October 10, Saturday

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought is an updated version of AMI QT Devotional first posted on August 10, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Three Takeaways from the Temptation of Jesus”

Luke 4:1-13

And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness 2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry. 3 The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone.’” 5 And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, 6 and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. 7 If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” 8 And Jesus answered him, “It is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”9 And he took him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10 for it is written, ‘He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’11 and ‘On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone.’” 12 And Jesus answered him, “It is said, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” 13 And when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from him until an opportune time.

This is a familiar passage in which the devil tempts Jesus in his most vulnerable physical state.  What can we learn from this? 

First, we learn about the three types of temptations to which we are most vulnerable: 1) Trying to make things happen on our own rather than trusting in God’s provision; 2) Submitting to other things, such as material things, rather than to God; and 3) Putting yourself in a place where you are susceptible to temptation, then expecting God to help you. Out of the three, which one describes your vulnerability?  This morning, pray and seek God to strengthen you in the area of your greatest weakness.

Second, note that living in this mortal body, we will be tempted, for no one is free from temptation.  And just because we have overcome a particular temptation in the past is no guarantee that we won’t be tempted by the same in the future: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time” (Luke 4:13).  Therefore, we need to continue to rely on Christ, meaning we constantly need to ask the Lord to help us make prudent decisions to avoid placing ourselves in situations where sinning is readily accessible.  Pray that you will continue to look to Him for help.

Third, interestingly, the temptation of Jesus is placed immediately after mentioning of the first man Adam (Lk. 3:38).  It shows that the devil, who successfully tempted the first Adam in the Garden, is the same entity who was now tempting Jesus, the last Adam.  The great difference, however, is that the last Adam, Jesus, did not succumb to the temptation.  One benefit of his victory is that Jesus can deliver us “in our time of need” (Heb. 4:16).  Trust and pray to God in the area where you are vulnerable to temptation.

Prayer: Dear God, help me to overcome temptations.  With Your constant presence in my life through the Holy Spirit, I shall overcome temptations. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 6-7

October 9, Friday

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 18, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Day When God the Father Did Not Answer”

Mark 15:33-34

At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.  34 And at the night hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” – which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”  

I am not entirely sure how or why this is the case, but our society has a picture of how a hero is supposed to act when he is being tortured by his enemies. So for example, in the 1995 film Braveheart, the hero William Wallace, refuses to take a pain relieving narcotic for fear that it would numb his mind, which might in turn allow him to give into pain and cry out, thus giving his enemy the satisfaction of knowing that his spirit had been broken.  So when Wallace is tortured to death, but does not cry out, except to yell, “Freedom!”, the audience is meant to feel that he won.  

Why I bring this up is that some critics of Christianity will often point to Mark 15:34 to argue that Jesus was not the Son of God, because God would not cry out like this. (For the record, in Matt 27:34, Jesus did reject a wine and gall mixture sedative, presumably to experience the fullness of physical suffering and crucifixion.)  Other skeptics believe it impossible for God the Father to reject God the Son (how can God turn away from God?).  The truth is that this verse has baffled Christians and non-Christians a like for centuries.  From my perspective, 2 Cor 5:21 sums it up, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”  I believe that for a brief moment in history, when Christ bore all of our sins in his body, the Holy Father, who cannot stand sin, did in fact, turn away from his Son.  

Now separation from the Father may not seem a big deal to the modern reader, as many of us probably prefer times of solitude.  But remember the Triune God is never alone; before time began, they have always enjoyed perfect fellowship with each other.  This spiritual separation was a new and terrifying experience for the Lord; I believe it is this rejection that caused the Son to cry out as he did.  I enjoyed how The Jesus Storybook Bible put it, “’Papa?’ Jesus cried, frantically searching the sky.  ‘Papa?  Where are you?  Don’t leave me!’  And for the first time – and the last – when he spoke, nothing happened.  Just a horrible, endless silence.  God didn’t answer.  He turned away from his Boy.”  

It is only because of the incarnation that the all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal Son could experience anything “new” like pain, suffering, and separation from God.  And the reason he would go through all this is because we needed it.  Please reflect on the cross today; please repent of the sin you could not fix yourself and thank Christ for his sacrifice.  

