March 9, Tuesday

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  10, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Posture of Prayer”

1 Timothy 2:8-15

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; [9] likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, [10] but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. [11] Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. [12] I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. [13] For Adam was formed first, then Eve; [14] and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. [15] Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

When Paul says he wants men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, he does not mean that only men should pray. In some churches, this verse has been misunderstood, and so they allow only men to pray in public or to lead the congregation in prayer.  So what is Paul saying in these verses? He is not saying that only men should pray, but that when we (men and women) pray in every place, we should do so in two ways: lifting up holy hands and without anger or quarreling in their hearts. Paul’s concern here is not who prays, but how one prays.

The first instruction is that men should lift up holy hands. That was the usual posture of prayer, derived largely from the Jewish synagogues, where the Jews prayed while standing with their arms lifted up and led the congregation that way. The reference to “holy hands” reminds us of Psalm 24, in which those who wish to ascend the hill of the Lord and stand in his holy place must have “clean hands and a pure heart.”  Here, Paul uses the outward sign for the inward reality, for our hands indicate a pure heart.  This is a figure of speech that means that these actions, symbolized by the hands, should be righteous actions. These are people who ought to have a record of rightful behavior, who are recognized as honest, and whose actions reflect their faith. 

As we spend time with the Lord this morning, pray for a purity of heart as you seek Him.  Pray that what you do outwardly would reflect your inward devotion.  Let’s ask that our “lifting of hands” in prayer and worship would reflect a clean heart that Jesus desires.  

Prayer: Lord, as I come to you this morning, please give me clean hands and a pure heart.  Help me to repent of any sins that might hinder my worship with you today.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 26

Lunch Break Study 

Read Psalm 24:1-10: The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, [2] for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. [3] Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? [4] He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. [5] He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. [6] Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah [7] Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [8] Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty,the LORD, mighty in battle! [9] Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. [10] Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory! Selah

Questions to Consider 

  1. How does the psalmist describe the Lord in these verses?
  2. According to verse 4, what is required to approach the Holy Place of God?  Why do you think that is?
  3. Do we have any idols (anything that is false) that may be hindering our worship?  If so, ask Jesus for a devoted heart to Him alone.

Notes

  1. A God who is strong and mighty 
  2. The Lord expects purity and singleness of heart from all who seek his presence (Matt. 5:8). Purity of “hands” and “heart” is the condition of living before God in accordance with his precepts and out of the desire of his heart. Appearance of holiness is not enough, because the “clean hands” are expressive of “a pure heart.” The one who has “clean hands” is “innocent” of wrongdoing and readily asks for forgiveness when he has sinned against God.  The godly person does not dishonor the Lord’s name by idolatry or by falsehood.  They are “pure” and not “false” (or hypocritical).
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Purity of heart is a continual battle when it comes to our Christian lives.  That is why prayer and repentance are so essential when it comes to pursuing this kind of heart.  Let’s continue to ask for “clean hands and a pure heart” in our everyday walk with Christ.

March 8, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 18, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Mighty Faithfulness of God”

Psalm 89:8-14

O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you? 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them. 10 You crushed Rahab like a carcass; you scattered your enemies with your mighty arm. 11 The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it, you have founded them. 12 The north and the south, you have created them; Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name. 13 You have a mighty arm; strong is your hand, high your right hand. 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.

Upon pondering the might of God, the psalmist describes God’s power from the standpoint of His rule over the sea, victory over Rahab (i.e., the proud one), His ownership and dominion over the heavens and the earth, and all that is within it. Yet, the astounding description of God’s might is in His faithfulness and steadfast love toward the undeserved (that is, us). Out of all the mighty deeds of the Lord, it is His character of love and faithfulness that stand apart, with which the psalmist begins and ends these verses.

There are many times we look to God and ask for a sign of His might and power. Maybe it’s in overcoming a physical obstacle, or studying for an exam, or winning favor from people. Too many times, we want God to do something mighty for us. This Psalm is a reminder that God’s faithfulness is mighty. Even in the midst of your situations and circumstances, we can hope and trust in God’s faithfulness because it is mighty. This morning, let us rise up in encouragement that we are recipients of the mighty faithfulness of God.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You have been and You will continue to be present in my life.  I am confident of that!  Thank You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 3:1-2: Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.

