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

February 27, Saturday

UPDATED 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

Proverbs 13:20

“He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.”

This proverb is no different than what Paul tells the Corinthians, “Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals” (1 Cor. 15:33).  The kind of people whom you surround yourself with is THAT important.  Walk with wise people and it will greatly bless you, but if you do the very opposite, you will suffer harm!

I love this verse and I have tried hard to walk with the wise. I pray that you will too.  Your friends are helping you to become more passionate for Jesus or they are not.  I pray you will walk with the wise. 

Prayer: Lord, may I not suffer harm but walk with the wise.  In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 14-15

February 26, Friday

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 4, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Grace Unlimited”

1 Timothy 1:12-17

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, [13] though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, [14] and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [15] The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. [16] But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. [17] To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

I remember a friend of mine telling me a story of how he got pulled over by the cops for excessive speeding.  As he waited for the cop to come talk to him, he felt a sense of fear and shame because of what he had done.  After some time of begging and pleading with the police officer, he let him go and did not give him a ticket.  What an act of grace! 

Grace is what the Christian faith is all about:  It is grace that saves us and transforms us.  In these powerful verses, Paul is reminded of who he was before Christ, and how Jesus has saved him by his overflowing “hyper-plentiful” grace.   The word “overflow” in the Greek is hyperpleonazō, which means that God’s grace is not merely sufficient or even plentiful — it is emphasizing the superabundance (or hyper-abundance) of God’s grace.  In verses 14-15, Paul testifies of what this superabundant grace can do – save unworthy and undeserving sinners which Paul calls himself the worst of all.  It means that nobody is beyond grace.  If the Lord could redeem Saul, a onetime persecutor of Christ, then He can save anyone. This is why Paul saw his transformation as an example for all who would believe after his conversion (v. 16).

How often do we take the time to meditate upon the hyper-abundant grace of our Lord? His grace redeems and saves imperfect people like us.  Spend some time this morning thanking God for his grace.  Ask the Lord that the reality of his grace would transform us.  

Prayer: Jesus, thank you that your grace has saved and redeemed me.  Help me not to take your abundant grace for granted, and may it lead to continual thanksgiving and transformation in my own life.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 13

Lunch Break Study  

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10: But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. [10] For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Questions to Consider 

  1. How does Paul view grace with respect to his weakness and hardship?
  2. Paul says that he boasts in his weakness so that Christ’s power may rest upon him.  How should this verse encourage us in our weakness?  
  3. Do you see God’s abundant grace in hardship and weakness?  Ask the Lord that his grace would be sufficient for you today.  

Notes

  1. Paul gives us a correct view of grace, which is that God’s grace in our lives enables us to go through difficulty and hardship.  We can experience his love, mercy, and power in our weakness.
  2. These verses should encourage us because it is Christ who gives us strength when we are at our weakest.  We don’t need to come up with our own ways or strength when we face opposition; but rather, we can look to the power of Jesus.  
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Spend time reflecting on his grace.  How has grace changed you and strengthened you recently?  Pray that his superabundant grace would give you hope and contentment.  

February 25, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT blog, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on September 15, 2014; 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

“Turning the Blessings of God into a Curse”

Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 (ESV)

There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it lies heavy on mankind: 2 a man to whom God gives wealth, possessions, and honor, so that he lacks nothing of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to enjoy them, but a stranger enjoys them. This is vanity; it is a grievous evil. 3 If a man fathers a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, but his soul is not satisfied with life’s good things, and he also has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 For it comes in vanity and goes in darkness, and in darkness its name is covered. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything, yet it finds rest rather than he. 6 Even though he should live a thousand years twice over, yet enjoy no good—do not all go to the one place? 

In reading Ecclesiastes, you realize that the more things seem to change, in reality they stay the same.  From the beginning of history, worldly success has been measured by the triumvirate of wealth, long life and children.  Children?  Regardless of how few children we may have today, their behaviors, their involvement in sports and other activities, and their academic progress constantly preoccupy our minds.  But, as some of us already know, wealth, stable children, and optimal health are still no guarantee of a good and happy life.  In fact, the worst thing possible is to be unhappy despite possessing these things.  Where then can we turn?

For this reason, Solomon writes that it is better to have been a stillborn child, to never have lived than to live without being able to enjoy the wealth and the family during the length of years that God has given us.   Somehow, we humans will find a way to turn the blessings of God into a curse: squandering our financial wealth so that someone else enjoys it; after raising “successful” children, they have become so embittered towards us that they will not be at our bedside in death.  Moreover, to live 75 years, not to mention 2000 years, is an interminable amount of time if we are filled with constant discontentment.  Some of us continue to live in the same way as the man who confessed, “I hate life but I am afraid of death.”  

Thus, it isn’t hard to see why this chapter is deemed as one of the darkest in the Scriptures; but there is a glimmer of hope.  Solomon, led by the Spirit, correctly diagnoses the solution to this dilemma: God is the one who gives us the power to enjoy everything we have in life, whether it’s a lot or a little.  Christ, who had no wealth, no children, and a life shortened to thirty-three years, reveals that our life is so much more than these three factors, that the abundant life is not dependent on having these things checked off on our list of accomplishments.  In fact, if our soul is not first satisfied in our relationship with God, then we will find no satisfaction in anything that the world offers.  

So today, refocus; realize that “for Thou hast formed us for Thyself, and our hearts are restless till they find rest in Thee” (Augustine).

Prayer: Father, we have been created with eternity in our hearts but yet we try to fill that void with so many temporary and material things.  Help us to see that a heart that is not satisfied in you, can never find ultimate satisfaction in anything at all.  Thank You that you give us the power to enjoy the gifts of wealth, family, and life itself.  In Jesus name.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 12

Lunch Break Study  

Read John 10:7-15 (ESV): So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13 He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Questions to Consider 

  1. How does Jesus give us the abundant life?  
  2. What is the enemy of the abundant life?
  3. How can we personally learn to live abundantly? 

Notes

  1. Jesus teaches us that He is both the gate and the shepherd through which we can enter into the safety of the fold and the plentiful forage of the pasture.  All other philosophies of life apart from a relationship with Christ ultimately lead to death and destruction.  Only Jesus can lead us to streams of living water and to a life in all of its fullness.  
  2. Sometimes the enemies of the abundant life are disguised as self-help gurus or even teachers of religion.  There are many who advertise themselves as guides to life but the only path to true life is found in the person of Jesus and his teaching.  
  3. We can learn to live abundantly by growing in our knowledge of Christ and learning to trust him as our good shepherd.    

Evening Reflection

Can you describe your life as being abundant?  How has Jesus been a guide to your life?  Can you recognize the dangers of following other ways of finding satisfaction in life?  Spend some time reflecting on what it means for Jesus to be your shepherd.  

February 24, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), was first posted on January 15, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“You Owe Me One” “Only If You Want To”

Philem. 1:8-9

“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.” 

Here, the apostle Paul is about to ask Philemon to do something that perhaps the latter may not want to do.  At this point, what is being asked is not as important as recognizing that this happens almost every day in our lives.  Are you a parent?  How do you get your preteen to do something she doesn’t feel like doing?  Are you a pastor?  How do you get your congregant to commit to a responsibility that he or she doesn’t like?

How would experts advise you?   As a parent, it may be wise to avoid saying to your kid, “Do this for me since I did nice things for you and your friends last week.”  As a pastor, I may counsel you to avoid saying to your congregant, “If you don’t do this, God won’t bless you.”  I will address the merits of these approaches tomorrow, but for now, let’s see how God does it.

Well, we already know that God won’t force anything on us, for He gives us free will.  Nevertheless, to steer us toward the right direction, the Lord does remind us of what He did on our behalf in the past.  For instance, since the Israelites “forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt” (Ps. 106:21), they were told to “remember the wonders he has done, his miracles” (Ps. 105:5a).  Moreover, God wants us to know that “all these blessings will come up on you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God” (Deut. 28:2).  After that, God will appeal to us on the basis of His love, expressed ultimately in Christ, to “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Jos. 24:15).

So, what is that one thing that the Lord is asking you to do which you find difficult to carry out?  Is it a matter of forgiving someone or being generous toward a godly cause?   Whatever it may be, remember God’s goodness as well as the terms of His blessing; then obey out of your love for Him. 

Prayer: “Dear Lord, I exalt you and lift your name on high this morning.  I thank you for not making us like a robot that has no free will.  Help me to use prudently this precious gift to choose you and your ways.  When I do not use it for your glory, gently remind me of your goodness and to obey you out of love.”  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 11

Lunch Break Study

Read Jeremiah 35:12-6:  Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying: 13 “This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Go and tell the people of Judah and those living in Jerusalem, ‘Will you not learn a lesson and obey my words?’ declares the Lord. 14 ‘Jehonadab son of Rekab ordered his descendants not to drink wine and this command has been kept. To this day they do not drink wine, because they obey their forefather’s command. But I have spoken to you again and again, yet you have not obeyed me. 15 Again and again I sent all my servants the prophets to you.’  They said, ‘Each of you must turn from your wicked ways and reform your actions; do not follow other gods to serve them. Then you will live in the land I have given to you and your ancestors.  But you have not paid attention or listened to me. 16 The descendants of Jehonadab son of Rekab have carried out the command their forefather gave them, but these people have not obeyed me.‘ ”

Questions to Consider

When I first realized what God is doing here, I felt both sad and had a new appreciation for God.  

