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

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

Notes

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.
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!
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.

September 30, Wednesday

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 24, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“How Will You Respond to the Lord?”

Psalm 78:32-39

In spite of all this, they kept on sinning; in spite of his wonders, they did not believe. 33 So he ended their days in futility and their years in terror. 34 Whenever God slew them, they would seek him; they eagerly turned to him again. 35 They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. 36 But then they would flatter him with their mouths, lying to him with their tongues; 37 their hearts were not loyal to him, they were not faithful to his covenant. 38 Yet he was merciful; he forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath. 39 He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return.

Isn’t it interesting to see what God will do to draw us near to Him? Sometimes God gently whispers, and at other times He loudly gets our attentions. Sometimes God blesses us in the hopes that we would turn to Him and give praise and thanksgiving to Him. Other times He disciplines us so that we would turn to Him.

In the case of the Israelites, because they didn’t respond well to God’s blessings and provisions, He punished them with His wrath. It was only after they were disciplined that they turned to God. But even when they turned to God it wasn’t genuine.

Our Heavenly Father is calling us this morning. How will you respond to Him? Sometimes we respond to God like the Israelites, where our worship, our gratitude, our repentance isn’t genuine. Let’s ask God to search our hearts and to reveal to us the condition of our heart so that we might be able to offer God a pure and pleasing offering.

Prayer: Father, I confess that sometimes when I respond to You, my actions are not genuine. Forgive me for simply going through the motions, for not offering You authentic worship. Fill me with Your Spirit that my heart will begin to change. I thank You that despite my failures, You are merciful and gracious. Thank You for being faithful even when I’m not. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 31

Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:11-12 (NIV): Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Questions to Consider

What does slandering others (especially other believers) reveal about the condition of your heart?
What is the underlying assumption when you stand in judgment against another person?
Rather than blurting out slanderous statements about others, especially other believers, we should stop and bless that person in the name of Jesus. How are you doing in this area?

Notes

To “speak evil” of a person is to find fault with him, to speak disparagingly of him, to gossip maliciously about him. Some people think fault-finding is their spiritual gift! This is sad. In the book of James, the members of the same body were turning against one another. It was like the body attacking itself! Christians attacking one another! We have a tendency to dismiss it as a trivial thing, but James refuses to do so. He wants his readers to stare this ugly thing in the face. He begins by telling them that such evil-speaking means setting oneself above the law. There is a law against evil-speaking; it is God’s law.
When we slander another brother or sister in Christ, we are breaking that law; yet we are doing much more. We are assuming that we know better than God who gave the law. We are saying that this law should not even be a law. Curtis Vaughan observes, “The man who deliberately breaks a law thereby disparages that law. In effect he sets himself above it and declares that it is a bad law, not worthy to be obeyed.” This is simply pride, a very dangerous place in our spiritual walk.
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

Spend some time worshipping the Lord verbally. Let your tongue be used to glorify God rather than tear down others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me if I had been slandering others from my judgmental heart and attitude. Help me to bless others in the name of Your Son.

September 29, Tuesday

REPOSTToday’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King who serves as associate pastor at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on April 8, 2014. Cami is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Pivotal Importance of God’s People in Our Lives”

Galatians 2:6-10

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

As Paul continues defending his message against the deception of false teachers, he turns to the agreement between his message and that of other believers (namely the apostles and those who were “influential” in the Church) as testament to its validity. The apostles were the gold standard at that time because they knew best the teachings of Jesus. They had, after all, spent the most time with Him.

Looking back on the days of the early Church, I imagine it being a bit chaotic and having difficultly discerning what was true and what was false since the New Testament had not yet been written and compiled. But God had things under control and He used the apostles (and others within the Body) to lay the foundations for the teachings we’ve come to know today, the truth that we now have as Scripture, and to lead His people into the right paths. He did this through His Holy Spirit living within the believers.

We are privileged beyond those in the early Church because we now have the compiled New Testament to offer us guidance and wisdom, as well as the ability to discern truth from error, as we seek to live lives that glorify God. But one invaluable thing that we still have today is one another. We all carry the Holy Spirit and are each able to speak words of truth and life to one another through God’s Spirit within us.

We are such an independent culture and sometimes we allow the gift of the Bible to breed pride and isolationism – thinking we can figure everything out on our own. But we still need each other. Yes, God’s Word is our gold standard for today, but God’s people (i.e., community) are still important. God’s Spirit at work within us should bring about agreement that protects us from error and leads us into the right path.