Background tidbit:“Dogs” in verse 2 may refer to Jewish “Christians” who wanted Gentile Christians to become full Jews by practicing all Jewish laws. Alternatively, it may refer to people who insincerely upheld Jewish laws, perhaps to avoid persecution from Jews.

Questions to Consider

  1. The exhortations from vv. 2-21 are instructions that Paul previously gave the Philippians, either in person or via messenger.  What’s the main gist of this?
  2. What do you know about these false teachers?
  3. In light of this, how should we hear what we hear? 

Notes

  1. The main gist is that he’s warning the Philippians against false teachers, that they need to be vigilant in guarding the truth of God’s word (c.f., Phil. 2:16). 
  2. Most likely, the false teachers came from within the church; that is, people who were part of the community but were immature in the faith and in their knowledge of God’s word.  
  3. One must be wise and discerning to distinguish spiritual truth from false teaching, since no one goes around saying, “I’m a false teacher.”

Bible Reading for Today: Acts8

Evening Reflection

Ps. 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Lord, You are my protector and I am not intimidated by the schemes of the enemy.  I am Your child, so in your name and with Your authority and strength, I will say, “Let my enemies be scattered, for my God lives in me, the hope of glory.”  No matter what the situation may look like, I will proclaim that my God is with my family, my friends, my vocation, and my school.  Amen. 

March 7, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, was originally posted on May 25, 2013.  Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend  

“Radically Relating to Those Around Me”

Ephesians 5:21 (ESV)

Submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Upon reading the entire Ephesians 5, you will immediately see how what Paul addresses in that chapter is so relevant to dealing with the basic remedy for relational conflicts in our day—this, all based on Ephesians 5:11.  He will apply this principle to relationships between husband and wife, children and parents, and slaves and masters (employer/employee) in the verses to come.  In each case, the remedy is always the same: submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.  

If we have any desire at all to be part of a solution to the issues surrounding us today, we must go back to the cause of all human strife.  We often want to get the greatest satisfaction out of life, maximizing our potential for success and joy.  Sooner or later, in our attempts to develop ourselves and gain satisfaction, we will collide with someone or something that is attempting the same thing and getting in our way.  So we will insist on our rights and others will insist on their rights where clashes are inevitable.

But Paul changes the whole pattern for Christians by introducing two radical factors that alter the whole situation.  First, Christians must never forget that in every relationship in life, another person is present: It is not merely a problem of what I want versus what you want, but in every relationship, the apostle reminds us, a third Person is present—the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Second, when we are at odds with another person, recognizing Christ’s presence even amid conflicts can help us to recall what He has taught us; that it is only when we forget ourselves and devote to another’s fulfillment that we will find true grace and satisfaction.  Jesus says: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25).

It becomes, then, a question of priority.  You cannot have your rights by insisting upon them, but you can have them only when you seek to give others their rights.  Do you dare to try this radical principle right where you live?  Are there certain ways that we are insisting on our rights within a particular relationship that might go against what v. 21 addresses?

Prayer:  Father; I thank You for Your word that searches and cuts deep within me, and lays bare, hiding nothing.  Help me to be considerate, and to submit to others out of reverence for You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 24

March 6, Saturday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, was originally posted on May 18, 2013.  Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Religious Affections”

Romans 12:11 (ESV)

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” 

Jonathan Edwards teaches us that the intellectual life and the passionate life should be friends, not enemies.  Without the slightest contradiction it is possible to be both tough-minded and tenderhearted.  What we learn to do is descend with the mind into the heart and there wait in anticipation for the heavenly Whisper.  We worship God with brain and viscera!

