REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Charles Choe who leads Tapestry Church in Los Angeles, is an updated version of his blog first posted on June 25, 2014.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Something to Consider Regarding Our Freedom in Christ”

1 Timothy 5:14-15

So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

Lying, cheating, slandering, stealing, and sexual immorality are all clearly sin. But things we ought not to do are not always so clear. Like for example, Paul, in 1 Corinthians 8, is instructing the young church how to manage food that was offered to idols. Paul knows there is no such thing as other gods, so it’s a moot point that certain meats were offered to these idols. But by the same token, Paul knew that for some in Corinth, eating food offered to idols was akin to idol worship itself. So he advises those who thought it was acceptable to eat to restrain from their liberty for the sake of not causing others to stumble. This is why Paul says, “Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble” (1 Corinthians 8:13).

Of course, we are free to enjoy whatever the Scripture does not forbid. Even if someone thinks it’s wrong, it shouldn’t really matter since it’s not wrong. However, our freedom must always be wrapped in concern and care for others. If our freedom actually leads someone else to violate his or her conscience, then we have become a stumbling block. Love for my brothers in Christ guides and restrains my liberty in Christ. Love always triumphs over liberty. Unity always triumphs over personal rights.

It’s this principle Paul has in mind when he counsels Timothy to have the young Ephesian widows remarry. It appears that many of the young widows in Ephesus were using their singleness in a scandalous behavior; and because of that the Ephesian church was being slandered  (1 Timothy 5:14-15). So Paul tells the young Ephesian widows to correct this problem through living in a way the wider culture might esteem: Get married and have children and manage your home well. There is no commandment to do so; but if it helps others from not stumbling, we ought to pursue that path.

In giving this principle, Paul is saying that we should not create unnecessary obstacles to the Gospel. If it helps to advance the Gospel, we ought to consider doing it, whatever it may be. We are free to eat, drink, dress or go anywhere we please; after all, we are free in Christ Jesus. But our guiding question should be, Does this advance the Gospel? If it doesn’t, then we must be willing to let go of it, adjusting our choices so that the Gospel takes front and center in our lives. Consider if there is anything in your life you may have to surrender your freedom for so that the Gospel is advanced.

Prayer: Lord, help me to examine my life. May I always be on mission. May advancing the Gospel be the reason for what I do and don’t do.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 9

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Lunch Break Study

Read I Corinthians 9:19-23: For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. [20] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Questions

1. What is Paul’s aim in making himself a servant to all?
2. What does “winning” look like for the apostle Paul?
3. According to v.23, what is the ultimate reason for all that he does? Could you say this is how you would define your ambitions?

Notes

1. He aims to be a servant to all so to win them over to Christ.
2. Saving people into salvation.
3. Paul does all things ultimately for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our lives should reflect same value.

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Evening Reflection

How much did the Gospel get advanced through your life today? Consider how it was reflected in your thoughts, words and actions today.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., was originally posted on March 31, 2014.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Profundity of What Lucy Said”

1 John 5:16-21 (ESV)

If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death. 18 We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him. 19 We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.

Those who grew up reading Peanuts comic strips probably remember the one in which Lucy plays a trick on Charlie Brown while practicing football.  Just as he is about to deliver the big kick, Lucy, who is holding the ball, pulls it away, causing Charlie Brown to fall flat on his back.  But in this particular strip, Charlie Brown refuses to fall for the old trick even though Lucy begs him to kick it.  He says to Lucy, “Every time I try to kick the ball, you remove it, causing me to fall on my back.” They argue back and forth until finally Lucy breaks down in tears and admits, “Charlie Brown, I have been so terrible to you over the years playing such cruel tricks on you.  I’ve now seen the error of my ways; I’ve seen the hurt look in your eyes; I’ve been wrong, so wrong.  Won’t you give a poor, penitent girl another chance?”

Charlie Brown, moved by what appears to be a genuine contrition, responds kindly, “Of course, I’ll give you another chance.”  So, he steps back as she holds the ball and the reader finally thinks this will be his day.  At the last moment however, Lucy pulls the same ploy: Charlie Brown once again falls flat on his back.  Lucy’s last words were, “Recognizing your faults and actually changing your ways are two different things, Charlie Brown!”