Prayer: Dear God, thank You for the cross of Jesus Christ.  Help me this day to reflect on Your great love and great sacrifice.  Let me never think that Your sacrifice was easy or cost You nothing.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 5

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 9:22-28:  Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins. 23 Thus it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these rites, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.24 For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, 26 for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, 28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Questions to Consider

  1. In Matt. 27:51, we are given this tidbit of information, “the curtain of the temple was torn in two.” Why is this detail significant?
  2. How are Christ’s sacrifices and animal sacrifices similar and different?
  3. From a day-to-day standpoint, what are some ramifications of Christ’s once and for all sacrifice?    

Notes

  1. The temple curtain separated the holy place from the most holy place (thought to be resting place of God).  Only the high priest was allowed in the most holy place and only once a year (Heb 9:7); so, the average person did not have direct access to God.  When Christ died, all were allowed direct access to the Father.
  2. The similarity is that they were both blood sacrifices.  However, Christ’s sacrifice was a one-time, permanent, and totally effective sacrifice to appease God’s hatred of sin, forever.  Previous animal sacrifices were repeated and only meant to symbolize the coming sacrifice of the Son. 
  3. The once and for all nature of Christ’s sacrifice means that he died for all of our sins, past, present, and future.  Unfortunately, some Christians continue to live in guilt, practically living as if Christ needs to die again and again for the sins they cannot break.  This is just not true.  

Evening Reflection

Have you had a chance to reflect on the cross today?  Without trying to make yourself feel guilty, do you understand the depth of your sinfulness and your need for grace?  Are you thankful that Christ chose the cross, so that you can have a relationship with the Triune God?   

October 8, Thursday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by then (2013) staff of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on September 5, 2013.  It has been updated. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Things We Value in Life”

Psalm 84:9-12

Behold our shield, O God; look on the face of your anointed! 10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in you!

What are the things we value in life?  If anything, losses of many kinds suffered by countless people during this ongoing COVID season have been a wakeup call to us—to consider our life’s priorities. I think this Psalm can help us to reevaluate.

The psalmist concludes this Psalm by confronting what we value and how we view our lives. As he has been pining for the presence of the Lord that would be found in Zion, the psalmist declares that being someone of a lowly station in God’s presence is far more desirable than to live among wicked people. He knows that the favor and honor of the Lord is far greater than anything else that can be gained.                                                  

This prosperity that the psalmist cries out for is directly related to our relationship with the “anointed one,” who is usually referred to as the king of Israel; when he prospers, all of Israel prospers.  Ultimately, as the OT is the shadow of the things to come in the New (Heb. 10:1), this Psalm is foreshadowing the coming of Christ the King.  By asking for God to “behold our shield” and “look on the face of your anointed,” the psalmist is asking for His favor upon the king.  Yet, by stating that the Lord God is the “sun and shield,” there is acknowledgement that YHWH (i.e., kyrios, that is, Lord, which is applied to Christ in the NT) takes precedence above all else.

So what are the things we value in life? Do we value worldly blessings over the favor and honor of the Lord? Do we trust in our own strength to gain the desires of our heart, or do we trust that God will bless us and not withhold good things? This morning, let us re-evaluate what is desirable and what is not. 

Let us believe the truth that a day at the courts of God, in His presence, is better than a thousand elsewhere. Pray that the Holy Spirit would convict you that God’s presence should take precedence over every other desire.

Prayer:  Dear God, help me to open wide my spiritual eyes to see that You are eternal and permanent while everything I am working for in the moment will ebb away with the passing of time. Lord, strengthen my will to hold tightly to my hope in You.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 4

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 1:9-11: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”

Background tidbit: The city of Philippi was named after Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great. The importance of the city is due in part to its location, which is right off of the Ignatian Way (a major road in the Roman highway system).

Questions to Consider

  1. How does the apostle Paul show his love for the Philippians? 
  2. Why does Paul pray for the Philippians the way he does here?
  3. What do you think is meant by the phrase, “The day of Christ”?

Notes

  1. It is interesting that the apostle Paul’s deep love for the people of Philippi shows in his passionate intercession for them, for he prays that their love grows with knowledge and discernment. 
  2. Paul prays for the Philippians so that they can know the things of God and continue to grow in their relationships with Him, which is marked by the fruit that Jesus bears in their lives. Basically, Paul wants them to have a greater capacity to adore and worship God!  
  3. “The day of Christ” is mentioned for the second time in v. 11 (the first time in v.6), referring to the second coming of Christ when He returns in glory to raise His people from the dead and bring them into the eternal Kingdom.

