March 16, Tuesday

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 25, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“We Shouldn’t Let Them Hurt Us Twice”

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

It is neither godly (in the spiritual realm) nor beneficial (emotionally) to focus on the person who has offended or hurt us.   Before long, we are thinking of different ways to “repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”   It is bad enough that someone has hurt us; it would be worse if we allow the bitterness to enroot in our hearts, because that becomes poison that brings dysfunction (in relationships with others), opens us to spiritual attacks from the Enemy (loss of joy, peace, a clear conscience, etc.), and keeps us from moving forward in life.  We should not let him or her hurt us twice. 

The more we hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness, the spiritual and emotional strongholds against us become stronger.  And God’s blessings and His promises seem meaningless since a prolonged bitterness always causes spiritual and emotional deadness.   Finally, the bitterness, once it is full-grown, demands that actions be taken to repay evil with evil against the offender:  We plan, plot, and implement until we have gotten our revenge.  In the meantime, the bitterness towards one person affects our relationship with others, including those who are trying to help and love us. 

Consider the case of the brothers of Joseph who hated their younger brother for his boasting (Gn. 37:5-11).  Embittered by this, they successfully implemented their plan to get rid of Joseph, which left their father Jacob, who loved all his children, miserable for the rest of his life (Gn. 37:34-5).  

Do not repay evil with evil; it is not worth it.  In fact, Joseph shows the importance of releasing bitterness and the desire to take revenge when he forgave his brothers, particularly in light of God’s bigger picture.  To his brothers, who continued to worry, wondering, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” (Gn. 50:13), Joseph said, “Don’t be afraid. . . . You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Gn. 50:20).

Bitterness hurts us, and in turn, we hurt others.  Therefore, let us free ourselves from bitterness by internalizing God’s promise (Rom. 14:17) in the Holy Spirit.  Only then can we clearly hear the voice of God that may tell us why a hurtful situation was allowed in the first place.  Then God can truly use us to do his work, including setting free those who are mired in bitterness. 

Prayer: Lord thank you that the command to forgive is to help me. You want me to forgive so that I will be free. Help me to give up all my bitterness and anger. Replace my bitterness with Your grace, freedom, and love.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 18:21-22: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why does the Lord emphasize the number seven?  Do some research on the number seven in the Bible?
  2. What did Jesus mean when He said to forgive seventy times?

Notes

  1. The number six is considered man’s number, while seven is considered the perfect number; it certainly is the number favored by God.  Throughout the Bible, the number seven is used in reference to a variety of activities of God: creation, Sabbath, prophecy (Daniel 9:24), etc. 
  2. In short, don’t count; always forgive!

Evening Reflection

Meditate on Matthew 18:23-35.

March 15, 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 November 6, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Remembering the Faithfulness of God”

Psalm 105:2-39, 42-45

[2] Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! [3] Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! [4] Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! [5] Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, [6] O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! [7] He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. [8] He remembers his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, [9] the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, [10] which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, [11] saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan as your portion for an inheritance.” [12] When they were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, [13] wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, [14] he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, [15] saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” [16] When he summoned a famine on the land and broke all supply of bread, [17] he had sent a man ahead of them, Joseph, who was sold as a slave. [18] His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron; [19] until what he had said came to pass, the word of the LORD tested him. [20] The king sent and released him; the ruler of the peoples set him free; [21] he made him lord of his house and ruler of all his possessions, [22] to bind his princes at his pleasure and to teach his elders wisdom. [23] Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. [24] And the LORD made his people very fruitful and made them stronger than their foes. [25] He turned their hearts to hate his people, to deal craftily with his servants. [26] He sent Moses, his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. [27] They performed his signs among them and miracles in the land of Ham. [28] He sent darkness, and made the land dark; they did not rebel against his words. [29] He turned their waters into blood and caused their fish to die. [30] Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the chambers of their kings. [31] He spoke, and there came swarms of flies, and gnats throughout their country. [32] He gave them hail for rain, and fiery lightning bolts through their land. [33] He struck down their vines and fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country. [34] He spoke, and the locusts came, young locusts without number, [35] which devoured all the vegetation in their land and ate up the fruit of their ground. [36] He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the firstfruits of all their strength. [37] Then he brought out Israel with silver and gold, and there was none among his tribes who stumbled. [38] Egypt was glad when they departed, for dread of them had fallen upon it. [39] He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night . . . [42] For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant. [43] So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. [44] And he gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the fruit of the peoples’ toil, [45] that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!