Often times, we think of repentance as simply recognizing our sins; we may even cry and weep over them.  This is certainly one aspect of repentance, but the more important part is actually changing our ways.  While repentance indeed begins with being sorrowful over our sins, it isn’t complete until we tangibly alter our erring ways.  Therefore, John reminds us that those who are born of God do not and should not make a habit of sin.  Therefore, repentance must be an on-going process that begins with contrition, which, then, leads to a concrete plan to revert from falling into same sins.

Now, nowhere in Scripture does God assumes or demands that we become sinless while living in the flesh; in fact, it presupposes that we will sin (1 Jn. 2:1).   However, since the power of sin that resides in us (Rom. 7:17) has been greatly curbed (but not eradicated) by the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, the believers no longer need to be controlled by the sinful nature (Rom. 8:9).   Furthermore, while the entire world is under the power of the enemy, we can rest assure that God protects us from the adversary who cannot touch us (for instance, undoing what was done for us on the Calvary).  That’s call double protection, which means you can indeed have a great day today.  So, go have a great day for yourself!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for teaching us to pray daily for the forgiveness of our sins and to forgive those who sin against us.  We know that you are faithful in your mercy and able to protect us from the evil one.  Help us to make repentance a spiritual habit so that we don’t allow sin to be a natural habit.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 8

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Lunch Break Study 

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

Questions to Consider 

1. How does James instruct us to deal with our sin?
2. What is the danger of just reading and listening to the word without putting it into action?
3. How do the Scriptures act like a mirror to the believer?

Notes

1. James instructs us to put off our sin like we would a filthy piece of clothing and to humbly receive the Word.   Since people sin because they enjoy it (at least, for that moment), one wonders why they would put it off.  Among several reasons why we should do so, one is this: God hates sin because He is holier than what we can ever imagine and because it grieves Him to no end seeing how sin, in the end, makes us miserable.   
2. The danger is deceiving ourselves and becoming hypocritical in our faith
3. In the Ancient Middle East, the mirror was used as a metaphor for moral development.  To look into the Scriptures and fail to do what it says (i.e., making corrections) is analogous to looking in a mirror, and despite seeing something wrong with our appearance, we do nothing about it.    

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Evening Reflection

How is your time in the Word?  Is there a particular verse that God is asking you to respond to?  Pray that the Holy Spirit would open up the Scriptures so that you may see the wonderful truth of God.

UPDATED 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 16, 2014.  He is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Cairn University (MA).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Telling It Like It Is”

Gal. 4:16

“Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” 

The premise of the 2009 comedy, The Invention of Lying, is that only one man has developed the ability to lie, in a world in which people can only tell the truth and generally do not suppress their thoughts. The apostle Paul didn’t have much problem telling it like it is, for he wrote Galatians 4:15 after showing how wrong the Galatian believers were for adding circumcision as a requirement for salvation, along with faith in Christ. Pulling no punches, the apostle later told them, “I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves” (Gal. 5:12).  Ouch!

Jennifer Garner is no less frank when she opens the door on Ricky Gervais for a blind date, after which she immediately expresses her disappointment over his looks, but says she is still willing to complete the date out of obligation and for the free meal.  Though I thought the movie was nothing spectacular and so I wouldn’t recommend it, we can learn something from it.

An underlying and implied message of this movie is that people need to lie to each other in order for our society to be civil and polite.  In other words, “You can’t handle the truth!” (Sorry, I’m on a movie theme today, and I couldn’t resist.)  Obviously, I don’t agree entirely with this message, but to be honest, sometimes I do not speak my mind for fear of being rude, or I don’t want to create conflicts, or I am not entirely sure how the other party will take it.  I also don’t want to “become someone’s enemy by telling him (or her) the truth.”

How about you?  What are the reasons you don’t “speak the truth in love” to others (Eph. 4:5)?  On the flip side, how do you react when others give you truths that are sometimes painful to hear?  Are you defensive, irritable, or aggressive?  Or are you teachable and humbly accept criticism and rebuke well?  Remember, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses” (Prov. 27:6).

Prayer: Lord, help me this day to be truthful with myself.  Help me also to be willing to speak gracefully truths that will help others, as well as to humbly accept truths about myself.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today:  Romans 7

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Lunch Break Study

Read Eph 4:29-32: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Questions to Consider

1. Concerning speech, what does Paul tell us to quit, and what does he tell us to do?
2. What do you think it means to “grieve the Holy Spirit”?
3. In verse 32, we are given several positive commands.  Pick one to work on today.  What does this mean for your life?

