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

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?
What did Jesus, in fact, do for us?
What does Phil. 2:9-11 give us?
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

It says that Christ assumed every aspect of being a servant up to and including dying on a cross (v.8).
Jesus didn’t just teach us to be humble servants, He showed us; in other words, he practiced what he preached.
Verses 9-11 give us fuel for adoration today. He is worthy of our worship and praise!
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.”

February 22, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by the then (2013) staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of their blog first posted on July 26, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Can God Use Me?”

Psalm 78:65-72

Then the Lord awoke as from sleep, as a man wakes from the stupor of wine. 66 He beat back his enemies; he put them to everlasting shame. 67 Then he rejected the tents of Joseph, he did not choose the tribe of Ephraim; 68 but he chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which he loved. 69 He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever. 70 He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; 71 from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.

Do you ever wonder if God can use you? Maybe you’re an accountant or an IT technician, and you’ve always wondered if God could use someone like you.

David was a shepherd by trade. He was the youngest of eight brothers, given the job to watch the family’s sheep. God took this young shepherd from the sheep pens and made him the king of Israel. David took what he learned from shepherding sheep and applied it to shepherding a nation. He took what he already knew and used it for God’s work. In v. 72, it describes how he shepherded God’s people. He did it with integrity of heart, a pure heart. He also used the skills that he learned as a shepherd to lead.

This is how David was used by God to make an impact in God’s kingdom. If God can use a young shepherd to lead a nation, God can also use you, right where you are, using all that God has given you.

Ephesians 4:7 says, “But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.” God has given you gifts for an important role in the body of Christ. What are you doing for the Lord today?

Prayer: Father, thank You for saving me and giving me gifts, abilities, and experiences for Your purposes. Please show me how I can serve You. I want to be used by You to influence and impact people’s lives for Your glory. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 9

Lunch Break Study

James 5:1-6 (NIV): Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

Questions to Consider

What strong warning does James announce to those who are oppressing the poor?
What sins of oppression are illustrated by James in vv. 3-6?
Have you taken the opportunity to financially assist those who are in need around you, in your community, your church, your family, etc.?

Notes

James warns that any attempts to insulate oneself from difficulties by becoming rich will lead to sins of oppression and incur God’s judgment upon the oppressive ways. In fact, all of the riches that have been accumulated will rot and corrode.
James notes that the rich have hoarded wealth by indulging in excessive and self-centered lifestyles; they have made their money at the expense of others; they have destroyed innocent lives. God will one day bring justice to such oppressors. Christians are not to usurp God’s role as avenger and the one who brings about justice; rather believers must patiently wait.
Personal response

Evening Reflection

In what ways did you sense that you were God’s steward in the things that have been given to you for the sake of God’s Kingdom?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please keep my heart pure when it comes to world’s riches. Help me to use what I’ve been given to bless others. Amen.

February 21, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Yohan Lee, a friend of AMI, who in the past has served as a staff at several AMI churches, is an updated version of his blog first posted on April 19, 2014. He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Confession of a Believer Who Doesn’t Want Christ to Return Any Time Soon”

John 14:1-3

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.

The Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday is an awkward time for us as believers. If your church is like mine, you probably went to a Good Friday service last night, where the service was probably centered on Christ’s sacrifice. There is typically a solemn atmosphere at churches on Good Friday. Of course, Easter (or Resurrection Sunday, if you prefer) is an entirely different story. He is alive! Let’s celebrate! But what is Saturday? Do I try to go through the “disciple experience” and continue in a melancholy state because Christ died? This seems odd since I know what has already happened. On the other hand, I can’t just party like its Easter, because it’s not Easter yet. For me, Saturday has always been waiting day. Basically, I patiently wait through Saturday to experience the joy of the resurrection on Sunday. Today, I am going to play off of this theme of waiting, to help us think about something we don’t think about nearly enough, namely, the second coming of our Lord.