We today desperately need this lesson because a modern myth abounds that true objectivity must be passionless.  As a result, we analyze and dissect the spiritual life without the slightest personal involvement or commitment and think we understand it.  But the spiritual life cannot be understood in this detached way.  We understand by commitment.  And we enter into commitment and sustain commitment by what Edwards right calls “holy affections” 

—Richard J.  Foster

Here are some excerpts from “Religious Affections”

  • Engagement of the Heart

The kind of religion that God requires, and will accept, does not consist in weak, dull, and lifeless “wouldings” – those weak inclinations that lack convictions—that raise us but a little above indifference.  God, in his word, greatly insists that we be in good earnest, fervent in spirit, and that our hearts be engaged vigorously in our religion: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11 ESV).  “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deut. 10:12 ESV).  This fervent, vigorous engagement of the heart is the fruit of a real circumcision of the heart that alone has the promise of life.

  • Holy Affection

If we are not earnest in our religion, and if our wills and inclinations are not strongly exercised, we are nothing.  The importance of religion is so great that no halfhearted exercise should suffice.  In nothing is the state of our heart so crucial as in religion, and in nothing is lukewarmness so odious.

  • The Spring of Action

The nature of human beings is to be inactive unless influenced by some affection: love or hatred, desire, hope, fear, etc. These affections are the “spring of action,” the things that set us moving in our lives, that move us to engage in activities.  A person who has a knowledge of doctrine and theology only – without religious affection—has never engaged in true religion.  The reason is this:  they are not affected with what they hear.  There are many who hear about the power, the holiness, and the wisdom of God; about Christ and the great things that he has done for them and his gracious invitation to them; and yet they remain exactly as they are in life and in practice.  True religion is a result of affections, namely, the affections of fear, hope, love, hatred, desire, joy, sorrow, gratitude, compassion and zeal.  

Prayer: Dear God, empower me to love You with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind.” Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 22-23

March 5, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, is an updated version of his blog first posted on March 5, 2014.  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

“Brady and Solomon”

Ecclesiastes 9:7-9

Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.

In an interview on “60 minutes,” Tom Brady, a top NFL quarterback for a long time, became vulnerable on national television and made a profound statement: “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something greater out there for me? I mean, maybe a lot of people would say, ‘Hey man, this is what it is. I reached my goal, my dream, my life.’ Me? I think ‘God, it’s got to be more than this. I mean this isn’t, this can’t be what it’s all cracked up to be.” 

Certainly, Brady is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. His list of athletic achievements would undoubtedly run past the bottom of this screen. He is married to a supermodel, works hard at his job, and excels at doing what he does best. Yet, there is something missing, and Tom Brady knows it. 

What Brady is to football, Solomon is to wisdom. As the wisest man to have ever lived, Solomon had seen it all, heard it all, and thought it all. Upon observing the world, he concluded that if there is no life after death, then there is no point to anything, and we might as well just enjoy what we’ve got because pleasure is all there is left in this meaningless existence. 

But there is something we know that Solomon, in all his human wisdom, could not have fully known then; and Tom Brady, in all his athletic prowess, is beginning to realize: Yes, there is more!  Through Jesus Christ, there is resurrection and eternal life!  There is a deeper meaning to life that exceeds merely enjoying life.  There is a God who has created us for a purpose! This changes everything. Today, as you eat your bread and drink your beverage, remember that you are not headed to Sheol, but rather you are living a purpose-filled, eternal life.

Prayer: Thank you God, that you have revealed Your wisdom of resurrection to someone like me. Thank you that in Christ, we have crossed over from death into eternal life. Today, as I go through my day, help me live not just to maximize pleasure and minimize discomfort, but to live faithfully to which you have called me to do.  Help me to remember that there really is more to this life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 21

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15:19-22, 30-32: If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive… Why are we in danger every hour? I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day! What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

Questions to Consider

  1. In what ways are Paul’s words here similar to those of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 9:7-9? 
  2. In what ways are they different?
  3. How does Christ’s resurrection (and ours) change the way we live our present lives?

Notes

  1. Paul’s words are similar to Solomon’s words in that he is reflecting on the futility of life if there is no resurrection. One of the Greek schools of thought during Paul’s time was Epicureanism, which taught this very doctrine: there is nothing more to life than the proper enjoyment of life’s pleasures. Both Paul and Solomon would agree that if there is no resurrection, we ought to adopt the Epicurean mentality.
  2. Yet, Paul clearly says that this is not the way we live because we know that there is eternal life in Christ. Although Solomon did not have explicit knowledge of God’s redemptive plan through Christ, many scholars actually believe that Solomon did in fact believe in life after death, and that Ecclesiastes 9:7-9 is either a commentary on the attitude of the world, or a reflection of a portion of his personal journey in which he lived with such an attitude.
  3. In light of the resurrection and eternal life that we have in Jesus Christ, Paul says that suffering has a purpose, labor is not in vain, and there is a reason to persevere through trials and persecution. And even the worst thing that can happen to man, which is death, becomes gain! Today, live in Christ! Then even the unpleasant, difficult occurrences of the day begin to fit into the bigger picture, where suffering produces endurance, which produces character, which produces hope.

Evening Reflection

Tonight, let’s give thanks and praise to the Lord, as we meditate on what Paul writes at the end of 1 Corinthians 15: Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

March 4, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, was first posted on March 10, 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

“‘Saul’ in My House”

1 Samuel 15:20-21

And Saul said to Samuel, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord. I have gone on the mission on which the Lord sent me. I have brought Agag the king of Amalek, and I have devoted the Amalekites to destruction. But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the best of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 

I cannot prove this scientifically, but I think “Saul” lives at my house in the form of a five-year old boy.  I tell my son, “Saul (not his real name), clean up your room.”  When I come back five minutes later, I see him in the middle of his still messy room, playing with legos or whatever toy he is into this month.  Again, I tell him, “Saul, I told you to clean up your room!”  Saul replies, “I did clean up my room.  Look, I put the books away.”  Sure, the lad has put the books away, but there are still a ton of legos, action figures, and craft supplies out all over the place.  

Here’s the deal: for the life of me, I don’t know if my son really thinks his room is clean and has fulfilled my wishes, or if he is giving me that lame explanation hoping it will simply appease me.  Similarly, when I read Saul’s explanation (15:20-21) as to why he did not carry out the Lord’s instruction to totally wipe out the Amalekites (15:1-3), I do not know if Saul really thought he was obeying, or if he was just hoping this lame explanation would appease Samuel and/or God.  Here’s the real point: partial obedience is not the same as obedience; in fact, partial obedience is just another form of disobedience.  

What are the things in which you know you are only giving partial obedience (or total disobedience)?  In my experience, the two most common areas of partial obedience are: forgiving/loving and giving.  I know so many people who do not forgive, but carry grudges.  In better cases, they are certainly not loving their neighbor, but they live in a state of toleration with estranged brothers/sisters in Christ.  Sure, estranged toleration is better than loathing, but it is not love.  In terms of giving, many people know they need to give and have a genuine conviction about tithing; but they partially obey, rationalizing that some is better than none.  Of course, in your life, there are probably other examples.  What are the things you need to fix in obedience (total or genuine) to Christ?  Let’s take steps today to live in genuine obedience to God.  

Prayer: Lord, show me areas in my life where I am only living in partial obedience.   Give me an opportunity this day to obey you, even in small areas.  And give me courage and wherewithal to fix these areas, as well as the power to change. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Psalm 1:1-6: “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. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.”

Questions to Consider

  1. By implication, verse 1 shows the progression of a wicked man.  What is it, and have you seen this slide in your life or another’s?
  2. How does this Psalm describe the righteous person?
  3. How does this Psalm describe the wicked person?

Notes

  1. The progression goes from active to inactive: The wicked man will first walk with wicked counsel, and then he will stand with sinners; finally, he gets comfortable and sits with scoffers. Most will not fall into great sin in one day, but rather a series of compromises and apathy to God will eventually lead into major trouble.
  2. The righteous delight in and take to heart God’s word.  They will be fruitful (grow) in the faith and ministry.  They will be secure because they are firmly rooted in God.
  3. The wicked are instable (blown away by chaff) and will eventually face the Lord’s judgment. 

Evening Reflection

Did you have an opportunity to obey the Lord today?  Did you take that opportunity?  Remember the Gospel is not, “Obey and you will be justified” but rather, “Because we are justified, we obey.”  Is obedience to God a way you want to live because you are so thankful that He died for you?  What is your motivation for living in obedience?  

March 3, Wednesday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Finish Well”

Philem. 1:9: “Yet I appeal to you on the basis of love.  I then, as Paul—an old man and now a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”

Every time I visit this AMI church, I realize how old I have become because several people attending that congregation were in my youth group in the 1980s.  Many are married with children; some have already lost their hair.  However, in my latest visit there to preach, I had an interesting conversation with a woman in her 40s who recently began to attend this congregation.  Before opening the door to enter the sanctuary, and after having arrived late to the church, she noticed a familiar voice, one that she hadn’t heard in some 25 years.  She suddenly wondered whether it could be me—her old youth pastor. 

As we were chatting, I chuckled at the thought of a fifty-something old man still sounding like a twenty-something young man.   There is something else that hasn’t changed:  the message.  Oh, don’t get me wrong: some beliefs that I held dearly then, I no longer hold that strongly today.  However, there is at least one belief that I hold today as firmly as I did then.  That’s something Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy when he was actually a few years older than when the apostle, as “an old man,” wrote to Philemon: “Our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immorality to light through the gospel” (2 Tim. 1:10b). 

The unpredictable nature of life is such that you may have to find another church after relocating to a new city, associate with a new crowd after moving up (or down), or color your hair differently, upgrade your fashion and drive a hybrid car.  But don’t ever change what you believe about who Jesus Christ is and what he has accomplished on the Cross for you—even if it may cost you something, which in Paul’s case was imprisonment followed by martyrdom.  And that’s what the apostle was facing when he wrote to Timothy.  

No matter how many degrees we end up earning, how sophisticated we turn out to be, or how wealthy we become, none of it is worth anything if we lose Jesus during the process.   Listen to the old man Paul who wrote just before his death: “. . . I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. . . .” (2 Tim. 4:7).  

Prayer: Dear Jesus, I am truly sad and upset over how much time I have wasted while doing insignificant and unimportant things.  I really would like every second of my life to count for you.   Lord, remind me to number my days and use my time, money, and talent to bring honor and glory to you.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 19

Lunch Break Study

After seeing the inability of Job’s three friends to refute Job, who was bordering on self-righteousness (Job 33:8-10), the fourth man, Elihu, finally spoke. 

Read Job 32:6-9: So Elihu . . . said: “‘I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.’ 7 I thought, ‘Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.’ 8 But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding. 9 It is not only the oldwho are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right.” 

Questions to Consider

  1. What are some commonly held beliefs about getting older?
  2. What additional light does this passage shed on becoming wiser as we get older?  
  3. Ultimately, how or from whom do we get wisdom (Jas. 1:5)?

Notes

  1. The longer you live, you will have more experiences; the more experiences you have, you will be wiser.  This generally holds true but not all the time, especially if the heart isn’t right.
  2. Ultimately, becoming wiser has more to do with how in tune we are with God’s word and how sensitive we are to His Spirit, than how many gray hairs we have.
  3. James 1:5 states succinctly: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”  Yet, seeing that the wise King Solomon really messed up his life, we need to manage our wisdom by carefully and prudently making each decision. 

Evening Reflection

Why did the boy throw the clock out the window?  He wanted to see if time flies!  Half of the month of January is already over.  Today, which began only a few minutes ago, is about to be yesterday—yes, time flies.  How did today go for you?  Did you experience Jesus’ love?  Write about it.

March 2, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, first posted on April 13, 2015, is provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles.  He is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Thirty”

1 Samuel 26:6

David then asked Ahimelech the Hittite and Abishai son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, “Who will go with me down into the camp with me to Saul?”  “I’ll go with you,” said Abishai.

Here, we see mentioned for the first time one of the men who was a part of the great fighting force in the Bible known as “David’s mighty men,” also called “the Thirty” (1 Chron. 12:4). David is on the verge of inheriting the kingdom of Israel, to unite and make it as one of the strongest nations on earth at the time. And among David’s mighty men, Abishai was one of the best: Abishai the brother of Joab son of Zeruiah, was chief of the Three. He raised his spear against three hundred men, whom he killed, and so he became as famous as the Three. Was he not held in greater honor than the Three? He became their commander, even though he was not included among them. (2 Sam. 23:18-19)

From Abishai and the other mighty men, we can glean a couple of valuable lessons for today. First, we learn that God values our service, no matter how unnoticed it is. We aren’t all going to be John Pipers or Mother Teresas, but God values our service to him just as much. There is a special place in the Bible reserved for the men and women who worked unseen to help the nation of Israel become great, and there is a special place for those who work unseen in the church today. 

Just as God provided a team of men to help give David valor to fight his battles, we need each other to persevere as saints as we go through this life. We are reminded that the body of Christ only functions when everyone does their part. David might have battled with Saul and the Philistines, but we are called to a spiritual battle we cannot afford to fight alone. We all need friends—the “mighty men and women” alongside us. 

Perhaps by way of application, you can join a small group at your church and if you happen to be in one already, I encourage you to make a serious effort in building fellowship and accountability with those in your group. Be available and vulnerable to share your needs and struggles. Pray for one another. Spend time together and go into battle together. 

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the friends you have put in my life. Help me to never take them for granted. Allow me opportunities to go deeper with them, fortifying relationships for the sake of the Gospel. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:Acts 18 

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 2:42-47: And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Questions to Consider 

  1. What were the four things the early church was committed to (v. 42)? 
  2. What was the result of their devotion? 
  3. What is the one thing you can do to show your commitment to the church today? 

Notes 

  1. They were devoted to Bible study (the apostles’ teachings), fellowship, communion, and prayer. 
  2. They were filled with awe (signs and wonders accompanied them). They had favor with men, and the Lord added to their number.  
  3. It’s so easy to read through this famous passage dismissively, but the call to follow Christ is startling and radical. We need to sense its impact anew today.  

Evening Reflection

What is one tangible way to love the people at your church? If you haven’t already, take time to pray for your pastor and your church. 

March 1, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 16, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Look at all the Wonderful Things I Have Done for You”

Philem. 1:8-9a

“Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I appeal to you on the basis of love . . .”

Once, to get one of my kids to do something that he didn’t feel like doing, I reminded him of all the wonderful things I had done for him lately.  To that he responded, “If that’s the reason, then please don’t do them anymore.”  Since I couldn’t get what I wanted, I immediately reached for the “you-owe-me” button.  Of course, I had other options, like bribing him or imposing my will over him (“Do it”), but I chose neither.  Bribing is never a good idea and the imposition of my will seems contrary to patience, kindness and not being rude.  Instead, I found myself feeling defensive, insisting that my love for him is not conditional.  

Doesn’t it look like I have all the makings of a spineless parent?  Actually, I don’t remember what I asked my kid to do that day, but if it was something trivial like, “Can you bring me a cup of water?” then I was being pathetic for using the “you-own-me” line.  Having said that, whether or not it is okay to use “you-owe-me” logic or other means to get people to do what they ought to do depends on the significance of the issue at hand.   

Now, if the matter is whether or not to obey God’s will, then the unwilling should be told, “You owe [God] your very self” (Philem. 1:19).  This is not conditional love.  The disobedient should be reminded that “every act of disobedience” is “punished” (2 Cor. 10:6).  This is not a threat.  The unmotivated should be reminded that God rewards every act of righteousness (Matt. 10:40-2).  This is not a bride.

No, God’s love is never conditional.  He doesn’t do nice things to get us to do something for Him later. Whatever the Lord does, including the pain that is allowed in our lives, is for our own good (Heb. 12:10-1).  But first, God ensures that we are adequately informed of His ways and character so that we can properly exercise our free will to choose Him on the basis of love.  

So, what is He speaking to you about these days?  Are you listening?  Are you going to obey Him?

Prayer: Father, please unclutter my mind full of worldly advices, that may be good in some things but not so when it comes down to why I ought to obey You.  When I am being ungrateful, constantly remind me of the sacrifice your Son made to redeem me.  When I get excited about the rewards that this world offers for choosing my way over yours, remind me of eternal rewards that come from having been chosen by You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 17

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Cor. 9:24-7: “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Questions to Consider

  1. In speaking of being motivated to serve the Lord, what seems to be motivating Paul here?
  2. Imagine that you are working with a personal trainer who is trying to get you to run faster and hit Harder!  What are some things you should expect to hear from him during training?
  3. Apart from today’s theme, what is the gist of this passage?  What is it really saying?

Notes

  1. In short, Paul does not want to lose his rewards by finishing poorly.  Many pastors hardly talk about rewards, but you can hardly turn the page in the Bible without reading about it. 
  2. Most trainers would remind them of the benefits and the rewards of reaching the goal (winning the race or the match).  They may mention what they have personally invested in order to help them. Thus, it is okay to mention to our kids, when they are being ungrateful, prudently and sporadically, what had been done for them.
  3. There is no day off in the Christian life.  It is a constant battle not to yield to the desires of the flesh. The moment we do, it may begin the downward spiral of spiritual laziness and carelessness with a devastating result.

Evening Reflection

Were you able to live today with a sense of gratefulness toward God?  Perhaps, you are going through a tough time now and feel frustrated with Him.  That happens but God’s love for you never changes.  Offer God a prayer of thanksgiving for his son Jesus, who never ceases interceding for you (1 Jn. 2:2).

February 28, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, was first posted on May 24, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Zigzag, Not Straight, Path”

Exodus 13:17-22

When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea.

Math teaches us that the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. While that might be true in geometry, in our lives, we wonder if God has us going on a zigzag path between point A and point B. We’re at point A, and we sense that God intends to take us to point B. Point B is God’s good and perfect will for our lives. It’s the vision He has for us; it’s what the Spirit of God laid in my heart. But why aren’t we there yet?  

For example, point B may be something you want to do for the Lord. As you think about your future and what you can do to serve God, you see yourself in a certain ministry for the Lord. The shortest distance to that point is: 

  1. Your church asks you to do something in that area. 
  2. You enjoy doing it, and you do it well. 
  3. God’s people are blessed, and the leaders ask you to do it again. 
  4. Soon you’re put in charge of that particular ministry. 

But if God is taking you there, He doesn’t seem to be moving in a straight-line path. It seems that intentionally and purposefully God takes our lives on an alternate route. 

The shortest distance between point A, Egypt, and point B, Canaan was an international trade route that went from Goshen, through Philistine territory, and into Canaan. Israel can get from point A to point B in about eight to ten days following that highway—a straight line. But instead, God takes them in the opposite direction. Why? 

God sometimes takes us on a zigzag path because He knows if on a straight-line route, we’d never make it. There’s something in the straight-line path that would stop us from getting to point B. God, in his wisdom, takes us on an alternate route because it’s the only sure way to reach our destination. In Israel’s case, there was some fighting on the straight-line path that would prevent them from making it to Canaan. 

God knows there are obstacles along the straight-line path that would prevent His people from ever reaching their destination. God says, “My people are not ready for war. They have no military skills. They have no social nor political organization. They’ve been slaves for four hundred years. If I were to take them on that straight-line path, they might never make it to the goal. They might just go back to point A.”

Perhaps God knows that if you were too quickly given a prominent role in ministry (or something else), you would be vulnerable to pride. God in His wisdom knows there’s something in the straight-line path that would prevent us from ever reaching the intended destination. And He lovingly leads us on an alternate route. God is constantly leading you in your life. Trust in His goodness and His perfect wisdom and patiently follow His zigzag path.   

Prayer: God, please remind me everyday that Your path and mine aren’t the same, and that Your desire is beyond getting me where I need to go as quickly as possible.  Increase the level of my patience and understanding.  As long as I have Jesus, I am okay! Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 16