December 4, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional was first posted on July 1, 2014.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Art of Disobeying God”

Jonah 1:1-4 

Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. So he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord. 4 But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea, so that the ship threatened to break up.

As a prophet in Israel (2 Kings 14:25), Jonah’s life revolved around familiarity and obedience to God’s will. So when the Word of the Lord came to him, this was nothing new. Yet, instead of saying yes to God, Jonah bought a ticket for Tarshish, which was in the opposite direction of Nineveh.  Clearly visible in Jonah’s reaction is the ultimate outcome of disobedience: “Jonah rose to flee . . . from the presence of the Lord.” Disobedience is deadly because it drives us away from God, whether we intend it to (as Jonah did) or not.

While it was a potentially life-threatening call to rebuke the city of Nineveh (who committed atrocities against Israel), which Jonah refused to obey, my own disobediences come in smaller and more numerous areas. How many times have I skipped my devotions because I’m “busy”? There have been numerous times I would crank up the music on my iPod when I felt God’s conviction to pray for a stranger on the subway. The call to love, to forgive, to be patient have been disobeyed more than I can count.

It’s easy to paint Jonah as the villain for this disobedience, but when I stack all of mine, both in action and thought, then I might be considered vile at best, for I have mastered the art of disobeying God. Yet in verse 4, we are given hope. It says, “The Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea.” This may seem like punishment, but it is God’s grace. True, it came in the shape of a storm, which is not pleasant, but the alternative is worse. God could have simply given up on Jonah.

This is the encouragement we have when our disobedience separates us from God. He pursues us relentlessly.

Do you feel far from God? Maybe it’s pointing to areas of God’s will you have been disobeying? This morning, God wants to show you how relentlessly He’s pursuing you because of His love. He’s asking you to remember His goodness: Say yes to Him, and be restored into a right relationship.

Prayer: God, I want more of Your presence in my life. Forgive me for running away from You. Remind me of Your vast love that pursues me, and may that give me the strength to say yes to You again and again.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 5

Lunch Break Study

Re-read the passage given for this morning’s devotion.

Job 38:34-5: [God tells Job] “Can you raise your voice to the clouds and cover yourself with a flood of water? 35 Do you send the lightning bolts on their way?  Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’”?

Questions to Consider

  1. What is the significance of Nineveh?
  2.  In verse 2, God tells Jonah to “arise” (Quwm), and in verse 3 it says that Jonah rose (Quwm) to flee. Immediately, it says that he went down (Yarad) to Joppa and down (Yarad) the ship. What image is the author trying to paint for us?
  3.  What has God revealed concerning Himself through the sending of the storm?

Notes

  1. Nineveh was the capital Assyria. The Assyrians conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel in 722 BC, at least 30 years after the events of this book.
  2.  The word “arise” is often used to connote the taking of action. In the beginning of Jonah, his actions of disobedience brought him spiritually lower.
  3. He revealed His power and control over nature, His desire for Nineveh to hear His word, and His great desire to use Jonah.

Evening Reflection

As you reflect on your day, it may have been filled with complete obedience or many moments of running away. Before the day is done, listen to God’s heart that calls for us to be with Him. Are there areas in your life that He’s calling you to examine? Is there a deeper calling for His presence in your life? Reflect and respond to Him.

December 3, Thursday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato, was first posted on April 24, 2014.  Jason, along with his wife Jessica, is currently serving in Japan as a missionary.  Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Flesh, Law and Spirit”

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. [17] For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. [18] But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

Day and night are opposites. Wet and dry are opposites. The desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh are opposites. The flesh and the law are…opposites?

In v. 17, the apostle Paul is clear: the desires of the Spirit and the desires of the flesh are complete opposites. The desires of the Spirit actually keep us from doing the desires of the flesh and vice versa. This makes sense. But the next comparison Paul makes is rather surprising. Verse 18 tells us that being “led by the Spirit” and being “under the law” are opposites.

Spirit and flesh are opposites. Spirit and law are opposites. So flesh and law . . . are the same?