Are there areas of confusion in your life? Are there impending decisions or looming questions? Seek God in His Word and talk to other believers. The Holy Spirit at work within you both will enable you walk in the right path.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You for the gifts of Your Holy Scriptures and Your Holy Spirit that together lead me into all truth and wisdom. Thank You for the body of believers that help protect me from deception and confusion. Help me to rely upon my brothers and sisters in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 30

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17: But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Questions to Consider

In his closing words to his disciple Timothy, what does Paul tell him to do?
From whom might Timothy have learned these things?
What is the purpose of the Scriptures according to this passage?

Notes

Continue in the things he has learned. In other words, be faithful to follow Christ and obey the word of God.
From other believers – from His family members who taught Him the way of the Lord, from the religious schooling he most likely received as a child, and, mainly, from Paul, as Timothy had learned much from his life and teachings.
We have the Bible so that we may be equipped for every God work. All of it is useful for teaching, correction, reproof, and training in the things of God.

Evening Reflection

Who are the people God has placed in your life to teach you the truths of His Word (like Paul did for Timothy)? Who are those He’s given to walk alongside you (like the apostles did for Paul)? Who are those who God has given you to pour out what you’ve learned in your faith journey? Pray and ask God to identify these people in your life and for practical ways to nourish these precious relationships.

September 28, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on September 10, 2014. Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Two Are Better Than One”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-16 (ESV)

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13 Better was a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who no longer knew how to take advice. 14 For he went from prison to the throne, though in his own kingdom he had been born poor. 15 I saw all the living who move about under the sun, along with that youth who was to stand in the king’s place. 16 There was no end of all the people, all of whom he led. Yet those who come later will not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and a striving after wind.

I once read that two oxen yoked together can pull more than double the weight that the same oxen can pull separately (with all things being equal). This is an amazing example of ‘two being better than one’ in terms of output and reward for our labors. In our fiercely individualistic culture however, this basic concept has long been forgotten, and as a result, we are constantly trying to ‘pull our own weight’ without regard for anyone else.

Ironically, the need for each other is a lesson we learn early in our childhood. Whenever I chaperone my daughter’s field trip, all the students, after being paired up, are instructed to watch out for each other. This works remarkably well, which lessens the stress in adults while teaching the children the importance of caring for someone beside themselves. It’s to our detriment that we gradually forget this rudimentary lesson; ultimately, in our self-sufficiency we become oblivious to the fact that this principle is God’s plan for how we ought to work for and serve him.

Robert Bellah, professor emeritus (in sociology) at the University of California, Berkeley, sees expressive individualism, referring to one’s outlook in life in which a person is solely concerned with fulfilling his dream, as a main culprit to the fabric of society coming unglued. Its byproduct is individuals unconcerned about the common good, which then becomes fodder for social problems.

As a remedy, the eminent sociologist writes, “To make a real difference. . ., there has to be a reappropriation of the idea of vocation and calling, a return in a new way to the idea of work as a contribution to the good of all and not merely as a means to one’s own advancement.” Paul puts like this: “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28 ESV). It is stunning that this scholar from a leading liberal institution in America is echoing what the Scriptures have been saying for thousands of years.

Whatever differences made as a result of an individual pursuit of success will pale in comparison to the differences made when we labor together and with others in mind. Not only will we be happier, because of the friendships made, but also by the amount, effectiveness and usefulness of the work accomplished. Be a team player today!

Prayer: Lord, give us the wisdom not only to work harder but to work smarter. We confess that because of our pride, we fail to work together for the building up of Your kingdom. Help us to see Your intent for us to work with one another, not simply for our own personal advancement but also for the good of our churches and communities. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 29

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 (ESV): Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9 It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

Questions to Consider

Why is laziness inherently a selfish and individualistic attitude towards work?
What pattern of work is Paul advocating for us to imitate?
Identify some areas of laziness in your life.

Notes

At the core, being idle does not take into account that your lack of work ethic affects those around you. By not doing your share of the work, you are robbing the community of the benefits it could have derived from your diligence. Laziness is, in effect, a subtle form of self-centeredness that keeps your family, church, or work from reaching its fullest potential.
Paul and his co-workers, while serving this young church, refused to be a burden on them. They were mindful of the common good as they labored together to establish this congregation. In fact, Paul rarely worked or traveled alone according to the epistles; he constantly had friends, disciples, and partners with whom they co-labored.
Person response.