Evening Reflection

Psalm 105:4: “Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually.”       

Prayer: Lord, I will magnify Your strength instead of my weakness and vulnerability, for I acknowledge that You are the One who gives me strength. I will cultivate a trusting heart, fully anticipating Your goodness, mercy, and strength at every turn. As a little child rejoices, I will allow and encourage myself to delight in who You are as my mighty, powerful, and strong God. Lord, be my joy and my song, for in your presence there is strength. Tonight, I thank You for giving me the privilege to stare into Your beautiful face of strength. Amen.

October 7, Wednesday

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 24, 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

“Undercover Boss”

Ecclesiastes 9:17

The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools.

If you’ve never seen it before, the reality TV show, Undercover Boss, is a fascinating concept.  The CEO/boss of a company disguises himself as a newly hired employee and pretends to “learn the ropes” at his own workplace. Most of the time, his words of advice and guiding comments are completely ignored by the workers because he is, in their eyes, a “nobody”. Blinded by appearances, even when the CEO raises his voice while offering wise advice, none of them pay any attention because all the workers assume that they know better than this “rookie” who “came out of nowhere”. 

The best part of the show, as you can imagine, is when the boss reveals his identity, and the ensuing looks of shock. Consequentially, the ones who were prideful and unwilling to heed the advice of the disguised boss are fired from the institution. On the other hand, those who quieted their own ego and recognized the wise words are praised. 

“Undercover Boss” unveils an attitude problem that we tend to have.  We think we know how to live our own lives. At times we are offended when we are asked or challenged to change the pattern of our lives. Even the very Word of God has a hard time finding its place on the throne of our hearts and minds. But the Bible says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). 

Whether it is godly wisdom from a friend, coworker, family member, or the Bible, let’s quiet our egos and make room in our hearts for wisdom to come in.

Prayer: Lord, would You soften my heart today. I don’t know it all; I don’t have my life all figured out. Help me to let go of any pride that is hindering me from being molded and sharpened. In this moment, help me to be still and recognize that You are God.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:Acts 3

Lunch Break Study

Read Isaiah 53:1-3: Who has believed what he has heard from us?And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?For he grew up before him like a young plant,and like a root out of dry ground;he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,and no beauty that we should desire him.He was despised and rejected by men;a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief;

and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Questions to Consider

  1. In what ways did Jesus come as an “undercover boss”?
  2. When Jesus came to earth in the flesh, how was He treated?
  3. If Jesus was to be revealed today as the Lord over all creation, including us, what would be your reaction?

Notes

  1. Jesus came without fanfare, without royalty, without fame. There was nothing flashy about the way he came to us. He was born humbly, dressed humbly, and as one of us. 
  2. When Jesus walked on the earth, He was respected by some as a teacher, He was sought after by others as a healer, and still others mocked him, ignored him, or plotted his demise. In the end, humanity was responsible for nailing the Lord Jesus Christ to a cross, and treating Him as a common criminal.
  3. Jesus Christ IS the Lord over all creation, and he IS the Lord over us as well. Now that his true identity has been fully revealed to us, He is no longer an “undercover” boss; He IS (just) the boss. Yet, sometimes we are so preoccupied with our own thoughts and desires that we forget to heed His words.

Evening Reflection

Earlier today, it was mentioned that Jesus is our “boss”. Although that is true, He is much more than just our boss! In John 15, Jesus says: “You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you”

We are more than just God’s employees because He invites us to share with him his heart. This evening, ask God to share His heart with you.

October 6, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on May 15, 2014.  Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia. 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Gives You the Right to Speak to Me?”

Titus 2:15

“These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.”

Paul has just finished giving instructions to Titus on what he should teach to different groups in the church.  His focus has been to show them how their knowledge of the gospel message should affect how they live their everyday lives.  He has addressed the issues of older men, older women, younger women, younger men, and slaves, choosing those most relevant to each group, instructing them on how to live godly, productive lives.  These are the things Titus was to teach people.