Notes

1. We are told to stop with unwholesome talk, which could include coarse joking, profanity, complaining, gossip, and the like.  We are also told to speak what is helpful for building the body, which can include teaching, rebuking, praise, prayer, encouragement, etc.
2. 1 Thess. 5:19 tells us not to “quench the Spirit.”  Both statements express the same idea that if we continually sin and disobey the Spirit’s promptings, his impact in our lives will lesson.  In this passage, we grieve the Spirit by holding on to bitterness, rage, malice, etc.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection

In light of today’s theme of living in the truth, how were you today?  Did you speak honestly, even if it was uncomfortable to do so?  If applicable, when presented with truth, did you accept it well and humbly?  If you feel prompted, go ask your spouse or a close friend, “What is one thing I can change to be more like Christ?” and see how you react.

UPDATED 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 11, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Don’t Cancel People”

Psalms 75:6-10

No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves. 7 It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another. 8 In the hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. 9 As for me, I will declare this forever; I will sing praise to the God of Jacob, 10 who says, “I will cut off the horns of all the wicked, but the horns of the righteous will be lifted up.”

Whether it’s a child enforcing the rules of a made-up game or an adult complaining about their rights, we all fancy ourselves to be judges—authorities on good and evil in the world.  And we are seeing plenty of that—canceling the person who deemed lagging in virtue signaling—in our society these days.  But no one from the east or the west is judge.  That role is for God alone, as the apostle Paul states: “It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart…” (1 Cor. 4:4b-5a).

This does not mean that Christians are called to make no evaluations of anything but that the task of bringing punishment belongs to God alone.  We subtly punish those we deem deserving by withholding forgiveness, with passive-aggressiveness, gossiping, or cancelling them among other things, but we have no right to do so.

It is God’s prerogative to punish the wicked, and He is sure to do it.  In the meantime, we ought to be sobered by the thought that every sin is paid for either by Christ on the cross, or by each individual in hell.

Take a moment to thank God that He has paid for your sins and given you life when you deserved death.  In light of God’s forgiveness, pray that you would release your “right” to judge those who sin against you today.

Prayer: Holy Father, You are God and I am not.  My wisdom and understanding is so limited.  My sense of justice is marred by my sins and self-centeredness.  I thank you that you are just and therefore I am free to forgive.  Thank you for paying for my sins and for the sins of every brother and sister.  May more and more people find grace and rejoice in your work on the cross. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 6

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Lunch Break Study

Read James 2:5-9 (NIV): Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong? 8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

Questions to Consider

1. What possible advantage might those who are poor in the eyes of the world have over the rich?
2. How were the rich actually treating those in the church at times?
3. Is there a way you can practically love someone who might be considered poor in the eyes of the world?

Notes

1. The poor may actually be rich in faith and in the inheritance of God’s kingdom. Let us not misunderstand what James is saying; A person is not automatically saved because he or she is poor materially. All who are saved—poor or rich—are saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ. But God has generally saved more poor people than rich (Luke 18:24–25; 1 Cor. 1:26–29), for the poor are generally richer in faith. Why? Because, since they have no other wealth to rely on, they prize more the wealth they have in Christ.
2. By insulting the poor, the church has favored the wealthy. But it is the rich outside the church who are their oppressors. This picks up on an OT theme of the rich oppressing the poor (Jer. 7:6; 22:3; Amos 4:1; 8:4), which is precisely what was going on in James’ day. Moreover, the rich dragged Christians into court, knowing that the secular courts would be favorable to them, for no one liked Christians. To add insult to injury, they were slandering the noble name which had been named over the believers at their baptism; such were the rich. Yet the Christians were becoming like them when they discriminated against the poor in their own gatherings. The Christians had become the persecutors.
3. Personal response

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Evening Reflection

Journal about what it means to cultivate a childlike faith in your personal life.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I ask that you shape me to be one who is compassionate to the poor. Amen. 

UPDATED Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Pastor Ryun Chang (AMI Teaching Pastor), is an updated version of his blog first posted on February 20, 2013.

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“The Fear of God”

Psalms 18:7-8, 15

Then the earth reeled and rocked; the foundations also of the mountains trembled and quaked, because he was angry. 8 Smoke went up from his nostrils,  and devouring fire from his mouth; glowing coals flamed forth from him . . . 15 Then the channels of the sea were seen, and the foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

This isn’t the kind of Psalm we want to wake up to, but it reminds us that God is to be feared as much as He is to be loved. After all, it wasn’t without reason that the Hebrews writer penned, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:31).  But, when was the last time you heard a sermon based on that text?

At times, even unbelievers become acutely aware of God’s indignation against men’s grievous acts of injustice and immorality.  In 1994, a strong earthquake shook the “foundations” of Northridge, California, damaging the area where nearly 70 companies were cranking out more than 95 percent of all the pornographic videos produced every year in the U.S at that time.  One actor in the industry said: “Our clients have a definite lack of motivation.  It puts the fear of God in them.”

Remember, God loves us and is very patient with our shortcomings, but He is also holy and just.  If we persist in our sins, God will discipline us for our own good. 

Nevertheless, God’s holiness is not easily grasped by us due to our own unholiness, which, then, is compounded by a lack of teaching on the subject of fearing God in our churches.  Therefore, remember this quote from Tim Keller, the founding pastor of Redeemer Church in Manhattan:  “Here we are in the middle of New York City, talking about judgment and wrath and mountains falling on people, and some of you got to . . . I hope a lot of you say, ‘Aren’t we beyond this kind of thing?  Who wants to believe in something like that?  Don’t we believe in a God of love today?  Hear what I will suggest.  You have to realize this: If you believe anything Jesus tells you, you have to believe in the judgment day.  And if you don’t believe in judgment, you might as well throw everything out.”

Mediate on this: The LORD our God is holy.  And then let us repent.

Prayer: Oh, holy and loving God, I come to You this morning with none of my own righteousness because it’s like a filthy rag. I desperately need You to cleanse me from my selfish, narcissistic, and materialistic ways so that I can become free from constant worries and envy.  Above all, I need Your cleansing because I don’t want to keep offending Your holiness, so help me LORD.  Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 5

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Lunch Break Study

Read Mt. 18:5-6: “Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, 6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.

Col. 3:5-6: “Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming.”

2 Pet. 3:9: “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Heb. 12:10-11: “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

Questions to Consider

1. Though not a pleasant subject, consider some things that we do that can lead to God’s indignation?
2. Should we worry?  The answer is NO (Rom. 2:4; 2 Pet. 3:9) and YES (Heb. 10:26-31).  Look them up and see for yourself.
3. In the end, why would God discipline or punish us when we resolutely choose the wayward path (Heb. 12:10-11)?

Note

1. God is indignant when what we do leads children to go astray.  He is also provoked at all kinds of immoral and unethical behaviors (which stem from a heart bent against God and His righteousness).
2. “NO” because God will give us repeated opportunities to repent since He doesn’t want anyone to perish; “YES,” because “the LORD will judge His people” when they deliberately keep on sinning.”
3. Just like when our earthly fathers disciplined us when we, as children, did things that were against his will (like touching the hot stove when they told us not to) God the Father will also discipline us for our own spiritual good when we ignore His counsel, which we think limits and restrains us, but in truth, they protect and keep us from harm and living a miserable life.      

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Evening Reflection

Feeling tired from a hard day’s work?  Good!  But before turning in, evaluate your day: In what sense did you fear God today?   

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Han Byul Kim of Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, was first posted on August 9, 2014.   Han Byul, meaning one star in Korean, is a long-time member of the church’s worship team (plays the keyboard).   

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“Living by Faith in God’s promises or by Sight Driven by Our Circumstances”

Acts 28:3-5

When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “No doubt this man is a murderer. Though he has escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” He, however, shook off the creature into the fire and suffered no harm.

It was so fascinating to read this passage recently. This scene happened right after Paul had survived a shipwreck during his difficult journey to Rome in captivity to Caesar.  Had he not appealed to Emperor Nero, he “could have been set free” (Acts 26:32), but Paul had done so under the conviction that God was calling him to go to Rome.

I envisioned how I would feel if I were in Paul’s shoes: If my decision to appeal to Caesar resulted in this long, difficult journey that almost cost my life, I would have immediately questioned it.  But that’s not all.  Thinking that the worst is over and I am warming my poor, wet body when, suddenly, a viper comes out of the fire, quickly wrapping around my hand.  Freaking out in terror, I would be thinking, “What Rome? What Caesar? Everything seems to be going wrong!”  That’s certainly what the islanders thought.  Judging the situation by mere appearances, they concluded that Paul must be a terrible person.

But Paul’s reaction is quite the contrary.  Unfazed by the viper, he shook it off as if it weren’t life-threatening.  How is that possible?  Seeing his reality according to what is unseen, that is, God’s plan, Paul operated out of the conviction that he couldn’t die just yet because he had to be in Rome to be God’s witness “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Unlike the islanders who approached circumstances with an earthly mindset, Paul approached them with a heavenly mindset.

How often do we respond enthusiastically to God’s call to live for Him only to quickly fall away when troubles, which are bound to arise on account of our faith (Mk. 4:17), cause doubts and fear in us?   Don’t forget that the battle we fight is whether we live by faith in God’s promises, or by sight driven by our circumstances.  “We live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:7).  Therefore, let us not speculate into the future based on circumstances perceived by human eyes, but walk with faith into the future in agreement with Christ, who calls us to be his “ambassadors” (2 Cor. 5:20) even to the point of suffering for him (Phil. 1:29).

Prayer: Dear God, my faith wavers whenever I face difficult trials.  Instead of running to You for security and comfort, I run to friends, social media, and other substitutes.  Forgive me.  Help me to always look to You first and depend on You.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 4

UPDATED Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, written by Pastor Sam Lee who leads Catalyst Agape Church in Northern New Jersey, is an updated version of his blog first posted on October 17, 2013.  He is a graduate of University of Wisconsin (BA) and Biblical Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Power of Worshipping God in Private”

1 Samuel 16:7

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”

David was anointed to become the future king of Israel when he was a shepherd boy.  Yet, even his own father did not think David had this potential. While David’s father brought in seven of his sons in the presence of Samuel, David was left in the fields to take care of the sheep.

But why was David chosen by God to become the future king and instead of his many brothers or others who were in Israel? David worshipped and loved the Lord when no one was looking. Out in the fields alone with the sheep, David would take out his lyre and worship God. David’s father forgot him in the fields, but God, his Heavenly Father, was with David when nobody noticed.

The nation of Israel equated worship and relationship with God with a visit to the tabernacle to offer sacrifices; it was very public, ritualistic, and seasonal.  On the other hand, David’s worship was private; it was personal, and it was daily. Public victory has no power when there are no private victories. Whenever an evil spirit would torment King Saul, David would take up his lyre and worship. Then the demons would flee from Saul. Worship might sound and feel good on Sunday, but if not continued when we are alone Monday through Saturday, the Sunday victories are hollow.

So, worship the Lord daily in private as well as worship Him publicly whenever the saints gather for that purpose.   

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I worship You in private as well as in public, for You are the LORD over all things created.  I magnify You and glorify Your holy and mighty name.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 2-3

REPOST Today’s Spiritual Food for Thought, prepared by Pastor Jason Sato who is currently serving in Japan as a missionary, is an updated version of his blog first posted on April 25, 2014.  Jason is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Ordinary Sins”

Galatians 5:16-18 (ESV)

“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, [20] idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, [21] envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [24] And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. [25] If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. [26] Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

In our passage this morning, Paul continues to encourage the Galatian Church to walk by the Spirit, detailing the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

As we browse the list of sins found in v. 19-21, certain sins seem pretty heinous (sorcery or orgies), and thus seem rather extreme and far off from us. Other sins cause us guilt and shame if we commit them (sexual immorality, fits of anger, drunkenness). These sins are closer to home, and we wage a conscious battle with them.

But there seems to be a third group of sins that seem to be so ordinary, that we hardly notice them (jealousy, rivalries, divisions). More often than not, we deceive ourselves into believing that we do not struggle with such things. If we are forced to admit that we do, we chalk it up to inevitable conflict and say, “Everyone can’t be best friends.”

But we cannot dismiss God’s commandments and heart so easily. Notice the relational nature of the fruit of the Spirit: The presence of the Spirit produces love, kindness, and gentleness. The Spirit enables us to be patient and forgive our brother seventy-seven times. The Spirit grants us faithfulness when we are tempted to quit on other people. The Spirit gives us self-control that we might kill our flesh and pride and choose forgiveness and grace.

In John 17:20-21, Jesus prays, “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.”

Pray that the fruit of the Spirit might manifest itself in your relationships.  Ask that in your church, examples of supernatural forgiveness would display the reality of Christ’s greater forgiveness.

Prayer: Father, I desire to walk by the Spirit and not by the flesh. Forgive me that I have hardened my heart toward some of my brothers and sisters. Convict me of my sin and give me grace and courage to forgive and be a peacemaker. May You be honored as I seek to follow Your Son. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Romans 1

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Lunch Break Study

Read James 4:1-4 (ESV): “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? [2] You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. [3] You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. [4] You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

Questions to Consider

1. In the midst of conflicts, quarrels, fights, even murder can occur. According to v. 1-2a, what is the source of such conflict?
2. According to v. 3-4, what sorts of desires fuel sinful conflict?
3. According to v. 4, who are we ultimately having conflict with?

Notes

1. While we are tempted to believe that the source of conflict is the other person, the real source is our frustration that our desires are unfulfilled. People do not give us what we want and so we have conflict.
2. Wrong desires (v.3) and worldly desires (v.4) fuel sinful conflict. These desires can be things like comfort, ease, wealth, respect, recognition, etc.
3. While our conflict appears to be solely about people, our conflict is primarily with God. Our worldly desires and rejection of God are behind our sinful responses to others.

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Evening Reflection

Reflect on your day. Where did you see the fruit of the Spirit displayed in your life? Praise God. Where did you see the works of the flesh? Repent, receive grace, and praise God.

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, provided by Cami King who serves as associate pastor at Remnant Church in Manhattan, was first posted on April 3, 2014.  Cami is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania (BA) and Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thought for This Morning

“Losing the Gospel: How It Is Done”

Galatians 1:6-9

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— ⁷ not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. ⁸ But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.⁹ As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Once a friend came to me and asked, “What is the gospel?” A little confused by the question coming from someone who’d been a follower of Christ longer than I had, I replied, “Uh… the good news… about Jesus…” (fearing I might have been asked a trick question). But it wasn’t a trick question at all. He explained that he always thought the Gospel was: “Jesus died for our sins,” but he was perplexed by the talk of the “gospel” in chapters in Matthew occurring long before Jesus had even died. We pondered for a bit wondering: What exactly was Jesus preaching? What is the “good news”? My friend’s question was one that forced us to return to the foundation of our faith (the Gospel) and grapple with it anew, longing to know it more fully.

In this passage, Paul is pleading for the Galatian believers to do the same. Teachers had come and taught them false doctrines (salvation contingent upon their ethic affiliation) and in the midst of it all, they’d lost sight of the heart of the Gospel that saved them – that God came for us and, by His grace, reconciled us to himself through Christ (not by works, ritual, or ethnic affiliation, but by grace alone). But I wonder, would they have been so easily deceived had they intentionally kept the Gospel message at the forefront of their minds?

How often do we meditate on the Gospel, that good news that brought us life? It’s so multifaceted that I doubt we’ve exhausted its depths. And it’s so good that it certainly never gets old.

Whether our focus is on the coming of God’s kingdom, or the defeat of sin and death, or the gift of peace and eternal life, let’s look at the Gospel anew today and rejoice in the finished work of Christ (his life, death, resurrection, and session at the right hand of God). Let’s plunge the depths of God’s perfect plan for the salvation of the world and be reminded of the heart of our faith.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for the Gospel! Thank you for your plan of salvation and the good news that brought me life, for Jesus and what he accomplished on my behalf! Help me to gaze upon it anew today and keep it at the forefront of my mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 66

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-8: Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, 2 and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Paul describe the Gospel in these verses?
2. Why does he make it a point to list all the people who saw Jesus?
3. What is meant by “first importance” in verse 3?

Notes

1. That Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised from the grave – all in accordance with the Scriptures (i.e. prophesy found in the OT).
2. To remind the readers of the truth of the narrative. It’s a pretty implausible story (sin defeated and death overcome), but it is a true story and hundreds of people saw it happen first hand.
3. These truths are top priority! They are central to our lives and our faith.

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Evening Reflection

In your own words, what is the Gospel? What facets of it are most precious to you today? Spend some time reflecting on the first time you remember hearing the Gospel (Where were you? How did you respond?). Thank God for his amazing work of salvation in your life.

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Jon Kim, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its college group. A graduate of New York University (BS), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Hearing Without Listening”

Luke 18:31-34

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” 34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

My wife and I moved a couple of weeks ago to a new home. While unpacking on Monday she very clearly told me, “Jon, this is where I am putting the stamps.” I nodded in acknowledgement and went on with my day. Come Wednesday, I needed the stamps to send an urgent piece of mail but threw a fit due to my wife’s hiding the stamps somewhere. I mutter to myself, “If only she would’ve told me where she put them beforehand!” I heard my wife’s instruction on Monday, but I didn’t truly listen and understand because it was not important to me until Wednesday.

In our passage today, we see Jesus foretelling His suffering and death for the third time in Luke’s Gospel. Even though Jesus had already told His disciples before, they still did not understand that to save the world, He would suffer and die. As a reader looking back on these stories, I am troubled by how the disciples just couldn’t get it! Especially in this passage, Christ’s language is pretty clear and straightforward: No imagery, no parables, just straight and literal foretelling of his suffering and death. As Christ’s disciples were living with the Messiah, and soaking in His teaching everyday, wouldn’t their hearts be eager and open to receive and understand these words? In addition, Jesus wasn’t even the first one to tell them about His death; the prophets’ message was consistent with Jesus’.

The message of Jesus’ suffering and death didn’t fit into what the disciples had in mind about the glorious Messiah who had come to save. Jesus gave them an important word, but it did not align with their agenda and expectations; the word essentially fell on deaf ears. Don’t we also do this often? We hear God’s Word, but we do not contemplate the Words that do not feel really relevant for us on Monday. Then we are left on Wednesday scrambling to catch up because His words on Monday didn’t really become a part of who we are, how we think, and how we act. For example, God has been speaking about injustice and race for thousands of years. Are we only now seeking to listen to His heart about these matters, perhaps because the world has put them at the forefront of our minds? What else is God speaking to you that seems irrelevant and unimportant? Will you brush them aside or will you contemplate, seek to understand and ask to be changed according to His Word?

The good news for me on Wednesday was that my wife still graciously told me where the stamps were stored. God will patiently teach us when He finally has your listening ear, when you finally realize the importance of every word that comes from His mouth. However, for the sake of a healthy marriage, and my own personal sanity, I should have listened on Monday.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I confess that many times You speak, but I do not listen. I often listen for the things that seem most relevant to me or are easiest to understand. I pray that You would help me to listen and contemplate the whole counsel of Your Word. I do not want to worship a God that only fits within my mind and my agendas, but I want to listen to and be changed by all that You say because Your Word is good and it is true. Amen

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 65

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Lunch Break Study 

Read John 10:1-15: “Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5 But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger’s voice.” 6 Jesus used this figure of speech, but the Pharisees did not understand what he was telling them. 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it. 13 The man runs away because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

Questions to Consider

1. How does Jesus contrast His sheep’s response to the shepherd/gatekeeper with their response to the stranger/thief/robber?
2. What are the different outcomes of following the thieves and robbers versus following Jesus?
3. How do the “hired hand” and the shepherd react differently to danger? What does this show about their different relationships to the sheep?
4. What other voices do you listen to and follow that are not the voice of your Good Shepherd?

Notes

1. The sheep know the voice of the shepherd and follow Him to safety. They do not recognize the voices of others and therefore run away from them.
2. The sheep that follow Jesus are led to peace, security, salvation and eternal life. Others come to steal, kill, and destroy.
3. The “hired hand” will run away to save his own life because he doesn’t care about the sheep. The good shepherd will lay down his life for the sheep because he knows them and they know him and he loves them.
4. Personal reflection.

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Evening Reflection

In reflection of this morning’s QT, disciples hear what they want to hear, and when they don’t hear what they want to hear, they hear nothing at all.  Just babble.  Stuff that doesn’t make sense.  Nonsense.  That’s why Jesus repeatedly said, “The one who has ears to hear, let them hear.”  It takes more than ears to really hear.

Learning the ways of faith in God is hard work that requires our devotion to understand and apply Truth.  The Good News is God never gives up on getting Truth to us.

It took courage for Jesus to go to Jerusalem, knowing that it wasn’t just a possibility that he would die but that it was a certainty.  And it takes courage for us to hear what he says and do what he says.

It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus. And really good hearing.

Are you sometimes tempted to give up the quest for more of God, because you feel uncertain in your thinking when reading the Word?