Evening Reflection

Are you currently serving your church? If not, why not? If so, how is your relationship with other members and is there a sense of partnership in the gospel? Pray about how you can work more closely with friends, family, and members of your church to spread the good news of Jesus Christ.

September 27, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, was first posted on March 9, 2014. 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

“Being a Doer”

2 Corinthians 3:18

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Can I be direct with you this morning? I fear that Christianity in this country has sometimes reduced the gospel to one of two things: either doctrine that we know in our minds, or emotions that we feel in our hearts. Doctrine is very important and emotional experiences that are founded on right doctrine are very important. But in the end, the result of the gospel is transformation. If we reflect the Lord’s glory, then we will be transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory!

I remember Andy Stanley talking about how many of us are satisfied with merely being “convicted.” We might attend a worship service, which (either through the praise or the message or both) stimulates our minds and engages our hearts, and we will be “convicted” about an area of our lives. We might confess and pray a prayer of repentance. We might even tell God that we’re going to obey. Then, we will go about our merry way, never following through, satisfied in knowing that we had “experienced” God.

To use a silly household analogy, it does me no good to be convicted about vacuuming my house, unless I actually vacuum. When I face the “judge,” I will earn little sympathy when I tell him that, at least, I wanted to do it. The true test of whether I actually wanted to vacuum is if I have actually followed through with it! To belabor the point: the true test of whether we are following Jesus is if we are actually following Jesus.

You might be reading this before Sunday service…or after the service. Regardless, I pray that God will have engaged your mind and your heart. If you receive a “conviction,” please obey God. Remember, “whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected” (1 John 2:5). Don’t be satisfied with merely being convicted (in mind or in heart). God has much more that He wants to do in you and through you!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me not to merely listen to Your words, thereby deceiving myself, but do what You say. Remind me that “whoever claims to live in [God] must walk as Jesus did” (1 Jn. 2:6). May I be filled with the Spirit in order to lead the life of a doer. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 28

September 26, Saturday

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), is an updated version of his blog first posted on March 30, 2013.

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Hearing God’s Voice from Unlikely Sources”

Luke 19:40

“If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

Much of what we read and hear every day (office gossips, silly blogs, strange teachings) can easily be dismissed, but when God speaks to us through unlikely sources, it needs to be discerned as such and then we need to heed it.

Augustine the great theologian (350-430) is known as a saint, but he was anything but that before his conversion. What turned him around? While crying out to God in a garden in Milan over his many sins, Augustine suddenly heard a voice of a child nearby saying repeatedly, “Take and read; take and read.” Quickly grabbing his New Testament, he read Romans 13:13-14, which says, “Let us behave decently . . . not in sexual immorality. . . Rather, clothes yourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Shaken up spiritually, it was there and then that Augustine the great sinner began his trek back to God.

Certainly not to that level but I experienced something similar that led to a change of mind (i.e., repentance). In 2008, while serving in Mexico where my principle ministry was providing extended education for pastors, I heard God through an unlikely source. Closely working with the Baptist pastors in Chihuahua, Mexico, they also included me in the list of Baptist pastors where names were randomly picked to preach at different churches on a pulpit-exchange Sunday. Not wanting to be assigned to a church far from home, often requiring several hours to drive, I asked the lead pastor, (also a good friend) to take my name out of that list, which he obliged. However, the Holy Spirit began to speak to my conscience, saying, “You don’t mind flying 15 hours to teach in Vietnam but you don’t want to drive for two hour to preach?” Is it not glamorous enough for you? The next day, I informed the lead pastor to put me back in the draw. A few days later, he called to inform me that I was picked to speak at a church nearby my home: a congregation inside the infamous CERESO prison where most hardcore criminals were incarcerated.

I had first gotten involved with this ministry in 2005 through my home church in Mexico. A team of us would go there every Friday night and teach the inmates for an hour and fellowship thereafter. After two years, a church was organized inside the prison because many had become believers, which meant that we would go there every Sunday afternoon to hold worship services. But, I stopped going because, among other reasons, I often preached at other churches on Sundays; thus, I had not been there for more than a year when I returned to preach. After preaching in front of more than 100 inmates, a prisoner named “Mata” (meaning “kill” in Spanish; ironically he was convicted of murder), after telling me how blessed he was to hear from me, wanted to know why I had stopped coming. Caught off guard, I responded, “I’ve been very busy,” to which he said, “I guess we aren’t as important to you.” Sounding defensive, I reassured him that that wasn’t so. In response, Mata calmly said, “Then please come here at least once a month to preach because we need to hear from you.” That’s how I ended up preaching there once a month from then on until 2010, when visitation was no longer allowed due to the escalating violence inside the prison.