At first glance, this seems absurd. How can breaking the speed limit and driving under the speed limit be the same exact thing? How can someone who completely abstains from alcohol be the same as an alcoholic?

When Paul refers to the law, he is still thinking about the battle between faith and circumcision. The law is not just a reference to God’s law in general but the desire of some to justify themselves before God with their good works. So Paul is saying that the person who indulges in their sinful desires and the person who keeps the law in order to earn God’s favor are the same: Both are driven by their self-centeredness.

The alcoholic is self-centered; he cares only for the pleasure of drunkenness even if it hurts everyone around him. Likewise, the self-righteous teetotaler is self-centered; she cares only for her own reputation and reward.

But Christians are no longer driven by the fleshly desires. No longer under the law, those led by the Spirit are free to serve and love others with no ulterior motive. No longer driven by selfish desire, we are free to be concerned solely with glorifying Christ.

How is your sin a form of self-centeredness? How are you tempted to become more self-centered amidst your good works? Ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit that you might be led by Him.

Prayer: Father, free me from my obsession with myself! May I walk in Your Spirit and reject the desires of my flesh that You might be pleased. May I do nothing for my own glory or name that You might be honored. I thank You that I can trust You to take care of me as I forget myself and live for You alone. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 4

Lunch Break Study

Sometimes our self-centeredness and self-reliance expresses itself, not in pursuing wicked pleasure or self-righteousness, but in securing our material needs.

Read Matthew 6:26-27, 31-33 (ESV): “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? [27] And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? [31] Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. [33] But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Questions to Consider

  1. Where does our anxiousness stem from? What does it accomplish?
  2. What reasons are we given to trust God?
  3. As we trust God, what are we free to do?

Notes

  1. Our anxiousness often stems from our material needs and fear of the future (“What shall we eat?”; “What shall we wear?”). Unfortunately, our anxiousness does not accomplish very much.
  2. Our Father feeds the birds of the air and He values us much more greatly than them (v. 26). God knows all of our needs. He does not dismiss them as unimportant and He is able to meet them (v.27-28).
  3. We are free to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Our unwillingness to follow God wholeheartedly boils down to a trust issue.

Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. Were you tempted by the desires of the flesh? Were you tempted to build your own ego and reputation? Reflect on the beauty and grace of Christ that enables us to walk by the Spirit instead.

December 2, Wednesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King who serves as associate pastor at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on April 9, 2014.  Cami is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).  We offer our condolences for the recent passing of her younger brother. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“A Sneakier Form of Hypocrisy”

Galatians 2:11-14 

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

One of the most common insults hurled at Christians is that we are all a bunch of hypocrites. Whether it’s our unsavory history of Crusades or appalling picketing at funerals, most of us can at least see where the world might get this idea. For many outsiders looking in, we talk about love but aren’t very loving; we talk about morality but aren’t very moral. Our Scriptures talk about caring for the poor, needy, and even the environment and animal kingdom, but how many of us actually make this our priority?

The reality is, most of the world is a bit hard on Christians. They don’t understand the process of sanctification – that while we seek to live like Christ, we all fall short of His glory (thank God for forgiveness!). It takes a while (a lifetime to be exact) to perfect it.   

But what the rest of the world doesn’t seem to notice is a sneakier form of hypocrisy among us. Many of us are content with living double lives where we shape shift depending on the crowd. This can take many forms: we are Christians on Sundays, but quickly adjust to “blend in” with the rest of the world for the rest of the week; we describe a weekend retreat as “fun” or “insightful” instead of glorifying God for the ways He moved. 

Like Peter, many of us are so concerned with fitting in and being accepted (or just living average lives, realizing the American Dream), that we give into the tendencies of culture even when they are contrary to the culture of the Kingdom of God. This is precisely what it means for salt to lose its savor or a lamp to be hidden under a bowl. 

