October 18, Sunday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Jabez Yeo who formerly served at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on October 19, 2014.  Jabez is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BS) and Columbia International University (M.A., Muslim Studies).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Measure of Success”

Jeremiah 7:27

“When you tell them all this, they will not listen to you; when you call to them, they will not answer.” 

For most of my Christian life, I measured success in my service to God either by growth in attendance or the number of people accepting Christ. In one particular year, the Bible study I served in rarely had people attend (besides our leadership team), which made me feel dejected, wondering what exactly I was doing wrong. But the next year, I helped to start a new Bible study, and we had 20-25 people attending weekly with some coming to know the Lord. I would be lying if I said that some pride did not creep into my heart about my “awesome” leadership skills; which was especially ironic since I had spent the same amount of time and energy serving during both years! 

As we think about successful service to God, a good case study to consider is the prophet Jeremiah. He received the call to prophesy at an early age (Jer. 1:4-8) and faithfully preached the message of repentance to Judah. Sadly, he did not witness spiritual revival nor repentance; but instead, the wicked prospering (12:1-6), two deportations from Jerusalem (24-25), Jerusalem’s destruction (39), and an ill-advised escape to Egypt (43:1-7). Even more tragically, Jeremiah himself was not exempt from these trials but had to suffer the consequences of his people’s actions (43:6-7). 

Was Jeremiah ineffective because of unconfessed sin? This seems unlikely since he interceded for his people and included himself among the guilty (14:19-22). Then, was he not being faithful? This would definitely not be true since he gave 40 years of service and ministered to the last five kings of Judah. Furthermore, he was single by God’s command and did not have any children to carry on his name (16:2). He was beaten, placed in the stocks (20:2), thrown into jail, and into a cistern by his enemies (37-38). In terms of social persecution, he was plotted against (11:18-20; 26:7-15), mocked (20:7) and even the scroll which contained his prophecies was burned by King Jehoiakim, who was unwilling to listen to God (36). All things considered, the case could easily be made that Jeremiah was one of the most faithful men to have ever walked on this earth.

From Jeremiah’s life, it is clear that faithfulness and obedience doesn’t always translate to the results or the “success” that we want. And as we enter into a new season of serving God, this might be a lesson that some of us will experience. While some will be called to fertile ground, to people who will come to know Christ, others will be called, like Jeremiah, to hard soil, to a people who will not listen to us even as we call (7:27). Wherever God leads us to serve, let us remember that He is ultimately the one who brings spiritual growth (1 Cor. 3:5-7).  All we can do is obey His commandments and calling in our lives; let us surrender the rest to Him.  

Prayer: Lord, help me to surrender to You, not as a way to obtain Your favor so I can impress others with my ministry, but to reflect Your love and humility and truth to the people around me. Amen. 

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 16

October 17, Saturday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Peter Yoon of Kairos Christian Church in San Diego, is an updated version of his blog first posted on May 17, 2014.  Peter is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“When God ‘Rudely’ Interrupts My Well-Planned Day”

Luke 1:38

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” 

God is no respecter of our schedules. The timing of the angel’s visitation to Mary could not have been any worse for Joseph and Mary (see Matt 1:18-21). To the church, the “virgin birth” has become a doctrine to defend. We make the confession of the creed each Sunday without giving much thought to the statement, “I believe in the virgin birth….” But for Mary, a pregnancy before her wedding could have sent her life into a vicious cycle of shame and rejection by her family, her town, and her community. And yet, she declares, “I am the Lord’s servant.” Her response challenges our contrived notion of what it means to be God’s servants, but her response also reveals to us that we are most blessed when we simply yield to the Lord.

One Sunday, a homeless man walked into our service. He worshipped with us and cordially greeted those who were brave enough to make their way towards him following the service. It was obvious that he had been on the streets. Now, to greet, shake hands, and say cordial greetings with a smile, most of us can do, but what do you do when he says, “I’m hungry. I only have 40 cents in my pocket. And the clothes that I’m wearing are the only things I own. I’ve visited numerous churches and have received the cold-shoulder treatment. And frankly, I’m just so tired.” 