Yes, while we hear and read many useless things, remember that God may speak to you through unlikely sources, even stones! You need to obey that one, much like Jesus who obeyed his Father to die on the cross for the “sins of the whole world” (1 Jn. 2:2).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to discern Your voice in our lives, and then give us the strength and willingness to heed what we have heard. May we be obedient children to the Father. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 26-27

September 25, Friday

NEWThe AMI QT Devotionals for today is provided by Pastor Joshua Kim of Church of Southland. Joshua, a graduate of Emory University, Columbia Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Talbot School of Theology (Th.M.), serves as the pastor of Access group (singles).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Beyond Comprehension”

Philippians 4:4-7 (NASB)

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Our society has been inundated with “fact-checking” and accusations of “fake news” more than ever. These are outward expressions of an ever-increasing sentiment of distrust. There is a growing expectation and demand for answers. And until we get these responses, there is a sense of peace that is lacking. But what if there was a peace that is available even when there are no answers?

Paul writes to the church in Philippi to rejoice always, walk with integrity, not be anxious, pray, give thanks in light of the circumstances that they are facing. As you may know, Paul writes this while he himself is sitting in prison. How can a man facing such trials talk about joy and peace? What explanation can be provided for this?

Well, I think that’s the thing. There is an underlying assumption in many of us that if only we had the answers, if only we had the solutions, if only we could explain what and why these things are happening, then we can find peace. But we’ve all faced situations where there are no real good explanations that can be provided. And in some situations, the answers to our questions are even harder to accept than the unknown.

But an incredible truth and hope is available in Christ who offers a peace that TRANSCENDS understanding. A peace that needs no explanation. A peace that cannot be taken away because of circumstances. Is this not the peace we want? Is this not the peace this world needs? This is the peace that Christ offers to us. And this can only be found in Him.

In conjunction to yesterday’s quiet time, this kind of peace can only be found in God’s presence. And not that we shouldn’t come to God with our questions and our supplications—I pray that the Lord will guide you and respond to you in all that you bring to Him—but perhaps more than the answers to these things, we should seek Him. For in Him and Him alone, is everlasting peace.

Prayer: Father, thank You that You are peace. You are not only the giver of peace, not only are You the maker of peace, but You Yourself are peace. And we confess that in this chaotic world that seems to get crazier each day, what we need is not answers—rather, we need You. May our need for answers and solutions never get in the way of our need for You. Thank You for revealing this truth to us. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 25

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 4:8-9: Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. 9 The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Questions to Consider

What are the things that Paul calls the church to dwell upon?
What do you think is the relationship between dwelling on these “excellent” things and the peace available in God’s presence?
What practices can you incorporate to your daily life that will allow you to dwell more on these “excellent” and praiseworthy things?

Notes

Paul calls the church to dwell upon that which is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, excellent, and worthy of praise. If you take all these things into consideration, it must point our attention to God who alone encompasses all these things and more. But also, it is these things reflected in the life of believers that help us also to dwell upon these things.
When we dwell upon these things that are truly excellent (e.g. the character of God, God’s love reflected in the life of believers), it reminds us how great God truly is. And when our hearts and minds began to fathom the greatness of God, we come to realize that there is peace in God that transcends all understanding available to us (see morning devotion). Especially in times when we aren’t sure how to pray or what to do, these are the things that we should “fall back” on in order to get us back into the presence of God.
Some suggestions might be, one, taking a short part of scripture every day and spending a good chunk of time meditating on how this passage reflects the character of God; two, singing a praise song to God to remind yourself of who He is and why He is worthy of praise, etc.

Evening Reflection

Take one of the practices you thought of doing during the Lunch Break Study and implement it now. Sing a song of praise to Him. Meditate on a small chunk of scripture. Google search a famous painting of a Bible story (e.g., Rembrandt’s “The Return of the Prodigal Son”). You can be creative! But whatever you choose, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of how good God is through this, and dwell upon these things.

September 24, Thursday

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Simplicity”

Psalm 27:4-8 (NASB)

One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to meditate in His temple. 5 For in the day of trouble He will conceal me in His tabernacle; In the secret place of His tent He will hide me; He will lift me up on a rock. 6 And now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me, and I will offer in His tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord.

My wife and I just celebrated my daughter’s second birthday, and I must admit these past couple of years have been a learning experience. But as much as I have learned already, there seems to always be more philosophies, methodologies, and practices (many which contradict each other) in how to raise a child. In fact, what I am most confident about is the fact that there isn’t one “this is how it should be done.”

But this isn’t just in parenting. It’s the case in all areas of life. It’s driven by an assumption that having more options is always better. More options mean more choices, which somehow guarantees better results. But that isn’t always the case, is it? In an age of endless research and information, sometimes it’s nice to have just one solution. There is great value in simplicity.

This is the heart expressed by David: One thing I have asked from the Lord, that I shall seek. While running for his life as a fugitive, the one thing David seeks above all else is the presence of God. Before, I understood this as a reminder to forsake all other things so that I may find my security in God, especially in the midst of trials. More recently, however, this psalm spoke differently to me.

It showed me the value of simplicity. There is great joy and freedom in simplicity. I don’t need to research more. I don’t need all the understanding in the world or the “right” words to say in order for God to hear my prayers. I just need to know that no matter what I face, what I need is God’s presence. And that is a prayer that God is always faithful to answer. This is what David prayed for: One thing have I asked of the Lord.

Have you ever had a time when you became discouraged because you weren’t sure what to pray for? Well this psalm shows us that it’s not so much about what we ask for but more so Who we ask for. And when we ask for His presence, we’ll realize that the other questions and concerns don’t matter as much. Because what we always needed was Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You. Thank You that You are always the answer. Thank You that we don’t need complete understanding or some semblance of clarity. We thank You for the freedom we have in this simple confession that all we need is You. In Jesus’ Name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 20

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:14-17, 26-27 (NASB): “For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him… 26 In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”

Questions to Consider

What is the indicator that we are children of God?
Limiting your response to this passage, what does the Spirit do in the life of a child of God?
What does it mean to you that when we do not know how to pray, that the Spirit of God intercedes on your behalf?

Notes

The Spirit of God and being led by the Spirit is the indicator that we have been made sons and daughters of God. Verse 16 – the Spirit Himself testifies of this reality.
The Spirit of God leads us (v.14), He frees us and calls us to cry out to God (v.15), He assures us of our adoption (v. 16), He intercedes on our behalf with words that we don’t have ourselves (v.26)
Personal response. There is great freedom that though we do not have the words, the Spirit who knows the mind of God, intercedes on our behalf. And just like David is Psalm 27, the first thing the Spirit cries on our behalf is “Abba! Father!”

Evening Reflection

There are many things that happened throughout today: While some of you have come to terms with certain issues in your life, others are still wrestling through them. But no matter what you may have encountered today, there is great freedom in this simple truth: Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Take a moment to allow this great yet simple truth to fill your heart and your mind as you find your rest tonight.

September 23, Wednesday

NEW The AMI QT Devotional for today is provided Joe Suh who serves as a pastor intern at the Church of Southland (Anaheim, California).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Give It All Away”

Philippians 2:3-11

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; 4 do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8 Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

I recently read an article about Charles “Chuck” Feeney. At the age of 89 he accomplished his life’s goal. Mr. Feeney was a billionaire and co-founder of Duty Free Shoppers. His life goal was to give away all his money to charity before he died. His desire was to be broke by the time he passed. Over the past four decades Mr. Feeney had donated over $8 billion dollars to charities, universities and foundations all around the world. More astonishing is that he did so anonymously. At no point did he want the recognition of donating to the charities. This act earned him the nickname of the “James Bond of Philanthropy”.

I am not sure if Mr. Feeney is a believer or not, but his heart of giving is definitely impressive. His thought was that he didn’t want to wait until he died to pass on his wealth because there were major problems now and they needed addressing.

In today’s passage we see Paul reminding us of what Mr. Feeney had done all his life. To do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit. To have humility and think of others before we think of ourselves. Ultimately to look out for the interest of others before our own. To serve others before we ourselves are served.

Mr. Feeney was a successful businessman and truly one of a kind when it came to his giving. He was looking out for the interest of others and all the while remaining humble as he did so. The fact that he gave anonymously for all those years is truly a testament to his humility.

Paul uses the greatest person as his example in this passage. He tells us to have the same attitude as Jesus when it comes to thinking of and serving others. Jesus emptied Himself and became a man. He humbled Himself to the point of death so that all of us would have life.