In this passage, Christ, on the eve of his crucifixion, gave these words to his disciples in order to comfort them in their coming grief. But more than comfort, Jesus was instilling hope by assuring them that he would one day return and that they would have a place with him in paradise. Similarly, if you read through the New Testament, it becomes clear that the first century Christians were desperate for Christ’s return and many even thought it was imminent.

Of course, as moderns we can say that part of the reason the early church was so heavenly-minded was that they faced persecution for their faith. The idea that Christ was coming brought a tremendous amount of comfort to those who were being jailed or having property confiscated or even being killed; the king is going to return and bring us into his kingdom. But that might be the problem. As a middle class American, I am relatively happy, and I can’t remember the last time I longed for Christ’s return. But really, is any believer’s life so great that Christ return wouldn’t improve it by a million percent? For me there are a number of reasons why I don’t consider Christ’s return more: First, I like my life in this world too much. Second, I really don’t fathom what being with Christ would be like. Third, I’ve been lulled into complacency. Fourth, I don’t see the world as bad as it really is. The list goes on and on, and I would imagine we have our own similar lists.

Today, let me ask you seriously, if Christ came to you in a dream or vision and made you the offer, “I can come back tomorrow, if you want”, would you take him up on it, or is life too good? When was the last time you thought about and longed for Christ’s return or thought about heaven? I believe the practice of thinking of eternity is a discipline that the modern church has lost. Spend five minutes today; it’s okay to be a little heavenly minded. Sometimes hoping for tomorrow helps us to be faithful for today.

Prayer: “Come, O Lord!” (1 Cor. 16:22b).

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 8

February 20, Saturday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, was originally posted on May 4, 2013. Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Walking Dead”

Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV)

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

No one likes to face death or even talk about it than Americans, but today’s text gives us no choice, for Paul says that we were all dead in the past.

What are some characteristics of a “dead” person prior to living a life of faith? At the onset of this chapter, Paul reminds us of the problem of human sin that once controlled us. It would be offensive to tell anyone, particularly those brimming with confidence, enthusiasm, and independent spirit, “Guess what, though you are walking around, you are actually dead!” At best, they would be confused; more likely they’d call you crazy.

Dead people share two things in common. First, they are rendered impotent or powerless. Imagine the idiocy of trying to share the Gospel with a dead body or asking it to perform some kind of physical action. Since the body is completely lifeless and devoid of power, how absolutely hopeless for that dead person to respond to any instruction or appeal.

A second characteristic is corruption. If you’ve ever been around a dead body of any sort, you know that it always deteriorates. In the story of Lazarus (John 11), by the time Jesus arrives, since he had been dead for four days, there is a bad odor. That is another pungent mark of death—corruption.

So then, what are the implications of Ephesians 2:2 and why are they important? (i.e., regarding temptation, evangelism, etc.). One major implication is a spiritual battle that is taking place in our lives even if we do not see it with our physical eyes. Apart from Christ, we are slaves to Satan/sin. Satan is the author of that proud, carnal disposition that rules in the hearts of men. We need to acknowledge the spiritual opposition and understand that apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, fighting sin and understanding the gospel are impossible.

In conclusion, given that we all share in the sinful nature, take some time, as you start this day of rest, to reflect on your desires and thought life to keep away from sinning against God.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You dare to tell me the truth even though I don’t want to hear or acknowledge it. And thank You that You don’t leave me in this hopeless state but that You provide a way out through the love that you demonstrated in Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is your infinite grace that enables me to receive Your solution to the human problem of sin. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 6-7

February 19, Friday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Absolute Necessity of Refreshing Others While Being Refreshed Yourself”

Philem. 1:7

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.”

Prov. 11:25b

“Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

I still remember a young man whom I briefly saw on the first day of class at a Christian college that we were attending in 1983. When it was his turn to introduce himself, he said, “I am here to infiltrate the students to sell drugs.” To the startled class, he quickly added, “Actually, I want to be a youth pastor”; shortly thereafter, he took his own life. He wrote in his suicide note: “I know God loves me but I don’t know if anyone else does.”