A faithful brother, who leads the Homeless Ministry took charge. Or should I say, the responsibility just landed on his plate? He is a brother just as busy as you and me, who also would much rather “fellowship” with the believers on Sunday. In addition, he, too, had meetings to attend and ministries to oversee. Surely, God could have used him in other ways on that Sunday and not ruin his entire day with this inconvenient visitation, does He? Besides, Homeless Ministry nights were scheduled for MONDAY nights, not Sundays. 

Well, that Sunday, he ended up spending about $90 on some new clothing, dinner, and a food gift card. He also offered to cut the man’s hair, and a hot shower at his place, even as the homeless man took his sweet time. With each passing hour and each cancellation of his plans, Sunday was turning out to be a rather frustrating day. Finally, at 9PM, the man was dropped off at a location where he would find some shelter for the night. Upon reflection, he writes:   

“I had many conflicting and bitter thoughts but was extremely challenged by him and even my own unwillingness to help him joyfully and was wondering whether I (& the American church in general) have become so removed from love and mercy that I’m only willing to go to a certain extent in helping someone before ultimately passing them off. It’s a sad and frustrating truth that I am still wrestling with. Regardless, I believe the Lord is taking me to new levels of obedience, and though I felt incredibly irritated that my whole Sunday was ‘wasted’ (though it really wasn’t, but in a time sense that’s what it felt like), I’m grateful that God is teaching me not only what ‘ministry’ really is, but also of my own rigidity and paralysis to my ‘schedule that I tried to keep to’. It’s funny because I was thinking, I could have really caught up on my Systematic Theology class (learning about God) when God was telling me I’m teaching you about myself through this experience.”

At times, God hardly seems interested in your Google calendar. Does God have the right to interrupt your plans so that he can bless you? When He does, decide on the front end that you will also respond as Mary did, “I am the Lord’s servant.”  

Prayer: Dear God, I am so afraid to say, “Interrupt me anytime; I am always ready to serve You.” After all these years, I am still unable to let go even though You have been so faithful and good to me.  Be patient with me as You always have been.  Interrupt me anyti . . .  Help me, Lord.  Amen.  

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 14-15

October 16, Friday

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“We Have a King”

Hebrews 5:7-12

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

I received my absentee ballot in the mail this morning, and I was reminded that even though I am far from America, it’s my duty as an American citizen to submit my vote. Somewhere, deep in my consciousness there is an idea that was planted long ago through education and culture: Democracy is beautiful, and to be American is to vote! 

It is true that there is some value in democratic principles: the people get a voice, and no one person or group gets to decide what policies will guide our lives. The idea certainly sounds right to us. But how come it often feels so frustrating in practice? Especially in this election, why does voting – something that’s supposed to be so right – feel so… wrong?

It may come as a surprise, particularly to Christians of Western culture, but democracy is not in the Bible. Voting is also not in the Bible! I know, I was shocked too. The system of government in the Kingdom of God is not built on elections, or the balance of power. (If this is sounding extremely un-American to you, then you’re getting the right idea.) Instead, the Kingdom of God is exactly that, a Kingdom, in which a King rules supremely. This means whatever He says, goes. Perhaps this is difficult to understand because America has never had a king before. But under a king, obedience is not an option. To be part of this Kingdom is to obey!

This passage from Hebrews sheds light on some poignant truths. First, even Jesus, the Son of God, learned obedience. Now, when it says “learned” it doesn’t mean Jesus was disobedient and then became obedient. Rather, it means that Jesus, like us, had to actively experience full submission to the will of God the Father. Secondly, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him. Let me make one more clarification: Our salvation is by God’s grace, not by our obedience. This is crystal clear in the Scripture. But this is also clear: having been saved, we are now living in the Kingdom of God. And this Kingdom is no democracy; there is a Good King (i.e., a benevolent dictator, if you will), and we must learn the beauty of obeying Him.

So, in this election, let us thoughtfully and prayerfully cast our vote according to our conscience. This is part of our responsibility as exiles in this country. But as Christians, we must not put our ultimate hope in democracy. The Kingdom of God does not advance through voting, but rather through the daily obedience of the children of God. I pray that these truths offer you hope and encouragement in the midst of dark and frustrating times.

Prayer: Father, give us wisdom and clarity of mind to cast a vote that is honest and consistent with our consciences. Give us hope by reminding us that Your Kingdom is advancing and will one day come in fullness. Finally, give us boldness to live day-by-day in obedience to You. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 13

Lunch Break Study

Read 2 Timothy 2:23-3:5: Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Questions to Consider

  1. According to Paul, how should we approach controversies?
  2. According to this passage, what are some characteristics of a servant of God?
  3. What kind of people does Paul warn Timothy to avoid?

Notes

  1. Paul says to “have nothing to do” with foolish and ignorant controversies. There are some controversies worth engaging, and in those we ought to be patient and gentle (v 24-25). But there are some controversies that are foolish. We ought to avoid those.
  2. As Christians, we must not be quarrelsome, but kind to everyone. This doesn’t mean we are passive, because Paul follows this by saying, “able to teach, patiently enduring evil, and correcting opponents with gentleness”. 
  3. Paul writes a long list of unpleasant characteristics. Unsurprisingly, it seems that all of these things are on the rise days. Social media has certainly done its part to expose and even exacerbate these sins. Paul says to “avoid such people”. But does he mean that we should cut off connection with anyone who doesn’t seem to be “put-together” in the Christian sense? Not entirely. If you continue reading this passage, Paul is talking specifically about those whose intent is to oppose God and the Truth. In other words, there are certain people who purposefully live an anti-God lifestyle and teach others to do the same. We should avoid such people. 

Evening Reflection

Have you been obeying God in your daily life? Spend a few moments reminding yourself that God is your King. Submit yourself to Him, as Jesus also did. 

October 15, Thursday

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 17, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“What Would You Do If You Knew That This Would be Your Last Day on Earth?”

John 14:18-21

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.19 Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.20 In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”

Oftentimes, when reading the accounts of the Last Supper, I ask myself what I would do if I knew that this would be my last night on earth.  I used to think that I’d do something really adventurous, like skydive, base jump, or climb a mountain, but as I thought about it more,  I would probably spend my last night at home with my family.  

Surprisingly, I can even imagine this being the most selfless night of my life, catering to whatever my wife and kids would want to do.  My kids being so young, such a night would probably entail endless chasing and wrestling, watching a continual loop of Frozen, Ice Age, and Dora, and continually getting them every snack and drink they wanted.  Even their silly questions would get my full attention and elicit genuine thought on my part.  I’d like to believe that I’d find the patience to do all the things that normally drive me crazy with my children.  

One of the reasons we see so much tenderness in the Last Supper narratives is that these disciples were “children” to Christ, and the Lord knew this would be his last night with them.  On this night, even when the disciples’ constant bickering on who would be the greatest could’ve wore thin, Jesus tenderly set the example of service by washing their feet.  When Philip, who, like the rest, could not grasp Jesus’ message and asked to see the Father, Jesus patiently told him that they have all seen the Father through the Son (John 14:8-14).  Even Peter’s bravado and self-surety was met by a matter-of-fact warning from Christ that he would indeed deny him three times (John 13:38).  

So, this morning, take a few minutes to read through the Last Supper narratives (John 13-17).  Try to get a glimpse of the Lord’s heart as he comforts his disciples, reminds them again of who he is, and tells them who and what to expect in the coming days.  Maybe this will be the first time in a long time, but admire him for his tenderness; thank him for his selflessness; and love him for his sacrifice. 

Prayer: Jesus, as we remember you on the eve of your sacrifice, please help us to fall in love with you over again.  We confess that after many years, our hearts have become numbed to the cross; forgive us and renew us.  Thank you once again because you loved us first.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 12

Lunch Break Study

John 17:20-26: “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, even though the world does not know you, I know you, and these know that you have sent me. 26 I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

Questions to Consider

  1. For whom is the Lord praying?  What is his prayer request?
  2. Why is unity so important?
  3. How important is unity in your life? 

Notes

  1. The Lord was praying for all who would believe in his message; this includes us.  His prayer request is for unity among the believers; a unity that reflects the unity that Christ and the Father share.  He also prays that the love of the Trinity would be in us (17:26).  
  2. Unity reflects the love between the Father and the Son and serves as a witness to the unbelieving world (17:21).
  3. Personal response

Evening Reflection

Were you able to take time today to reflect on Christ?  How has your desire for Christ been lately?  Do you feel like you are growing in your love, or is your Christian walk more like a chore?  Pray earnestly that the Lord would rekindle your passion for him and thankfulness to our Savior this weekend.

October 14, 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 April 24, 2013.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t Pity the Weak but Have Consideration for Them”

Psalm: 41:1-3 (NIV)

Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the Lord delivers him in times of trouble. 2 The Lord will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. 3 The Lord will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness. 

In Psalm 40:1 is found an explicit promise of blessing that we would do well to heed: God blesses us when we have a caring and loving heart towards the “weak”.  The weak here is a broad term that includes those who have less in financial, physical, or spiritual sense.

How do we receive this blessing?  The word I want to focus on this morning is “regard”.  The ESV translates this word as “considers,” which accentuates the active and persistent nature of regarding someone.   There is a difference between wanting to care for the poor, the lost and the broken as opposed to having a regard or consideration for them.  It is the difference between sporadically reacting in compassion to help those who are weak, and pro-actively seeking to serve the weak in the manner that God loves and considers us.

In my experience, one main reason we are not more actively ministering to the weak is because we spend too much time thinking about our own needs and wants; as a result, we rarely consider the needs of those around us.  Our eyes may see them but our hearts don’t really “look” at them (i.e., regard or consider them).   So when those who need our ministry are out of sight, they are usually out of our mind.  Therefore, let us open our eyes, minds and hearts to those whom God desires to bless through us!

Are you pro-actively considering the needs of those around you?  Our model in this, of course, is Jesus who came for sinners, not the righteous (Mark 2:17).  Today, let us shift our focus away from ourselves and place it on those whom God desires to bless through us.

Prayer: Father, I confess that I am quite capable of focusing on myself and my own needs through the entirety of the day.  I pray that today (and the days following) would be different.  Help me to actively engage my prayers, thoughts, emotions and actions upon those whom You desire for me to serve.  I thank You that in doing this, I am in a small way reflecting Your heart of love and compassion towards me.  In Jesus’ name, I pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Acts 11

Lunch Break Study  

Read 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 (NIV): Be careful, however, that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak. 10 For if anyone with a weak conscience sees you who have this knowledge eating in an idol’s temple, won’t he be emboldened to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11 So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge. 12 When you sin against your brothers in this way and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.

Questions to Consider

  1. Read 1 Corinthians 8:1-8.  What is the context of this passage above?
  2. What arguments does Paul use to persuade the “strong” person to restrict his/her freedom voluntarily?
  3. What does it take to be a “strong” person? (c.f. Romans 15:1-2)

Notes

  1. The primary issue here is that of Christian freedom.  The church in Corinth faced a dilemma.  Was it permissible for Christians to eat meat sacrificed to idols, knowing that those idols are “nothing at all in the world”?  Paul agreed with the Christians who thought eating such meat was permissible.  But knowing that there was a group of Christians who thought eating such meat was wrong, he asked the “stronger” Christians to refrain.  
  2. Paul offers three main arguments:
    1. A strong Christian’s freedom can become a stumbling block to the weak Christian, causing his faith to weaken rather than grow.  In verse 10, Paul notes a scenario where a weak Christian eats food sacrificed to idols not in faith, but merely by seeing the example of another Christian.
    2. We must always see our fellow Christians as the brother or sister for whom Christ died.  We must discipline ourselves to avoid anything by which this person might be “destroyed” (verse 11).
    3. When we sin against our brother or sister in this way, we in fact “sin against Christ” (verse 12).
  3. In Romans 15:1, Paul tells us that one characteristic of strong Christians is to “bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves”.  That last phrase “not to please ourselves” is the key.  Such an attitude goes against the grain, which is nurtured on a notion of “my rights”.  Strong Christians do not insist upon their own rights but are amenable to restrict themselves for the sake of others.  This is the true Christian freedom.

Additional Note: It seems very burdensome to have to sacrifice one’s freedom and rights for others.  While we don’t normally confront the issue of food sacrificed to idols in America, the principle here is still very applicable to us.  In order that others may grow in faith, are we willing to restrict ourselves in areas such as, our lifestyle, drinking alcohol, the cars that we drive, etc?   Regardless whether we are able to justify our choices theologically (e.g., “Drinking in moderation is okay”), the bigger question is whether we are considering those who are weaker (for instance, someone who grew up believing that any kind of drinking is sinful, or someone who used to drink but hasn’t done so in awhile because of his faith)? Do we consider our time, habits, ambitions, and lifestyles so sacrosanct that we are unwilling to make any changes for the sake of others?  Or are we willing to give up on certain things so that others may grow in faith?

Evening Reflection

What has God been saying to you today about your lifestyle?  Are there any changes that you ought to consider out of consideration for those whom you desire to encourage in faith?  Let us process through these considerations in our journals.

October 13, Tuesday

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is written by Pastor David Son who pastors the Thrive Church in Taipei.  He is a graduate of University of California, Berkeley (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.). Stay up to date with the church plant by following them here: https://www.instagram.com/thrivechurchtaipei/

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Be Ready”

2 Timothy 4:1-5

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

After living in Taipei for two years, I feel like I have finally acclimated to the weather, food, and way of life in this island country. But one thing I have only just begun to grasp is the complexity of the relationship between Taiwan and China. For those of you who are well acquainted with this situation, you also know that this is a topic that is loaded with political baggage. My intent for mentioning this subject is not to proclaim one political view over the other; rather, I would like to present two humble observations, and a general application.

Observation #1. It’s only a matter of time before the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will take some form of action on Taiwan. It’s no secret that the CCP wants to claim full authority over Taiwan. A major deterrence to this has been the presence of the United States, who have promised to come to Taiwan’s defense should any military action be taken by the CCP. However, with the recent events happening in America (e.g. COVID-19 outbreak and the upcoming presidential election) and in light of what happened in Hong Kong, many experts believe the timeline for a CCP takeover of Taiwan is shortening. Some reputable sources even suggest that a military advance is imminent as early as January 2021. Regardless of how we feel about it, this is the reality we are facing here in Taiwan, and we certainly feel the tension.

Observation #2. The time is ticking for our church. Up until this point in my life, I’ve had the blessing of being part of churches that will probably outlive me. Growing up in the States, I have never once thought about my church as something that had a time limit. To me, my church would always be around; but there is in fact a time limit. Yes, the churches in Taiwan are currently enjoying the freedom to gather, to evangelize, and to make disciples without any external hindrance. But all of this could change. Of course, we don’t know if we have 1 year, or 50 years. But one thing is for sure: the clock is ticking! We don’t have forever to accomplish our mission.

Application: We must use the precious time we have (whether it’s 1 year or 50 years) to raise up as many kingdom-minded disciples as possible. We need to train Christians who are ready to preach the gospel, in season and out of season, in persecution or freedom; believers who love God’s Word and can reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. This is not just for churches in Taiwan. The truth is that all of our churches have a time limit when it comes to our mission, because Jesus could come back at any time. We might have 1 year, or 50 years left; no one really knows. But one thing is for sure: the time for casual Christianity is over – nay, it never existed. The question that remains is: how will we use this precious time that we have left?

Prayer: Jesus, give us a sense of urgency regarding the mission you have given us. Would you remind us all of the reality of the coming Kingdom and give us a refreshed perspective as to what you are doing in our cities. Please raise up more workers for the harvest and encourage those who are currently running the race for you.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 10

Lunch Break Study

Read Philippians 3:17-21: Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.

Questions to Consider

  1. According to this passage, what are the characteristics of one who walks as an enemy of the cross of Christ?
  2. What does Paul encourage the Philippian church to do?
  3. What hope does Paul encourage the Philippian church to cling to?

Notes

  1. “Enemies of the cross of Christ” is one of the most extreme titles Paul assigns to someone. Paul is most likely referring to the Judaizers (those who went around forcing Christian converts to practice Judaism as a requirement for salvation). In this passage he describes them: “Their god is their belly”. They overemphasize the physical aspects of faith (e.g. eating laws).  “They glory in their shame.” They boast about the things they ought to be ashamed of. “They set their minds on earthly things.” Paul makes a sobering judgment upon these people: “Their end is destruction”.
  2. Paul encourages them to imitate him and those who walk according to Christ’s example. Previously, Paul, in his letter, had mentioned Timothy and Epaphroditus as outstanding examples of Christ-like humility and service. Paul urges the church to look to these examples and imitate them. Who are you imitating? Are you a person who lives as an example of Christ?
  3. During the time when Roman citizenship and Caesar-worship was mainstream, Paul reminds the church that their citizenship is in heaven, and their Lord is Jesus Christ. In the midst of our (broken) world, let us cling to the assurance of hope that we have in Jesus Christ!

Evening Reflection

Spend some time praying for a sense of urgency in your church. Let’s pray for more Christ-like examples, the kind that we can look and imitate. Finally, let’s remember that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

October 12, Monday

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, was first posted on July 21, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Focusing on What We Do Have”

1 Peter 2:9-10

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Do you realize what it means to be a citizen of heaven, “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession”? It means that the door of heaven has already been opened for us through Christ; that is, in Christ, we can have heaven on earth. 

As citizens of heaven, we have new life; all our past sins are forgiven, and we are washed clean from guilt, shame, accusation, and condemnations. The radical love of God is poured down upon us, and the power of God transforms and empowers us and to disciple nations. 

And here is the good news: We don’t need a special work visa to get into the Kingdom of Heaven, for our faith in Christ makes us heirs of the Kingdom of God. So we can stop striving today. And we can stop stressing, since the source of much stress comes from our fear of the unknown or unfulfilled desires. 

Let’s take a little breather today, not focusing on what we don’t have, but what we already have in Christ. Let’s remind ourselves what it means to be a citizen of the Kingdom of God, taking our focus from this world, so that we can live empowered lives as Kingdom workers!

Prayer: I am a new creation. The old is gone, the new is here. The old temptations have no power over me. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 9

Lunch Break Study

Read Romans 8:14-17: For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. 15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Questions to Consider

  1. Meditate on some of the blessings of being adopted as a true child of God?
  2. What would be the differences between living as heirs as opposed to living as slaves?

Notes

  1. One blessing that stands out is that I will never be disowned by the Father nor will I be separated from His love (Rom. 8:35).
  2. Confidence vs. fear; hope vs. hopelessness; freedom vs. bondage, to name a few.

Evening Reflection

What is one area in which God has convicted you regarding your identity in Christ? What would you need to do to walk out that truth this week?

October 11, Sunday

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, provided by Pastor Barry Kang who heads Symphony Church in Boston, was first posted on April 21, 2013.  He is a graduate of Stanford University (BA), Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.) and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary (D.Min.). 

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; 17 pray continually; 18 give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 

The apostle Paul, after having linked prayer with joy, declares, “Give thanks in all circumstances.”  We can readily see how these three disciplines—joy, prayer and gratitude—are linked: a grateful heart gives thanks in prayers to God, which sparks joy in our hearts.  In other words, we train ourselves to be joyous and grateful by giving thanks in prayer.  

Of course, this is not as simple as it sounds.  We cannot try to be grateful; rather, we must train ourselves in gratitude.  This doesn’t simply mean that we offer more prayers of thanksgiving, although that would help.  Fundamentally, our training must move us away from a sense of entitlement and move us toward humility because gratitude always involves a posture of humility.   

However, when we succumb to an attitude of entitlement or a sense that someone is indebted to us, we will not have a thankful heart.  But the awareness that we have received an undeserved gift will increase our capacity to be grateful.  In other words, the more humble we become, the more grateful we will be.  

I invite you to join me in training, which certainly includes offering prayers of thanksgiving unto the Lord without ceasing, to engender the heart of gratitude.  Moreover, let us work diligently to weaken our sense of entitlement.  As the first step, let us remind ourselves daily that everything that we possess—our bodies, minds, educations, jobs, families, relationships, food, etc.—are all gifts from a gracious God given to an undeserving people.  

As we live in recognition of such amazing grace, our joy will continue to increase. 

Prayer: Father, what an awesome God you are!  Help me to taste and see Your goodness as I put my life in Your hands.  I put my trust in You alone for I know that You are faithful.  May I continue to grow in my knowledge (both theological and experiential) of You, that I might always have a heart of gratitude.  In Jesus’s name, I pray.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Acts 8

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?