We aren’t called to be perfect, but we are called to be consistent and genuine. When we find ourselves bifurcating our lives based upon whom we are around, we’re headed for trouble. Our faith may lead us into some awkward conversations, uncomfortable moments, or difficult choices, but sometimes it’s these precise moments that give God an opportunity to move. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live out a consistent and genuine faith before the on looking world. I know I don’t have to be perfect, but help me to be honest and resist the temptation to just fit in. Help me to be salt and light to the non-Christian communities in which you’ve place me. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 3 

Lunch Break Study 

Read Matthew 5:13-16: “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Questions to Consider

  1. Why is salt a good metaphor for believers? 
  2. Why are we to let our light shine before others? 
  3. What are some places God is calling you to let your light shine? 

Notes

  1. Salt has two primary functions – flavoring and preserving. A little salt goes a long way to change the taste of food. Salt also has the power to preserve food that would otherwise decay without it. 
  2. So God can be glorified.  

Evening Reflection

What are some things that keep you from being salt and light in your various communities?  Are there specific people before whom God is calling you to live out genuine faith? Pray and surrender these areas to God. Ask for boldness to become bright and salty! 

December 1, Tuesday

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 September 25, 2014.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Effectiveness, Not Efficiency”

Ecclesiastes 10:8-11 (ESV)

He who digs a pit will fall into it, and a serpent will bite him who breaks through a wall. 9 He who quarries stones is hurt by them, and he who splits logs is endangered by them.  10 If the iron is blunt, and one does not sharpen the edge, he must use more strength, but wisdom helps one to succeed. 11 If the serpent bites before it is charmed, there is no advantage to the charmer. 

Do you get the sense that Solomon was a glass-half-empty kind of a guy? Reading these verses in isolation, it might seem that way; however, the context of this passage is about how wisdom is better than folly.  So Solomon is not necessarily prophesying doom in our workplace, but rather pointing out examples of folly in our workplace. 

A foolish person does not account for risks and dangers; but a wise person, on the other hand, knows the right way to dig a pit, break through a wall, quarry stones, split wood, or even charm snakes.  A wise person works better; not necessarily harder, keeping his/her tools sharp along the way.  

Let me give one warning:  Sometimes we can confuse this wisdom with being efficient.  Our modern world craves efficiency – doing things faster and quicker.  Not only do we microwave our food with this mentality, but we practice this in our work habits and our relationships—including our relationship with God.  

Instead of efficiency, I suggest it would be wiser to pursue effectiveness.  While an efficient person asks, “How can I do this better and quicker?” an effective person asks, “What work should I be doing?”  A Christian who asks this question also prays: “Let your will be done on earth just as it is done in heaven!”  Today, let us invite God to reveal the work he desires for us to do!

Prayer: Father, I know that I can be seduced by the mantra of bigger, faster, and better.  Though I desire to be better at my work, I also want to do the right kind of work.  I ask for Your wisdom that comes from above so that I would be effective for the sake of your Kingdom.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 2

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 25:24-30: He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Questions to Consider

  1. What was the third servant supposed to do with his talent?  What did he do instead? (cf. verse 18)
  2. Why was the master angry with the third servant?
  3. What happens to the third servant?

Notes

  1. Each servant was given a number of talents to do business with.  The first two servants ended up doubling the number of talents they had been given.  In contrast, the third servant simply buried the talent.
  2. Instead of doing the work that he had been assigned (i.e. invest the talent), the third servant did nothing.  In addition, he accused the master of profiting from other people’s work. 
  3. The third servant has his talent taken away, and he is thrown out from the master’s household. 

Evening Reflection

A wise person not only works harder and better, but also knows the right work to do.  Are you doing what God wants you to do (in all spheres of your life)?  As we journal, let us ask God if there are things we should cut out from our lives, even as we ask whether we have neglected His work.

November 30, Monday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of his blog first posted on May 22, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“At the Very Least, Obey the Part that You Understand”

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless.

The first century believers finally understood that they were justified through their faith in Jesus Christ. However, after thousands of years of observing the Law, they naturally had questions, concerns, opinions on the matter of the Law. Thus, conversations among the church members sprang forth at times getting heated, but eventually becoming fruitless “arguments and quarrels” about the Law. Paul saw these as “foolish” arguments because they were unprofitable and useless. 

The benefits of our knowledge and our response to God’s grace were so great that Paul makes it clear that no other priorities should creep into our ministries. He tells Titus to avoid such useless and even divisive issues, because those who engage in such arguments only distract the church from its mission and purpose. Paul tells Titus to warn “a person who stirs up division” up to two times and after that to “have nothing more to do with him.”

Admittedly, there are some passages in the Bible that are not easy to interpret. It is not without reason that Peter said, “His [the apostle Paul’s] letters contain some things that are hard to understand” (2 Peter 3:16).  Culture and language gaps sometimes make it difficult to come to a dogmatic conclusion and can lead to controversial arguments and quarrels today. However, there is still a wealth of passages that are easy to comprehend. 

Are you sometimes tempted to overlook some of the most basic and easy to understand commands of Scriptures in search for some deeper understanding of obscure passages? A lady boasted to an old seminary professor, “Brother Hendricks, I’ve been through the Bible 17 times.” Not impressed, the professor responded, “Good. But how many times has the Bible been through you?”

The Word of God points us to many plain commands that calls for simple obedience. To obey the Father’s will was food to Jesus’ ministry and life (John 4:34). Imagine how full and satisfied you would be if you’d simply obey the obvious commandments. Let’s place aside our complaints that we just aren’t getting fed by pastor so-and-so because he does not expound on the theological importance of the spirits that “look like frogs” (huh?) in Rev. 16:13. Rather, when the preacher calls us to love another, forgive one another, serve one another for the umpteenth time, let us obey and be spiritually fed. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know that in this life, I don’t live on bread alone but on every word that comes from Your mouth. Thank you for making Your word so accessible and so clear to me. Enable me to obey Your commands daily as I receive from You revelations and reminders of what pleases You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Corinthians 1

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matt 22:15-22: Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. 16 They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren’t swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. 17 Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, “You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? 19 Show me the coin used for paying the tax.” They brought him a denarius, 20 and he asked them, “Whose image is this? And whose inscription?” 21 “Caesar’s,” they replied. Then he said to them, “So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” 22 When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away.

Questions to Consider 

  1. How was this controversial question about taxes to Caesar an attempt to entrap Jesus?
  2. Jesus’ reply to the question not only amazes the inquirers, but it sends them away. What does Jesus’ reply reveal about the hypocritical and greedy nature of the so-called “religious leaders”?
  3. Do you sometimes raise controversial matters as a smokescreen in an attempt to divert what the Lord truly wants to teach or do in your life? 

Notes

  1. The unlikely coalition of the Pharisees and the Herodians hoped to trap Jesus. Either he would support taxes to Rome, undercutting his popular messianic support, or he would challenge taxes, thereby aligning with the views that had sparked a disastrous revolt two decades earlier. In the latter case, the Herodians could charge him with being a revolutionary-hence showing that he should be executed, and executed quickly.
  2. It shows that while the Israelites resented Caesar and his Roman army for having occupied their land, they didn’t mind using and hoarding the very coins that bore his image.  In other words, their dislike of the Romans was a distant second to their greed. By contrast, surrendering to God what is God’s implies the surrender of all one is and possesses.
  3. The Pharisees and the Herodians brought up a controversial matter to Jesus; however, Jesus wanted to deal with the hypocrisy and greed in their hearts. 

Evening Reflection

How were your words used today? Were they foolish, unprofitable and useless? Or were they full of wisdom, edifying others? Reflect on Proverbs 17:28: “Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues.” 

November 29, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who is currently serving in Japan as a missionary, was first posted on November 8, 2014. Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

“Freedom and Rewards that Come from Submission to God”

Proverbs 4:10-14

Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of your life may be many.[11] I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.[12] When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if you run, you will not stumble.[13] Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life. [14] Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of the evil.

“Hear!  Accept!  Keep hold!  Do not let go!  Guard!”  Throughout our passage, the author is pleading with his son; he is looking out for his good.  

We too have been taught wisdom and led towards paths of righteousness, yet it’s still so easy to decide that sin and death are much better options for us, undoubtedly because they appeal to our flesh.  Subsequently, God’s commandments seem more like arbitrary rules than the path to life; his wisdom seems like slavery rather than freedom.  But we know this is not true!

When I stop to actually consider what my own life would be like if I had gone my own way and followed my own whims, I’m filled with gratitude.  I know I would not have my family, my calling, and so many other blessings that I now enjoy.  Instead, I would be trapped in anger and depression, and beset by ruined relationships.

Knowing this compels me to warn my own son who, at times, wants to run into the street by himself or eat only goldfish for dinner; therefore, I impose restrictions and guidelines.  I hope that, as my children grow older, they’ll understand that there is no freedom in being dead; there’s no joy in self-inflicted suffering.

Yet I still struggle with it myself.  I find myself preferring the “freedom” to walk hampered steps, to stumble rather than run, and to choose death over life.  My “freedom” does not leave me free to enjoy God or love my family sacrificially.  It doesn’t free me from fear or anxiety.  It only frees me to sink further into sin and its consequences.

Jesus tells us, “Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Matt. 16:25).  While it may appear that we are giving away our freedom and our very lives, only when we abandon everything and follow Jesus will we have the abundant life that we are seeking.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that You would give us the glorious freedom of obeying You immediately and completely, knowing You will take care of us and reward us with life itself.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 16

November 28, Saturday

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 13, 2013.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

Philippians 2:12-13

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. 

Last weekend, I introduced the concept of training for Christ-likeness vs. trying to be Christ-like.  The traditional name for this idea of training is “spiritual disciplines”.  I remember one Christmas many years ago, I received Dallas Willard’s The Spirit of the Disciplines AND Richard Foster’s The Celebration of Discipline as Christmas presents.  Clearly, someone was trying to tell me something!  

The problem with “Spiritual Disciplines” of course, is that just by hearing the title, we don’t want to do it!  There is also the very real potential for pride and legalism.   So before we continue in our discussion of spiritual disciplines, let me share some thoughts on what spiritual disciplines DON’T do.  

  1. The practice of spiritual disciplines doesn’t save us.  Only the grace of Jesus Christ on the cross saves us from our sins.   We cannot earn our salvation. 
  2. The practice of spiritual disciplines doesn’t make us holy.  I remember when I first began practicing the discipline of fasting, some friends thought that made me very holy, but I knew better.  Fasting made me more aware of my un-holiness!

So what do spiritual disciplines do for us?  Spiritual disciplines are a way for us to “work out our salvation”.  This doesn’t mean that we are contributing to our salvation, rather we are working out the effects or implications of our salvation.  Put another way, spiritual disciplines done with the right heart, are our ways of opening our hearts, minds and bodies to “God who works within us to act and will according to his will.”  Spiritual disciplines aren’t a human-centric way to achieve sanctification.  Rather they are the ways we focus on making our lives God-centric so that we don’t hinder his work within us.  

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You forgive my sins anew every morning.  I thank You that the blood of Jesus covers every one of my sins.  Help me to discipline myself so that my life can reflect Your love and holiness in this world full of darkness. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 14-15

November 27, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Matt Ro who formerly pastored Journey Church in Atlanta, was originally posted on May 13, 2013.  Matt is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning  

“Past, Present and Future in Him”

Psalm 63:2-8 (ESV)

So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. 3 Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. 4 So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. 5 My soul will be satisfied as with fat and rich food, and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, 6 when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; 7 for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.

These verses represent how God continues to satisfy David: past, present, and future.   

Past: In v. 2 it says, “So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory.”  V. 7: “You have been my help.”  By David remembering the past work of God in his life, he is able to be joyful in the present circumstance.  

Present:  In v. 3, David says “Because your steadfast love IS better than life, my lips will praise you.”  V. 6: “When I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night.”  V. 8: “Your right hand upholds me.”  Referring to these verses, Charles Spurgeon commented, “There was no desert in David’s heart, though there was a desert around him.”  

Future: V. 5: “My soul will be satisfied, my mouth will praise you with joyful lips.”  Because God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we can trust God to be able to satisfy us in the same way David experienced.  

David is satisfied with, in, and by God.  That is what this section of Psalm 63 teaches us.  Once satisfied by God, we can begin to face our circumstances as well as to serve God.  It is also why David speaks of God’s love as being “better than life.”  

In view of Romans 8:38-39, that “nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord,” we who are satisfied in God, can praise God.  Praise is the end result of being satisfied or content in God.  It is His loving-kindness (hesed) that makes David want to stay close to God.  If you are not experiencing the true satisfaction in God, perhaps it’s because you are not seeking him enough to be satisfied only by him.  

Something to think about as we start another day. 

Prayer:  Father, thank You for your steadfast love in my life.  You have been there in the past, are here in the present, and will be with me in the future.  Nothing can separate me from Your great love.  Help me to make time to seek after You.  I want to begin this day in prayer and study so that I can be satisfied in You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 13

Lunch Break Study

Read Ephesians 5:3-6 (ESV): But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Questions to Consider

  1. Sexual immorality, arguably, was much more rampant in practice among the pagans of Ephesus than it is in America today.  Think about how counter-cultural Paul’s command must’ve been to its listeners.  What can we learn from Paul’s charge to not even have a hint of sexual immorality, impurity, foolish talk, or greed among us?
  2. In the area of sex, what are some differences we see between the Christian ethic and that of the world?
  3. Lies derive their strength from partial truth.  When lies are heard often enough they become truth for many. What powerful lies are influencing us right now?  

Notes

  1. God’s desire is that we would enter into the abundant life of Jesus (John 10:10). We are constantly exposed to things that are improper for believers.  But the way that we live counter-culturally can be a breath of fresh air when we talk about wholesome matters and refrain from impure practices. 
  2. Popular culture views sex as a free-for-all; Christians place moral limitations on sexual expression. “4 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.  Also, popular culture refuses to evaluate freely and authentically chosen sexual behaviors; Christians point out the spiritual consequences of violating God’s design plan. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.  In our sex-obsessed culture, where just about anything and everything goes, we need to remember that God has a far better plan than what you see on TV or in the movies. We are being told today that all sex is beautiful and natural, that it is in the same class as any of our bodily desires or urges, and therefore, we should feel free to satisfy it as openly as we do any other of our bodily needs, without shame or apology.  Like these other natural urges, sex requires regulation and restraint.  And the intended regulation of sex is marriage!  Marriage is the way to regulate sex so that it is right and wholesome and beneficial. 
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Would you pray this prayer with me? 

Father, I pray that I may not even have a hint of these improper practices and improper thoughts.  I want to walk according Your word, not the words of culture.  Help me to see and trust that Your will is good and that I would not be deceived in any ways.  Amen.

November 26, Thursday

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 26, 2015.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

(Thanksgiving Edition)

“The Kids are Ungrateful . . . What about Adults?”

Psalm 138:1-8

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; [2] I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. [3] On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased. [4] All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, [5] and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. [6] For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar. [7] Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. [8] The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Happy Thanksgiving!  For our devotional today, we want focus on the topic of gratitude.  

I recently was reading a blog by KJ Dell’Antonia called “The Kids are Ungrateful”.  In this blog, she writes how ungrateful her kids can get.  Here is what she writes:

Sometimes I can’t believe how ungrateful kids can be.  For example:

  1. We just booked a great place in the mountains, with a pool (for them, of course), and our 9-year-old says, “I don’t want to drive five hours to get there. It’s boring.”
  2. If we go out for dinner, they complain about where. Our 5-year-old, when offered a piece of chocolate, invariably complains, “I want a bigger piece,” instead of simply saying “thank you.”

She concludes by saying:  “Are people born negative, or can we do something about it? Are all kids this way? Will they grow out of it?  It makes me want to stop trying to please them with anything.”

Sadly, the grownups can fall into the trap of ingratitude as well, often complaining about everything.  That’s all the more reason, for Christians, “Thanksgiving” should not just be a once a year event; rather, we should constantly lead a lifestyle of gratitude because it shows the genuineness of our faith and salvation.  

Living a life of thanksgiving starts by acknowledging that we have been given something we do not deserve, which is the unconditional love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Let’s ask the Lord to strip us from our barriers of entitlement and self-accomplishment so that our lives would be marked with gratitude.  

Prayer:  Lord, thank You for the undeserved gift of grace and love that You have poured into our hearts.  Help us to always live a life of gratitude despite the unfavorable circumstances in my life.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 12

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Questions to consider

  1. What does Paul exhort his readers to do?
  2. Why is this often hard to do?
  3. How can we live this kind of lifestyle?

Notes

  1. He encourages them to live a life of joy which overflows to thanksgiving
  2. We base much of our joy and thanksgiving on our circumstances.  As we grow in Christ, our joy and gratitude should come from Christ alone despite the trials and hardships we might face.     
  3. We need to be rooted in the Word and ask the Holy Spirit to help us in times of joylessness and ingratitude. 

Evening Reflection

Spend time thanking the Lord and the many blessings He has given you.  It might be family, health, job, or wonderful career opportunities.  Most of all, thank Him for the salvation we have in Him and the sacrifice He made on our behalf.  

November 25, Wednesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of his blog first posted on November 27, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“To Whom Do You Turn in Times of Trouble?”

Proverbs 19:20

Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.

Every now and then, I enter into a conversation, and the person says to me, “I need your advice.” My ears perk up, and I’m ready to listen with the hopes that I can provide that person with just the sound advice that will help him or her navigate through some challenging circumstance in life. 

All of us face circumstances in life in which we need good advice. It might be about relationships. It might about a messy situation at your workplace or at school. It might be about responsibilities at home with your children or your spouse. In life, we all get to a place where we need to make certain decisions but with very little or no degree of certainty on the outcome of our decisions. It is at these crossroads we pause and we seek counsel, especially from those who have gone before us and are facing similar circumstances. 

As I faced new ministry challenges, I found myself in a place where I had more questions than answers. The sense of uncertainty was quite overwhelming. I constantly got on my knees asking the Lord for wisdom in every situation. I would talk through the matters with my wife. I would let my mind play through all of the scenarios and the possible outcomes. But I also had the company of other ministers who had walked through similar circumstances, and I sought their advice and their counsel. They shared from their life’s experiences, their missteps and mistakes as well as their successes. They shared from their lives, some of the greatest lessons they gained while navigating through each situation. 

One pastor shared some of the best lessons that he had learned while making some of the most foolish mistakes. He admitted that a great part of his maturity came as a result of making judgment errors but responding humbly to the Lord’s correction, rebuke, and discipline. He pointed out that if we would heed to his advice, those who listen could very well shave off a few years here and there and quicken the process towards maturity. 

What do you do when you need good sound advice? Who do you turn to? How well do you listen to advice when given?  

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for (or I need) people in my life who provides me with good sound advice. In my pursuit of living wisely, grant to me the humility to listen to good advice in every area of my life. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 1 Corinthians 11

Lunch Break Study  

Read James 1:19-25: My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Questions to Consider 

  1. According to James, what is one vice that manifests when failing to listen quickly? 
  2. Instead of allowing anger get the best of us, what can we do in order to grow through the trials?
  3. If you currently facing trials, who can you turn to for godly wisdom and advice in your life?  

Notes

  1. James is writing to believers who are going through trials and persecution. In their pains and confusion, they lost the sense of hearing from the Lord and spoke too quickly about their situations. This led them to quick anger and blame rather than developing patience and trust. 
  2. Rather than angrily blaming God for our temptation and sin, and thus forfeiting the good he is trying to accomplish in us through the trial, we should confront the evil that caused the temptation, and return to the wisdom of His Word which can take us safely through the trial. 
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Write down a few areas in your life in which you need advice. Think of people in your life whom you can contact and say to him/her, “I need your advice.”