As a mentor, however, Paul does not only just give the content of instruction; he also provides moral support.  Paul knew the situation, the potential opposition Titus might face.  The people could say, “Why should we listen to you?  We have more life experience.”  Or, “What do you, a man, understand about women?” Or, “As a free person, what do you know about being a slave and what we go through?”  And so he encourages Titus, reminding him that he can speak with authority.  

What is the nature of this authority? Many of us can relate to the difficulty the people could have had receiving Titus’ instruction. We may have less of a problem with being taught by those who are older or have relevant life experiences to speak from.  But can a pastor who has never worked in the corporate world really tell us how we should handle situations in the workplace?  Can a man really tell women how to be good wives and mothers?  But the authority that God gives our leaders is not based on human experiences.  Though neither Jesus nor Paul was married, in the Bible, it is the teachings of these two single men that set the standard of how marriage should work (Matt. 19, Eph. 5).

Let’s check our hearts today.  Are we resisting any kind of instruction because we think the teacher is not qualified to speak into our lives, not because of their lack of personal character, but because they lack some experience we think they should have?  If they carry God’s authority, it is our loss.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to have a humble heart and not despise (= look down on, think little of) Your servants.  Whether my small group leader, Bible study teacher or pastor, help me to recognize the authority You have given them and receive all that You have for me through their ministry. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 2

Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16: “Command and teach these things.  [12] Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. [13] Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. [14] Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you. [15] Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. [16] Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.”

Questions to Consider

  1. What does it mean not to let others look down on us (v. 12)?
  2. Rather than letting others’ negative assessments of us bring us down, where should we focus our energies instead (vv. 12-14)?
  3. Though we avoid placing too much importance on this, in what way is a leader to care about what others think (vv. 15-16)?

Notes

  1. We cannot control what others think of us, but we do have control over how much we let it affect us.  Sometimes we need to reject others’ evaluations of us, especially if they are unhelpful and holding us back from doing what we are called to do by God.  
  2. Having the kind of speech, behavior, love, faith and purity that others would find exemplary, i.e., want to imitate.  We should focus on doing these things rather than thinking too much about how others may not be respecting us. It may even win over those who are initially skeptical of us.
  3. It can be a kind of accountability.  We will avoid laziness and work hard if we know people should be able to see visible progress in the developing of our gifts.  Knowing that people are affected both by how we live our lives and what we teach, we conduct ourselves in these areas carefully.

Evening Reflection

Did anyone look down on me today?  Did it have the power to affect me or was I able to brush it off and rise above?  Did I look down on anyone else today?  If so, reflect on why and ask God to deal with the related issues of your heart.

October 5, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor David Kwon who heads Journey Community Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, was first posted on June 2, 2014.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Importance of Being Discipled”

1 Timothy 1:1-2

 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope, [2] To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Have you ever had a mentor or a coach teach you a skill or craft?  I remember when I first started playing the game of baseball, my coach would devote hours teaching me how to hit, field, and throw the ball.  He guided and taught me everything about the game, and because of his mentorship, I grew as a player and teammate.  

In this first letter to Timothy, Paul is giving him counsel and guidance on how to conduct himself in the leadership of that church. Right away, we see Paul’s intimate relationship with Timothy, almost like a father-son type (v.2).  Most commentators write that Timothy was converted under Paul’s ministry and became one of his most trusted helpers in the faith.  It was because of this kind of relationship that Timothy was able to receive advice and encouragement from Paul.  

Discipleship is critical in the Christian faith.  Part of discipleship is having people who can encourage us in our walk with Jesus.  Whether it is through a small group ministry or an accountability group, we should strive to seek Paul/Timothy relationships in our lives.  Do you have this type of spiritual relationship in your life?  Growing in our faith requires others to guide us and help us along the way.  

Ask the Lord for this type of relationship in your life.  Get involved in community and seek out spiritual mentorship.  If you already have this relationship in your life, take some time thanking the Lord for his provision.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the godly relationships in my life.  Help me to seek out more of these types of Paul/Timothy relationships so that it would help me grow to be more like Jesus.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 1

Lunch Break Study  

Read Matthew 4:18-22: While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. [19] And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” [20] Immediately they left their nets and followed him. [21] And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. [22] Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Questions to Consider 

  1. What do you find unique about Jesus’ call to discipleship?
  2. What is the result of following Jesus?  Why do you think Jesus mentions the goal of discipleship?
  3. What are the obstacles to discipleship in your life?  How can you overcome them?