  1. In what sense is this narrative sad?
  2. In what sense does this narrative cause us to appreciate God?
  3. If you were a prophet whom God sent to turn the Israelites [described as “the fewest of all peoples” (Deut. 7:7)] from their sinful ways, how would you have appealed to them on the basis of love?

Notes

  1. It is sad in the sense that the God of the universe cannot get the kind of respect from His people (for whom so much was done by Him) that the forefathers of the Recabites, mere humans, received from their descendants on account of nothing more than simply being told. 
  2. God could have wiped them out at any moment, but He continued to reason with the Israelites (Is. 1:18: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD”) so that they could be placed in a position (obedience) to be blessed by Him.  
  3. I would say: “Israelites, despite the fact that you were not so significant and not so righteous (Deut. 9:6), God in His grace chose you to be His people.  So, show some gratitude by turning from your rebellious ways and return to God.”

Evening Reflection

Did anything occur today that reminded you of God’s love?  Did you face a choice that could have expressed your love and loyalty to God?  How did you fare?  Review your day here. 

February 23, Tuesday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 13, 2013.  

Devotional Thought for This Morning 

“Who Are We?”

Psalm 87:4-7

Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush—“This one was born there,” they say. 5 And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her. 6 The Lord records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Selah 7 Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.”

Who are we? God says one thing while the world says something completely opposite. So which voice do you heed?

In this Psalm, there is juxtaposition between some of the major nations surrounding the nation of Israel and the city of Zion itself. These metropolitan areas were major sources of power, wealth, and influence. Yet, the key distinguishing element that separated Zion from these other nations is that it is God Himself who established that city, intimately numbering each and every person who dwells in Zion. 

This reality becomes manifested through singers and dancers who worship the Lord and proclaim that their springs are in God. They declare that their source of life, that spring of life, is in God alone.

As Christians, there is always a constant pressure to conform to the pattern of this world. The temptations and paradigms set by the major influencing powers compel us to put our identity in the things of this world. Yet, we know that God Himself is the source of that river of life that uplifts, saves, and restores. 

This morning, God is calling us to examine where we find our identity. Do we let the world define our identity, or do we let God establish it? Can we, like the worshippers in verse 7, declare that all of our springs are found in God? Remember that God knows you intimately and has counted you as his own, calling you to find your identity only in Him.

Prayer: Lord, I’m amazed and so grateful to know that Your goodness follows me!  Wow, Lord! You love to bless Your people. Oh God, Your beautiful, bountiful, gracious, cheerful, loving, presence follows me! Your mercy, favor, and goodness follow me through all the seasons of my life, whether in times of trouble or peace, for You are perpetually present!  Thank You.  Praise You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:8-11: “And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Philippians 2:7 says that the mind of Christ (v.5) led to this radical change of Christ’s relationship to the world, i.e., he was in very nature God (v.6), yet took up the form of a servant (v7).  How does verse 8 amplify that reality?
  2. What did Jesus, in fact, do for us?
  3. What does Phil. 2:9-11 give us?
  4. Are there areas that you are tempted to exalt yourself? What areas of your life are you struggling to surrender to Christ’s lordship?

Notes

  1. It says that Christ assumed every aspect of being a servant up to and including dying on a cross (v.8).
  2. Jesus didn’t just teach us to be humble servants, He showed us; in other words, he practiced what he preached.
  3. Verses 9-11 give us fuel for adoration today. He is worthy of our worship and praise!
  4. Bring them before the Lord in prayer so that the mind of Christ will manifest as humility in your life. 

Evening Reflection

Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

“Jesus, I am transformed as I reflect upon the beauty of your presence. I acknowledge that I am fed and protected by you, my Shepherd. With great joy, I will rest in you and be refreshed for I lack nothing in you, my Lord, the One who leads me.  Throughout the week, I will adore you as I move you to the center and remove the other things that try to take your place. I will adore you as I make my work, my worship, and my relationships an invitation for you. Without this knowledge of you, I’m lost; yet with this knowledge, I dwell in your glorious presence forever.  Amen.”