In yesterday’s QT based on this verse, we clearly saw how God’s extraordinary love for the undeserved was demonstrated through the sacrificial death of his Son on our behalf. Apparently, the young man who took his own life saw the same; he, however, didn’t have anyone who refreshed his heart through loving him, thereby leaving him joyless and discouraged. If the apostle Paul, a fearless man totally committed to the Lord, needed the love of brothers to be refreshed and encouraged, how much more do we, often mired in self-inflicted problems, need the same!

It was a lonesome time for me as I became a father just after turning 30; having left a youth pastor position to plant a church, I was uncertain about the step. Then late one night, I opened the door after hearing a knock, and to my surprise, I saw two men whom I used to serve together, standing there holding several bags of food. Not only did they refresh my heart, they also filled my stomach! They gave me great joy and encouragement to begin the next day with hope.

Perhaps, you need that kind of love. And may God grant that today! Maybe the Lord wants you to refresh the hearts of others; obey Him.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to love others as you have shown it to me, but I let my selfishness and busyness get in the way. Please help me to be less narcissistic and less busybody so that I can do what’s really important before your eyes. Fill me with your Spirit so that I may do all things for your glory. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 5

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 King 4:8-10, 13: “One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. 9 She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. 10 Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us’. . . . Elisha said . . . ‘You have gone to all this trouble for us. Now what can be done for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’”

Questions to Consider

In what concrete way did this well-to-do woman refresh the heart of Elisha?
Obviously, Elisha felt grateful; in what way did her action give him joy and encouragement?
Based on her action, what does it take to actually love someone according to the way she did it?

Notes

Instead of a temporary visit, her action enabled Elisha to extend his stay in the privacy of his own room. As someone who stayed in many Mexican houses while traveling, I can really appreciate what she did for this prophet. I once stayed in a room with a few of my students that had a torn curtain for a door—I could neither prepare nor relax. My heart may have been refreshed but not my body!
Her action spoke louder than words: “Prophet Elisha, I value what you do because you are doing the Lord’s work; you are important because you are God’s servant.” We should feel that way toward all those who serve the Lord, whether they are a big-timer like Elisha or a rookie just starting out.
We must first see the need, but not everyone wants to see it since it means we are to meet that need; it may require investing time, effort and/or money. Obviously, when more is invested to show love in a tangible manner, the greater the heart will feel refreshed.

Evening Reflection

Did you have a chance to refresh someone today? What happened? Did you pass it up? Why? Did someone refresh you? How did you feel? Write about it and let’s do better tomorrow.

February 18, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by the then (2013) staff of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of their blog first posted on July 25, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Not Just Any Tent!”

Psalm 78:40-55

How often they rebelled against him in the desert and grieved him in the wasteland! 41Again and again they put God to the test; they vexed the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember his power— the day he redeemed them from the oppressor, 43 the day he displayed his miraculous signs in Egypt, his wonders in the region of Zoan. 44 He turned their rivers to blood; they could not drink from their streams. 45 He sent swarms of flies that devoured them, and frogs that devastated them. 46 He gave their crops to the grasshopper, their produce to the locust. 47 He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore-figs with sleet. 48 He gave over their cattle to the hail, their livestock to bolts of lightning. 49 He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility— a band of destroying angels. 50 He prepared a path for his anger; he did not spare them from death but gave them over to the plague. 51 He struck down all the firstborn of Egypt, the firstfruits of manhood in the tents of Ham. 52 But he brought his people out like a flock; he led them like sheep through the desert. 53 He guided them safely, so they were unafraid; but the sea engulfed their enemies. 54 Thus he brought them to the border of his holy land, to the hill country his right hand had taken. 55 He drove out nations before them and allotted their lands to them as an inheritance; he settled the tribes of Israel in their homes.

In this passage the psalmist recounts the story of Exodus. The story begins with Israel in Egypt and ends in a tent. It’s not just any tent; it’s the tent of God. The tent implies that the one and only God has come to reside with His people. Whereas Egypt represents bondage, the tent represents a relationship with the gracious God who liberates his people.

The exodus event illustrates what God has already done to save his people. It’s also a picture of what He continues to do in our lives. God continues to free us from sin that enslaves and entangles us. The psalmist recounts this story so that we would remember to trust God every moment we live. God repeats the exodus event every day in our lives; every day God saves us from sin and evil; every day He sustains us.

We can be confident that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). When we battle the enemy, let us trust that God will rescue us. When we are lost in our own sins, have hope, for God will save us. Today, let’s meditate on the exodus so that we will realize that God is indeed our savior.

Prayer: Father, thank you for what you did for your people when they were in Egypt and what you are doing for your people today. May I remember, so that I may trust in You today and forever. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 4

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:13-17 (NIV): Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Questions to Consider

Why does James point to the folly of making our own plans apart from God?
Instead, what is the proper way in which we can respond to God’s sovereign purposes?
Ask God for heavenly wisdom when facing trials and difficulties; then, firmly expect that your best wisdom will come only from Him.

Notes

James points out that the believers do not even know what will actually happen tomorrow in God’s plans. In fact, a person’s life is only a mist that appears for a little while before vanishing. Mist was a prevalent OT metaphor for the transitory.
Instead, the believers are to live a life reflective of the Lord’s Prayer with its central role for petitioning God that His will be done on earth as it is already being done in heaven. This requires believers to leave enough time to listen to God on a regular basis so that His plans can overrule ours when necessary. This way, we can distinguish divine interruptions that helps us to make “the most of every opportunity because the days are evil” (Eph 5:16).
Personal response

Evening Reflection

In what tangible way did you sense a divine interruption today or this week?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to simply make my own future plans as though I am fully in control over my own life. Instead, help me to make consistent allowances in my own life to Your sovereignty, Your interruptions, and Your purposes. Amen.

February 17, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 11, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Praying for Those Face Oppression”

Psalm 86:14-17

O God, insolent men have risen up against me; a band of ruthless men seeks my life, and they do not set you before them. 15 But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me; give your strength to your servant, and save the son of your maidservant. 17 Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.

This morning’s Psalm finds the psalmist in the midst of severe opposition in life. He mentions a band of ruthless men seeking his life and goes on further to describe people who hate him. Yet, in the middle of this severe oppression, the psalmist looks to God and calls out for God’s strength. He makes a bold declaration that God will show a sign of His favor in comfort and help that will be visible to those enemies around him.

Living in our Western, U.S. context, it’s hard to imagine what it would be like for people to actively hate us and to seek our lives. (How quickly have we forgotten the horror of 9.11). Yet, we know that in the world, there are many who face this reality day by day. While we may look to this Psalm as an encouragement during our own times of need, today, let us turn our attention outward and pray for those who are facing oppression. Let us remember that God uses the prayers of the righteous in powerful ways and ask for mercy, grace, strength, salvation, favor, help, and comfort to those who are in dire need, knowing that the heart of the Father is to turn to us and respond to our prayers.

Prayer: Lord, as I invite You into the center of my thoughts and actions, my hopes and dreams, my work and play, and my relationships, I acknowledge that You are a God who provides! Whether it be spiritual, relational, physical, financial, or emotional, God You know exactly what I need. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Questions to Consider

Considering this passage, what is the message from world that is direct opposite of it?
How is Christ’s teaching and example differ from that of the world?
How should we live in light of Christ’s teaching and example?

Notes

The world teaches us to look out for #1, to push others down as we pull ourselves up on the ladder of success, to seek first our own kingdom.
The way of Christ is counter cultural: humility, not pride; consider others greater than ourselves; serving others rather than being served.
Our natural selves scoff at the principles in these verses, but God has called us to be supernatural. So we take encouragement knowing that “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5). Note that these verses, as well as the surrounding context, addresses the matter of the mind and attitude, which is at the heart of living lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ (Phil. 1:27).

Evening Reflection

Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Thank you, Lord that You are always there for me, with your constant care, giving me your all: your very character, authority, power, and presence through your glorious riches in Christ Jesus! Thank You, God! I remember the times when I have desperately needed You and I am so grateful that You have provided. Tonight, glorify His name by acknowledging and thanking Him for how He has provided for you. Amen.

February 16, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, was first posted on April 10, 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

“Praying for our Enemies”

Psalm 35:11-14

Ruthless witnesses come forward; they question me on things I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good and leave my soul forlorn. 13Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth and humbled myself with fasting. When my prayers returned to me unanswered, 14 I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.

David’s situation in Psalm 34 was an unhappy one. He was being opposed, mocked and persecuted by different enemies. Even more grievous, some of these enemies were men for whom he had prayed and wept. Psalm 34 is David’s prayer asking for God’s justice and deliverance from the injustices arrayed against him.

However, the question that Psalm 34:11-14 poses for us this morning is this: Is opposition (even betrayal) a legitimate reason to stop praying for others? Many of us will gladly pray for our friends, but are we willing to pray for our enemies? This is not meant to be a criticism of David. Rather, in light of Jesus’s example on the cross, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” I suggest that as admirable as David’s prayer and conduct might be, the example of Christ beckons us further.

Are you willing to pray and weep for your enemies? Let’s ask for the grace to pray for others.

Prayer: Father, I thank you that loved me and poured grace upon me when I was your enemy. I ask that this day I would follow in your example. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 2

Lunch Break Study

Read Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV): “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Questions to Consider

Why should we love and pray for our enemies? What example does Jesus give us to emulate?
Why is loving only those who love us insufficient?
Verse 48 may seem impossible for us to follow. If Jesus is not giving us an impossible command, what could he mean by this verse (given the context of the passage)?

Notes

We are to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us because we are children of God. Jesus points to the weather as an example of God’s indiscriminate love and grace. Remember Jesus was speaking to a primarily agricultural society. The sun and the rain are vitally important for crops to grow. God blesses evil and righteous people alike with his provision of these vital components. So too, we must become indiscriminate lovers of people just like our Father in heaven.
When we love only those who love us, or greet only those who greet us, we are no different from anyone else in the world. Men and women who have the grace of Jesus Christ in their hearts must be different from the world.
This verse is often interpreted out of context. Being perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect is not a reference to moral perfection, but rather to being complete in love. In other words, we are not to deny our love to anyone whom the Father loves.

Evening Reflection

It is an act of radical grace to love and pray for our enemies, and indeed, it is only possible when we have experienced God’s radical grace toward his enemies first. Remember that God demonstrated his own love for us in this: while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us! (Romans 5:8). When you are tempted to withhold love from anyone today, lift up a prayer for them (and yourself) first. Ask God for his grace to be able to extend grace and love.

Were you able to give grace and love to all who crossed your path today? Journal of your encounters with people today.

February 15, Monday

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

Devotional Thought for This Morning

Philem. 1:7a

“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement . . .”

Col. 1:3a-4

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have all the saints.”

“You would do that for me? Why?”; “I didn’t expect that! Wow!”; “I don’t deserve this. Thanks!” These things are said when we are so touched by the unexpected kindness by someone, perhaps at the most unexpected time.

One virtue that many people talk about without really comprehending it, is love: No, not the feeling or affable type, but the kind where favors are bestowed on an unworthy person. In the English language in which the word “love” is used to describe our feelings toward French fries as well as toward God, this isn’t an easily concept to grasp. But in the Greek exists a special word—agape—to conceptualize unconditional love. Conceptualize? Yes, it was a mere concept among the ancient Greeks until someone actually demonstrated what this love truly looked like. Paul puts it like this: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). A great favor was bestowed upon us when God allowed his Son to take the blame for something awful that we did, and then pay for it with his own life.

Philemon 1:7is actually about Paul appreciating the love he received from Philemon in Colosse, who was able to “love because [God] first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19). When this reality truly sinks in, our hearts are joyous regardless of how terrible our present circumstances may be. We are greatly encouraged, knowing that the One “who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:32).

All things? A new car perhaps, a better job? Sure, if you need it, for God promises to “meet all your needs” (Phil. 4:19^a); but don’t get more excited about getting things from God than being loved by Him. Unless we have authentically internalized the reality of the God of the universe personally knowing and loving us, we cannot love others that would make them truly joyous and encouraged. It all starts from God.

Prayer: God, it is amazing how I sometimes act as if I deserve the things that I continue to receive from you. Perhaps, I compare myself to others who aren’t doing so well, thereby feeling superior, spiritually and morally. Forgive me Lord, for my joy ought to come from knowing that the amazing love of God was bestowed upon the one so undeserved, namely, me, in Christ. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 1

Lunch Break Study

Read Hosea 3:1-3: “The Lord said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.’ 2 So I bought her for fifteen shekels of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley. 3 Then I told her, ‘You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you.’”

Questions to Consider

In what sense does Hosea demonstrate agape love in his overture toward Gomer, who ran off to be a prostitute (property of a pimp)?
What is expected of Gomer after receiving this unexpected and undeserved love by her husband (Rom. 2:4)?
Ultimately, what is the story about as it relates to what God did for men and what He did to free them?

Notes

Of course, the last thing Gomer expected was forgiveness and reconciliation; she didn’t deserve it and she knew it. In this way, Hosea, through the strength that God gave him for that occasion, demonstrated the unconditional love of God.
Romans 2:4 states that God’s expectation for those who have been showered with the kindness of God is repentance; that is, turning away from the sinful way. Hosea expects Gomer to be faithful to him.
Ultimately, God allowed this event to happen to symbolize what He will ultimately do for humans who have always rebelled against God by refusing to submit to His rule. Instead, they serve themselves or men more powerful than they. What Hosea had to pay to free his wife represents what God paid to free us—the life of his Son.

Evening Reflection

Did you have a joyous and encouraging day? And I don’t mean just because fortuitous things happened to you today. As you conclude this day, write out a prayer that expresses your gratitude toward God for what He did in Christ for the undeserved.

February 14, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI Devotional Quiet Time, provided by Christine Li, was first posted on October 11, 2014. Christine, a graduate of University of Pennsylvania, serves as a deaconess at Remnant Church in Manhattan, New York.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“In Secrecy, before the Lord”

Matthew 6:2-4

“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.”

We live in a world where we are taught to be seen and heard, and put ourselves “out there” if we want to succeed. I’ve never heard of a self-help book that teaches its readers to keep their head down, stay quiet, and just hope for the best.

So why does God reward the prayers, the deeds, and the fasting done in secret? Why is it so imperative that we do these things in secret? I believe there are two reasons: first, God knows that our hearts hunger for earthly rewards; and second, God wants to give us greater joy when we serve. Christ is so stern here in Matthew 6 about how we should give and love because He knows the guidelines will test our heart of love; and by readjusting our motives, He will be able to give us the things from Heaven, more than the things of Earth.

Do we truly desire only the reward that comes from Him? That means that the reward will come fully in Heaven and perhaps not in the present moment. Do we truly desire only the praise that comes from Him? Then that means we must forgo the praise and accolades from the people around us.

Many people have prayed along the lines of what John the Baptist said: “He must increase, but I must decrease,” but how we often fall short from that. It is much more than trying to avoid receiving compliments or thanks, but it is a reflection of our hearts and our attitudes when we begin to pray and serve His people. Let’s ask God for help in examining our hearts in this area.

Are we willing to lay low in our devotion so that only God knows our heart? And are we willing to be so invisible in our service so that we don’t receive the praise from men, but only praise from God?

Prayer: Father, thank You that You not only want to correct us, but also desire to give us the greatest treasure of all – more of Christ. Help us to live our lives as invisibly as possible, that Christ may shine through us, unobstructed by our egos and our desires. Be the treasure that we desire more than anything we can get from this earth, and may You receive all the glory and all the honor from the way we live our lives. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Philemon 1