Note

  1. The word “disciple” literally means someone who pledges to be a “learner.” Moreover, it is someone who follows another’s teaching and adheres to it. Discipleship is a commitment and a process. It involves time to undertake the learning and a yearning to imitate Jesus!
  2. Discipleship is also reciprocal, that is, the discipler makes the commitment to train someone else. That is what Jesus meant by, “I will make you fishers of men.” It is not just catching them and then storing them (fish were processed and sold for the betterment and use of the community); it involves training the disciples, so they, too, can catch, train, and place others in positions of leadership.
  3. Discipleship requires commitment.  It is a daily decision we make to grow and learn.  As we follow Christ, we should also find others to disciple and nurture them in their walk.

Evening Reflection

As we have been meditating on the idea of discipleship, what is the Lord asking you to do?  Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you close the day in prayer.   

October 4, Sunday

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who is currently serving in Japan as a missionary, is an updated version of his blog first posted on April 27, 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

“Taking My Eyes Off Of Someone Truly Unimpressive and Gazing at Someone Who Is”

Matthew 13:31-33

“He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. [32] It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” [33] He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Scripture is clear that the Kingdom of God may appear unimpressive; nevertheless, that doesn’t mean that the Kingdom won’t be truly glorious. While the Kingdom is “the smallest of seeds,” it grows “larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree” (v. 32).   Likewise, the leaven hidden in the flour works its way through all the dough (v. 33).

When I was a kid, I used to watch “Transformers,” the cartoon. The theme song ended with the words: “Transformers, more than meets the eye!” The idea is that while that car looks like a car, it is, in fact, a giant, awesome robot with lasers. Yet when we look at our Christian lives, all we see is a minivan with no A/C. We wonder, “Where are the lasers?”

One of our major problems is that we have a very low standard for awesomeness. Our culture defines “great” as fast, easy, and fun. However, the reality is, Jesus does not promise us fast, easy, or fun: in fact, He can get in the way of such things. But ask yourself, what is better than fast, easy, and fun? What is truly awe-inspiring? What can take your breath away?

Perhaps you thought of a groom seeing his bride for the first time on their wedding day. Or maybe a natural wonder like the Grand Canyon, or the birth of a child. Notice what all these wondrous things have in common. They all draw our attention completely away from ourselves. So often the Kingdom of God is unimpressive, boring, and even disappointing because we are still looking at ourselves. We have gone far too long without gazing at Jesus.

God does better than give us a better life now. Rather, He frees us from our obsession with ourselves so that we can see and experience something and Someone truly awe-inspiring. May the Son of God take your breath away as you worship Him this Sunday.

Prayer: Lord, I got to take my eyes off of me and place my gaze upon You!  I got to go from looking at something that is truly unimpressive to fix my eyes on Christ, the most awesome entity in the universe.  Please, remind and empower me to make this critical move. Amen.   

Bible Reading for Today:2 Chronicles 36

October 3, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Young Kim of Grace Covenant Church in Philadelphia, was originally posted on June 12, 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

“Taming the Tongues”

Proverbs 10:19, 21-27 

“When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.”

What, when, and how you say words matter!!! Be wise with your lips. You and I can cause a lot of pain or cause a lot of encouragement with the words we choose to say. Being wise with your words show our true maturity in Christ. Pray about it!!!

James 3:1-11

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

The words we speak can bless or it can destroy.  We underestimate the power of our tongue. If you have not paid much attention to this area, you might want to do so today.  There might be some repentance needed.  There might be some apologies you need to make.  To whom do you need to apologize?  How are you using your words?  Ask Jesus to make you more sensitive about this area and to give you strength to make your words a blessing!

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom as I speak to those that make me impatient.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  2 Chronicles 34-35

October 2, Friday

REPOST Today’s AMIQT Devotional, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, was first posted on July 25, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Learn to Say ‘No’ to Bitterness”

1 Peter 3:9

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

It is neither godly (in the spiritual realm) nor beneficial (emotionally) to focus on the person who has offended or hurt us.   Before long, we are thinking of different ways to “repay evil with evil or insult with insult.”   It is bad enough that someone has hurt us; it would be worse if we allow the bitterness to enroot in our hearts, because that becomes poison that brings dysfunction (in relationships with others), opens us to spiritual attacks from the Enemy (loss of joy, peace, a clear conscience, etc.), and keeps us from moving forward in life. 