Being a servant is more about “being” than it is about “doing”. I think sometimes we tend to look for that one big experience where we can demonstrate our faithfulness to God, demonstrate our servanthood by giving of ourselves in some heroic fashion. But in reality that is not usually how it happens. In reality, it happens in the small, every day, somewhat uneventful occurrences of our lives.

This attitude, this mindset of serving others instead of being served, of giving rather than getting, of obeying rather than dominating is lived out in our day to day lives. It is really about serving others, not because we have to, but because it is who we are. We are able to live for something so much more.

If we truly follow the example of Jesus, our hearts will be full and we will do all we can to think of others before we think of ourselves.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You giving us Your son Jesus as an example of what it is to serve others. I pray that my heart and attitude would reflect what it is to selflessly give and serve others. Give me opportunities to grow in this area of my life and really live it out as Jesus did. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 19

Lunch Study Break

Read Romans 12:10-13 (NASB): Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Questions to Consider

To whom are we to be devoted and how are we to be devoted?
Why does Paul exhort the people to love one another in brotherly love?
How does this passage resonate with or convict your heart?

Notes

We are to be devoted to one another. This would mean everyone. We are to be devoted in brotherly love (v.10). What is meant by brotherly love is a familial type of love—a love that is sacrificial, unconditional and real.
As believers we are all members of God’s family. Though we may not know each other, by virtue of our belief in God we are all family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. So as members of one family we are called to love each other, to care for each other and pray for each other. We are to give to each other and serve one another as best we can.
Personal response.

Evening Reflection

As you wind down from the day, take some time to pray through what it means to serve your fellow brothers and sisters. Are you able to serve those you do not even know? Can you give with humility and compassion? As the Holy Spirit to reveal people that God may want you serve.

September 22, Tuesday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional is a reprint of Kate Moon’s blog originally posted on May 14, 2014. Kate continues to serve the Lord in E. Asia.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“So That We Can Become Something . . .”

Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. [12] It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

My parents did not make a lot of money, but one thing I remember my mother saying to me while growing up was, “If there’s ever something you really want to do, don’t ever let money be a reason not to. Just ask us, we’ll find a way.”

You would think this statement would have the result of us children not being able to recognize proper limits, always asking our parents to pay for this, that and the other thing. Actually, it had the opposite effect. Knowing my parents worked long hours each day, and how frugally they lived (watering down the shampoo and dishwashing liquid to make it last longer, washing Ziploc bags to reuse them), when my mother said this to me, I was moved by her heart. I knew that whatever I asked for would cost them something, meaning some sacrifice on their part, so this made me very careful about asking them for anything at all.

So how does the grace of God teach us to say “no” to ungodliness when it seems like it could be giving us permission to sin all we want? It happens when we remember that his grace is not only about us being able to receive something, but that it is also about how he is always willing to pay for something. God’s heart is to be generous with his grace, to let it be free-flowing and abundant, enough to cover our every misstep, careless action, even deliberate rebellion. But the only way we cannot take advantage of it is to remember the cost.

Remember that Jesus Christ paid a price for a purpose – so that we could become a certain kind of people (v. 14). Like a donor who supports a medical student in financial need because he wants to see that student graduate and become a doctor, when Jesus paid the price for us, it was because he wanted to see us become something – a redeemed people, purified from sin, living as God intended. As recipients of his grace, how are we doing at honoring his wishes?

Prayer: Dear God, I thank You for your dreams for me. You gave Yourself for me so that I could become someone who is truly free, upright, godly, and pure. I am eager to do what is good. Would You help me to live up to that calling today? In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: 2 Chronicles 18

Lunch Break Study

Read Galatians 6:7-10: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. [8] Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. [9] Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. [10] Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Questions to Consider

In what way can we often be deceived (v. 7)? Why do you think the metaphor of sowing and reaping is so appropriate to make this point?
What is the result of living to please the flesh vs. living to please the Spirit (v. 8)?
What encouragement does the Bible give for us to do good (v. 9)? What good can we do to others today?

Notes

We can sometimes think that our sins will never really have any serious negative effect in our lives. With farming, there is a time delay between an initial act (sowing in spring) and the final result (harvest in fall), but there is a certain and definite relationship between the two acts.
Living to please the flesh leads to destruction; living to please the Spirit leads to life.
Though there may be a time delay, there will most certainly be a reward if we persevere in doing good. We need to keep reminding ourselves that there are good consequences for our good actions as well.

Evening Reflection

Did I live my life today as the person God intended me to be? What good did I do? What harvest will I reap in the future as a result of the things I did today?