When I was a child, I remember my father promising me that he would get me a bike if I got good enough grades in school that semester.  As I worked hard and kept my grades up, my father was faithful to his word and kept his promise.  I was the owner of a brand new bike and it was a promise and memory that I did not forget even to this day!

Psalm 105 is about remembering the faithfulness of God to His people. From Abraham (v.1-6) to Joseph (v.16-25) to Moses (v. 26-41) it is evident that the Lord is the great promise keeper and is worthy to be praised.   The word ‘covenant’ is used three times in this passage (vv. 8, 9, 10) emphasizing that our God is the one who initiates and carries through his covenants.  Derek Kidner writes, “Like a jewel turned this way and that, the worship of God displays some of its many facets here, with its concern to proclaim him to the world; to delight in what he has said and done and what he is; and to show gratitude for past mercies.”  Jesus is the one who deserves all glory and worship for what he has done in each of our lives. 

Spend some time this morning reflecting on the faithfulness of God in your life.  He has been so good to you (even when you cannot see it right away).  His hand has always been on your life through the joys and hardships.  He is a faithful God. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, amid a turbulent world, it is comforting to know that You never change, that Your faithfulness and trustworthiness remain the same.  Thank You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jeremiah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 13:8: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Questions to Consider

  1. What does it mean to you that God never changes?
  2. How should it change the way we live?
  3. What should be the goal of our desire to change?

Notes

  1. As we have been meditating on the faithfulness of God, take some time to remember that our God never changes.  It means that his love, mercy, grace, forgiveness never changes despite what we do.   His goodness for you is constant. It means that his character never changes as well.  Pray that as we remember who Jesus is, it would give you greater confidence in the Lord because who He is and what He has done.
  2. At the end of the year, people often reflect on what has happened and what they want to change. You may remember successes and failures, joy and happiness, failed expectations and surprising accomplishments, sickness, health, and a host of other memories. Some things have prompted us to make changes. Other things have forced us to.
  3. We are constantly changing and change can often be good.  Most of us want to change and grow spiritually. We want to become more like Jesus. We want to forsake our sins, to honor the Lord God, to be more loving and forgiving, and to let the world know what Jesus has done for us.

Evening Reflection

The beautiful thing about this adventure called faith is that we can count on Him never to lead us astray.

– Charles (Chuck) Swindoll

As we finish the day with our evening reflection, think about the quote above by Charles Swindoll.  It summarizes what we have been reflecting on all day that our God will never lead us astray like His people throughout history because he is faithful.  It means that we can trust him with our life, time, money, career, future, family, etc.  Are you trusting God in all the areas of your life? 

March 14, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who formerly served at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on October 18, 2014.  Jabez is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Columbia International University (M.A., Muslim Studies).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Drink from His Cistern”

Jeremiah 2:13 

“My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.” 

The prophet Jeremiah ministered during extremely challenging times. At the start of Jeremiah’s ministry, the northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to the Assyrians, despite the warnings of Hosea and Isaiah. While these prophets rebuked Israel for their religious harlotry (shown through their worship of idols and other gods) and their political harlotry (engaging in foreign alliances instead of trusting in the one true God), their message fell on deaf ears. Sadly, even though Judah witnessed Israel’s downfall from a distance, they did not learn from Israel’s mistakes but rather engaged in the same sins themselves. This then led to God’s verdict of Judah’s sinfulness in forsaking Him and digging their own “broken cisterns” (Jeremiah 2:13)

To understand God’s charge, we have to understand what cisterns were used for during the time of Jeremiah. They were receptacles in the ground that were used to store water, either from a nearby spring or from rain-fall. As cisterns were about 15 to 20 feet deep, water was hoisted up with ropes and a bucket, similar to a well. Unfortunately, there were several unavoidable problems: First, a cistern could only hold a limited supply of water. Second, over time, these receptacles would begin to crack and water would leak. Additionally, scum would begin to collect in the cistern and would have to be dispersed by plunging the bucket several times before drawing water. Thus, the Israelites constantly had to draw water from a supply that was limited, leaking and rarely fresh. 

It is then no surprise that God uses the reality of cisterns to illustrate the sins of Judah and of our lives today. While most of us no longer worship hand-made idols or align ourselves with foreign nations, we still engage in idols (power, wealth, success, lust, affirmation, etc.) that leave us thirsty and unsatisfied; either due to limitations in quantity and/or taste. In contrast, God uses the reality of a spring to illustrate the pleasure that can be found in Him. Unlike a cistern, a spring’s supply of water is endless and there is no need to go to another source. Additionally, because the spring is outdoors and always running, there is no need to worry about leaking or about the quality and freshness of the water. The spring is a constant source of refreshment and joy for the people that draw from it. 

Centuries after Jeremiah’s ministry, Jesus declared that the living water He gives would become “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). And as He had invited the Samaritan woman, He is also inviting us today to drink from His living water instead of the broken cisterns we may run to. Today and each day, let us resolve to drink from Jesus and from Him only. 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to believe that You alone can satisfy. Sometimes the things of this world overwhelm me and I succumb to temptations instead of trusting in You. Help me to taste and see that You are good; and believe that I will be blessed when I take refuge in You (Psalm 34:8). Help me to experience Your life-giving water again and again. In Your Name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Jonah 4

March 13, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 13, 2013.  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

“The Wise Woman”

Proverbs 14:1

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down.”

Do not underestimate your God given potential, sisters. You have been given great influence. You can build a home or tear down a home. You can help build a man to be a great and godly man or tear down a man to be a very defensive and defeated. 

Of course, men also have to step up and be wise.  They must do their part. But this verse is talking about sisters.  Again, be wise sisters you have been given much influence.  

Prayer: Lord, today we pray for the sisters in AMI.  Empower the AMI sisters with wisdom to build godly families and churches.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today:  Jonah 2-3

March 12, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 20, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Moment that Transcends Everything”

Philem. 1:10

“I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.”

The most powerful image from the 1992 Barcelona Olympics had to be this British father, who ran to the track field to help his fallen and injured son to finish the race; it was a moment that transcended sports.  Paul does the same here for Onesimus, except that he was not the apostle’s son and this didn’t involve a sporting event.  

Onesimus, whose master was Philemon, was a runaway slave from Colosse (in today’s central Turkey), who somehow met Paul in Rome.  Since the apostle was under house arrest for two years while waiting for his trial before Cesar, perhaps one day Onesimus went there to look for a job.  Evidently, Paul, instead of feeling sorry for himself over his predicament, reached out to Onesimus with God’s love, and at some point, he became a believer through the apostle.  That’s why Paul, who had no son of his own, given that he was likely never married (1 Cor. 7:8), could call him, “My son.”  

Actually, Paul must have shared more than the Four Spiritual Laws with Onesimus to show such fatherly affection toward him.  He did.  Like the aforementioned father, Paul helped this torn and battered fugitive off the ground and nurtured him to such an extent that the apostle could say about him, “No longer . . . a slave, but better than a slave, [] a dear brother” (Philem. 1:16).   Who was once a useless person (Phile. 1:11) had now become a useful and “faithful . . . brother” (Col. 4:9).

When things aren’t going too well, we typically turn inward, pouting and complaining; this makes us feel even worse.  Paul, however, would have none of that.  Instead, his example demonstrates that every encounter with another person can become an opportunity to bless them (with apt words and kind actions).  It may even turn into a special relationship in which you become a “father” to someone because that person comes to know the Lord through your sharing of the gospel.   

Today, pray for an occasion to share God’s love with someone.  It may change your life! And that will, indeed, be a moment that transcends everything.

Prayer: God, I praise you this morning.  I look back with great fondness the day I became your child through that person who shared the gospel with me.  Bless that person for being my spiritual father.  I also ask for your divine appointment so that I can meet that one person today who needs to hear what you did for him in Christ.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Jonah 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Acts 8:26-31, 34-5, 38: “Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, ‘Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ 27 So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of the Kandake (which means ‘queen of the Ethiopians’). This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet. 29 The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ 30 Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’  Philip asked. 31 ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ . . .   34 The eunuch asked Philip, ‘Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?’ 35 Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus . . .” [Later] 38 “Philip baptized him.”

Questions to Consider

  1. In all things, we need to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, as Philip was.  What must we experience in order to be led to someone who needs to hear God’s word, including the gospel?
  2. One cannot lead someone to Christ, thereby giving a spiritual birth, without any prior preparation. How was Philip prepared for this day?
  3. In what sense was Philip, out in the open, similar to Paul under house arrest (Two things)?  What does this mean to you?

Notes

1. Philip met this Ethiopian officer through God’s divine appointment.  There is no secret to this: first, we need to pray (“Lord, lead me to someone who needs you today”); second, if someone’s name or face comes to your mind, or someone “walks” into you at that moment, then, trust that that’s the person with whom you need to share God’s love; third, just do it because there is nothing to lose.   

2. He had already developed the discipline of discerning the guidance of the Holy Spirit and possessed the knowledge of the Scripture to answer “everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet. 3:15).

3. First, both were eager to do God’s work in general and share the gospel in particular; second, both became a spiritual father because Onesimus and Ethiopian eunuch, respectively, became believers through their sharing of the gospel.  As for us, don’t think too much: prepare, anticipate, then do it. 

Evening Reflection

What kind of day did you have?  Even if it wasn’t good, that’s no excuse for not being proactive about our faith, right?  But, sometimes it is hard.  Let’s do better tomorrow; for now, soak in God’s love.  

March 11, Thursday

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 April 12, 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

“Our Words Fail Us in View of God’s Greatness”

Psalm 36:5-6

Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep.

When we contemplate the greatness of God, our minds strain under the stress of describing what is essentially the infinitude of his majesty.  That is why when David sought to describe God’s greatness, he looked to nature for analogies that might help us grasp the ungraspable.  God’s love, he tells us, reaches to the heavens.  His faithfulness stretches to the sky.  God’s righteousness is like the mighty mountains.  His justice is like the ocean’s deep.

Amazingly, even these images as beautiful and evocative as they are, fail to adequately describe God’s beauty and character.  How beautiful is God?  He is more beautiful!  How loving is God?  He is more loving.  When we stretch our imaginations to consider the immensity of God, we still fall short.

So is considering God’s greatness a pointless exercise?  NO!  The unsurpassable majesty of God’s beauty means that we will never stop finding things to marvel at when we set our eyes upon God!

Have you marveled at God’s greatness recently?  What helps you to consider God’s goodness and greatness?  This day, let us look for scenes that will help us begin to picture the greatness of God.

Prayer: Father, I ask that you open up my heart that I may gaze with fresh delight upon your beauty.  This day, may I see reminders of your majesty all around me.  Help me to pause in those moments and give you the glory and praise you deserve.  In Jesus’s name, I pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 28

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 3:14-19 (NIV): For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Questions to Consider

  1. For what reason does Paul kneel before the Father (verse 14, c.f. Eph 3:1-13)?  From what you know of how Jewish men were accustomed to pray, what does it mean that Paul was kneeling?
  2. What are four specific things that Paul asks for in this prayer?
  3. How can one know a love that surpasses knowledge (verse 19)?

Notes

  1. The custom of Jewish men was to pray standing up with hands (and arms) held high. In contrast to this custom, Paul is brought to his knees before God in prayer, as he contemplates with awe of the reconciling work God has done through Jesus Christ (Eph 3:1-13).
  2. Paul prays for four specific things for the church in Ephesus [Note: each prayer request is loftier than the one before]: first, that they may be strengthened by the indwelling of Christ through his Spirit; second, that they may be rooted and grounded in love; third, that they may know Christ’s love in all its dimensions, although it is beyond knowledge; fourth, that they may be filled completely with the very fullness of God.
  3. When we understand that the love of Christ is beyond our understanding, we are beginning to understand the love of God. This oxymoron must be taken seriously. The love of Christ is so profound that we can never plumb its depths. The love of Christ is so vast that no human mind can encompass its extent. But it is still the supreme object of Christian knowledge and so Paul prays that we might begin to grasp the ungraspable. As one scholar puts it, “the attempt to know the unknowable is a paradox which is at the heart of all true religion.”

Evening Reflection

There is nothing more worthy of our attention and meditation than the love of Christ.  Even as it dwarfs our ability to comprehend, we can take confidence in this:  Jesus loves us and he desires for us to know the fullness of his love.  He is so near us! 

How have you experienced the nearness of God this week?  Have you been able to lift up honest and bold prayers?  Write of your joys and frustrations where it comes to God and invite God to widen your perspective.

March 10, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 20, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“It Is All Him”

Psalm 89:19-25

Of old you spoke in a vision to your godly one, and said: “I have granted help to one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people. 20 I have found David, my servant; with my holy oil I have anointed him, 21 so that my hand shall be established with him; my arm also shall strengthen him. 22 The enemy shall not outwit him; the wicked shall not humble him. 23 I will crush his foes before him and strike down those who hate him. 24 My faithfulness and my steadfast love shall be with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. 25 I will set his hand on the sea and his right hand on the rivers.

As we look at the life and accomplishments of David, it is easy to think that he succeeded because of his effort, might, military prowess, and craftiness. It is easy to look at David as a mighty man in charge of mighty men. Yet here, in this Psalm, what we find is the persistent message that God is the One who has exalted David. God anointed him, established him, strengthened him, gave him victory over his enemies, has been faithful to him, and steadfastly loved him. 

This morning’s text is both humbling and encouraging. It humbling because we know that it is God who establishes us and gives us the victory. We dare not withhold the glory for ourselves, but with every achievement and accomplishment, we turn it into praise and worship of God for what He has done. 

At the same time, this is also our encouragement because when God calls us to a task or pursuit that seems to be beyond our capabilities, we know that His strength will be made perfect in our weakness. We know that even the things that may seem impossible for man to accomplish in following God’s will is possible for Him. 

This morning, God is calling us to be a people who depend on Him instead of our own strength. He is calling us to know that our identity as victors in Christ isn’t in our own hands, but in the hands of God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I seek You and tune my ear to Your voice this morning. Jesus, you are my blessed Savior, and I give you all the glory, my risen King.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 27

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 3:7-11: But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith—10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Background tidbit: The word “rubbish” in verse 8 is actually more graphic in the original language. It literally means refuse or dung, something to be flung away in disgust.

Questions to Consider

  1. Among the many parables told by Jesus, which parable resonates with what Paul says in this passage?
  2. What is Paul talking about here? A greater mental awareness of God?
  3. How can we know Christ more intimately?                                                                                                 

Notes

  1. Verses 7-9 resonate with the parable that Jesus taught on the Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:45-46). Paul had spent much his life amassing things which he thought were spiritual riches, but he found something in Christ that was of far more worth than anything he could even conceive.
  2. Paul is not speaking merely of having a greater mental awareness of God, but that he has a passionate longing to encounter a deeper personal union with Him. And to that end, there is nothing that would hold him back, not suffering, not death, not anything!
  3. Ask God to nurture in you a desire to know Christ that outweighs every other desire. Think what obstacles exist that hinder your love for Christ and give thought on how you should deal with them; meditate regularly on passages like Phil. 2:6-11 and Col. 1:15-20; study a Gospel like Mark or John with Phil. 3:10-11 prominently in mind; worship and adore him in song and in prayer!

Evening Reflection

Psalms 145:18: The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

“Dear God, what an incredible treasure You are to me!  It is more than I can comprehend.  I am filled with joy, for in Your presence is fullness of joy.  Oh, to see Your gaze, to hear Your whisper, to know You and recognize the grace and favor You bestow on me is too much, my God, yet You desire for all the world to receive this same blessing.”  Amen.

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