The more we hold on to bitterness and unforgiveness, the spiritual and emotional strongholds against us become stronger.  And God’s blessings and His promises seem meaningless since a prolonged bitterness always causes spiritual and emotional deadness.   

Finally, the bitterness, once it is full-grown, demands that actions be taken to repay evil with evil against the offender:  We plan, plot, and implement until we have gotten our revenge.  In the meantime, the bitterness towards one person affects our relationship with others, including those who are trying to help and love us. 

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

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

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

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

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicle 33

Lunch Break Study

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

Questions to Consider

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

Notes

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

Evening Reflection

Meditate on Matthew 18:23-35: “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold[a] was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins.[b] He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

October 1, 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 21, 2013.  He is a graduate of Drexel University (BS) and Columbia International University (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Jesus the Conqueror” 

Psalm 110:1-7 (NIV)

The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” 2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever,  in the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. 6 He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. 7 He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high. 

Psalm 110 is the most referenced Psalm in all of the New Testament. It is a powerful messianic psalm telling of the coming reign of Messiah. From it, we learn that Messiah will not only rule as the King and Lord over all the earth, but He will also be the Priest of God’s people, serving as the perfect mediator between God and man. 

Jesus is that messiah! He is our perfect ruler and perfect priest. For generations, Israel longed to see Him reign and now we [i.e., the Church, or true Israel (Rom. 2:28-9; 9:24-6)] get to delight in His rule (and anticipate its fullness upon His return). 

This Psalm was likely sung when a new king was placed on the throne in Zion, and it offers many promises to David’s son. The king gets the place of favor, for he sits at the Lord’s “right hand” (v. 1). This verse also gives assurance of victory — God Himself makes the king’s enemies his footstool, an ancient Near Eastern metaphor for total subjugation. Various biblical figures placed their feet on the necks of defeated foes (Josh. 10:1–28; 1 Kings 5:1–3).

We have victory in our Lord Jesus Christ because of his work on the Cross.  Maybe you are in a season of feeling defeated or overwhelmed.  Let’s remember that we can overcome through the power of Christ. Yes, we are more than conquerors. 

Prayer: To our victorious King Jesus, thank You for defeating our enemy in order that we may have life in You.  Thank You that You continue to have our backs in our present struggles against the world, the flesh, and the devil.  We shall be triumphant in You.  Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 32

Lunch Break Study

Read Hebrews 4:14–5:6: Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5:1 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” 6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” 

Questions to Consider

  1. What do we learn about Jesus’s role as high priest from this passage?
  2. What should our knowledge of Jesus’ role on our behalf lead us to do? 
  3. Based on this passage, what has Jesus done for us?

Notes

  1. Jesus serves as our mediator before God. As sinners, we can’t approach God on our own, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice, He allows us to enter God’s presence and enjoy a relationship with Him. Jesus, through His body, has made the sacrifice needed to make that possible. Jesus is also compassionate, able to empathize with our struggles because He himself was subject to the weakness of human flesh. 
  2. Because we know that Jesus is our perfect mediator who makes a relationship with God possible and empathizes with our struggles, we should go to God in prayer with great confidence because we know that we will find abundant grace there. Every possible barrier between us and God has been done away with in Christ!
  3. Jesus has done away with every possible barrier between God and us. He willingly took on human form and subjected himself to the struggles we endure every day. Knowing this, we should be all the more confident in going to God in prayer, knowing we are completely dependent on Him, and that He delights in coming to our aid. Let’s approach the Lord boldly and confidently in prayer because of who He is and his grace to help us in our time of need.

Evening Reflection

“There are many things in my life that I do not want to put under the gaze of Christ. Yet I know there is nothing hidden from Him. He knows me better than my wife knows me. And yet He loves me. This is the most amazing thing of all about God’s grace. It would be one thing for Him to love us if we could fool Him into thinking that we were better than we actually are. But He knows better. He knows all there is to know about us, including those things that could destroy our reputation. He is minutely and acutely aware of every skeleton in every closet. And He loves us.” (R.C. Sproul)

Spend some time thanking God for His amazing grace and acceptance best demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus.