making an unfortunate hiring blunder?  

Actually, God hired exactly who the people of Israel wanted.  They wanted a king just like the kings of the surrounding nations, and so they received the desires of their heart.  In the text, we are told that Saul was a head taller than any of the people.  From a human perspective, it would seem good for a king to, at least, look the part, but the problem is that in the Old Testament, descriptions of stature are only given to the villains (remember Goliath?).  In fact, the good guys are identified primarily by their ability to tend their flocks, like a good shepherd.  We read in the story that Saul falls woefully short in his capacity to find the animals in his care.  This is all a foreshadowing of the type of king that Saul would eventually become.  

It is so easy to judge everything by its exterior appearance and forget about what truly matters.  Like the people of Israel, we too can become consumed by our desire to achieve the world’s standards of prestige, fame, good looks, and fortune.  A sobering thought is that God sometimes gives into our illegitimate demands in order to teach us the hard lesson of humility and to point us towards Christ.  Unlike Saul, Jesus, the true King, was lowly in stature and despised in the eyes of men.  Yet for those of us who believe, He is our Good Shepherd, who has come from heaven to earth to find us and to care for us.  

Prayer: Father, help us to remember that You do not judge by the outward appearance, but by what is in the heart.  May we clothes ourselves in the humility of Christ and help us to reflect this attitude in the things that we desire and pray for.  Above everything else, purify our motives and give us pure hearts that yearn to do Your will.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Jeremiah 42

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:1-6 (ESV): What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2 You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. 4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? 6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the main cause of fighting and quarrels among believers according to James?
  2. Why are prayers not being answered by God?
  3. What is the solution that is given for these problems that we find in the church?

Notes

  1. The primary reason for quarreling among Christians is the spiritual war that is within each of us.  All of us are a mixture of good and evil, and simultaneously both saint and sinner.  Much of our conflict with others is simply an overflow of the uncontrolled conflict that resides inside our own hearts.
  2. The main cause of unanswered prayer is asking with the wrong motives.  Even the most legitimate prayer request can be corrupted by our selfishness and desire to satisfy our own passions.  
  3. Simply put, we need more of the grace of God.  If we continue to depend on our sense of self-sufficiency and pride, we compound the problem by facing the opposition of God.  Humility releases the grace of God into all of the relational issues that we face in the church.  

Evening Reflection

Is there someone that you have been fighting with recently, perhaps your wife/husband, children, friend, etc.?  How did your pride make the problem worse?  How can humility bring reconciliation?  Pray to the Lord for more grace in the midst of conflict in your life.  

April 19, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 24, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Redemption Business”

Philem. 1:15-17

“Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord. So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.”

In May, 1981, I left home in Virginia for sunny California, not to seek God but to party.  Little did I know that I would become a believer within five days, and then end up living in the golden state until heading to Mexico in 2000.   Whenever I would visit home thereafter, it was always hard saying goodbye to my tearful mother.  Yet, she would remind herself and me that the separation was for a good purpose, for my aimless life had become quite purposeful. 

Paul, too, saw that: a brief period that had separated Onesimus from his master Philemon served both men well.  Although the separation resulted from of an unlawful act by Onesimus (running away), nevertheless, it became the doorstep to his redemption: a slave to his master has now become his “fellow man” and “brother in the Lord.”  As for Philemon, while the absence of his slave was an economic setback, yet, the separation presented an opportunity for his faith to deepen, as he faced a choice between seeking retribution against his runaway slave who also stole from him, or his restoration.  

The apostle Paul was confident that the one whom he considered as my “dear friend and fellow worker” (Philem. 1:2) would do that right thing.  Why was Paul so confident of this?  No, it wasn’t because he had an inside dirt on him to coerce his compliance; rather, Paul was confident of Philemon’s recognition that those whose debts have been cancelled by God “should . . . have . . . mercy on [their] fellow servant” (Matt. 18:33). 

As you begin this day, you may be facing dire consequences of having made choices to seek pleasure, or to do something unwise, even unlawful in the past.  Perhaps, you are ready to give up on yourself, but God isn’t.  He is into the redemption business.  Go to the Lord today in penitence and humility.  That’s always the first step toward restoration and redemption. 

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for not having rejected me for who I used to be and what I used to do.  Thank You also for Your continual acceptance of me, in Christ, even though I still struggle at times with my unhealthy habits.  I am so encouraged to be reminded that You are a God of redemption.  Continue to lead me, teach me, and even rebuke me so that I may be more like Christ.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 41

Lunch Break Study

Any and every bad situation can be the doorstep to our redemption.  

Read John 8:3a-5, 7-11: “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery . . . 4 and said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?’ . . . . 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.’ 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 At this, those who h  eard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ 11 ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared.  ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’”

Questions to Consider

  1. In what way could this day have been the worst day of her day?  
  2. In what sense did this day turn out to be best day of her life?  With respect to Onesimus, what turned out to be the best of day of his life?  What has been the best day of your life?
  3. If those accusers were really honest with themselves, what lesson did they learn that day? 

Notes

  1. The public humiliation that she was facing would have been pale in comparison to what her accusers intended: executing her by stoning.  Returning to Philemon could have been the worst day of Onesimus’ life had his master prosecuted him.  Obviously, there is no mercy in both cases.
  2. Instead of condemnation, this woman received forgiveness and a brand new lease on life. Having been redeemed in this way, she, like Onesimus, was placed on good ground to leave the life of sin. My best day of my life is the day Jesus found me! (May, 1981).
  3. They would have realized the truth of James 2:10: “For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.”  In other words, they were lawbreakers just as the woman caught in the act of adultery. 

Evening Reflection

Each day, we ought to separate ourselves from people (including our family) to spend time alone with God.  This is as good a time as any to do that.  Reflect on today as you talk to God for a better tomorrow.