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?

UPDATED 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 24, 2014.  Charles is a graduate of University of California, Riverside (BA) and Fuller Theological Seminary (M.Div.).

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“It’s Not About the Oxen but the One Who Feeds You Spiritually”

1 Timothy 5:17-18

“Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching”

Introduction: Since Charles is a pastor, he probably felt somewhat self-conscious having to talk about this matter; nevertheless, he explained it very soundly.  So, what is this matter?  Read on.

At this juncture of Paul’s letter to Timothy, the apostle moves seamlessly from the widows to the elders again; and this time, it is clear that his burden is for how the congregation is to treat their spiritual leaders. Perhaps it was budget time, and some in the congregation were murmuring over the pastor’s compensation.

Paul seems to assume that elders are to receive remuneration for their work, especially the elders who are particularly focused on the task of instruction. And those who teach must be properly compensated for their work. Paul compares those who labor in teaching to the oxen who should not be muzzled, thereby unable to eat some of the grain that is produced when their labor is used to separate the husk from the edible part of the wheat. Likewise, teaching elders should not have to go hungry when they do the work they have been given.

Oh, what a practical God we have! And what a fair and just God we have! He longs for His practicality and His fairness to be demonstrated in the relationship between a church and its shepherds. And should those men be found faithful, they are worthy, according to Paul, of double honor. They are worthy of our respect, of our obedience to biblical principles of correction, and of our honor. Double honor. We should follow a principle of honor from a God who alone is worthy to be honored above all.

The way in which we value goods or services is seen in the amount we are willing to pay for them. We have no qualms about spending money in order to get the best medical care or receive the best food in a restaurant. Why, then, are we too often unwilling to make sure that those who teach us the life-giving Word of God are able to make a decent living? The amount of time and money we give to the servants of the church reflects our valuing of their service.  What do you think?

Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can enjoy the things You have created. Teach me the difference between self-denial and denying self.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 64

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Lunch Break Study

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13: We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, ¹³ and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.

Questions to Consider

1. What are we commanded to do for “those who labor among” us?
2. What are you commanded to do in regard to your leaders?
3. Do you respect the people who are over you? Do you allow your leaders to admonish you without being easily hurt?

Notes

1. To respect them.
2. To esteem them highly in love and to have peace with them.
3. Respecting leaders is a matter of the heart. We often get hurt when they admonish us, but we must learn to be corrected from our leaders.

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Evening Reflection

Have you done anything lately to show your love and respect for your pastor or staff members of your church? If not, commit to showing generosity to them this week.

NEW Today’s AMI QT Devotional is provided by Joel Park, a staff at Remnant Westside Church in Manhattan, who oversees its administration. A graduate of New York University (BA) and Fordham Law School (J.D.), he is currently pursuing a M.Div. degree at Reformed Theological Seminary.

Devotional Thoughts for This Morning

“Mission Rest-Possible”

Nehemiah 13:15-18 (ESV)

In those days I saw in Judah people treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in heaps of grain and loading them on donkeys, and also wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them on the day when they sold food. [16] Tyrians also, who lived in the city, brought in fish and all kinds of goods and sold them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, in Jerusalem itself! [17] Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day? [18] Did not your fathers act in this way, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Now you are bringing more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”

I recently felt a strong desire to watch some classic 90s action movies. Plenty of movies come to mind, but after having seen some videos of Tom Cruise’s stunt work I knew I had to watch the first Mission Impossible.  While it certainly isn’t as revolutionary as The Matrix, as gritty as Heat, or as funny as Rush Hour, it scratched the itch. After all, the idea of a super elite team of spies taking on impossible missions was strong enough to support five sequels! There’s something about striving for and achieving the impossible that strikes a chord.

Well, hacking the CIA definitely sets a high bar for what is “impossible”; but these days honoring the Sabbath can certainly approach that level of impossibility. As we work from home, work odd hours, or look for work, the idea of resting from our occupations, while nice, is a practical nightmare. Video conferencing and virtual messaging have provided easy pathways for work to flood into our lives at all times of the day and night. Work from home is simply work all the time. And if you’re unemployed during this season, then that pressure to find work is magnified all the more. How do we rest and obey God’s command in a moment like this?

Thankfully, this passage in the last chapter of Nehemiah addresses the Israelites struggle to fully understand the importance of the Sabbath commandment. Nehemiah points out two violations: treading and selling of wine, and the gathering and selling of groceries. Now the Bible is very clear on the holiness of the Sabbath—after all, it is the third commandment (Ex. 20:8-11). But for some reason, the Israelites historically disobeyed this command constantly. And the source of their disobedience? A fundamental misunderstanding of the Sabbath.

The Sabbath isn’t just about rest. We see in Ezekiel 20:12 that the Sabbath is also a sign. A sign? Yes, a sign that God is the one who sanctifies. You see, the Israelites were meant to observe the holy Sabbath day as a lifestyle declaration that God is the one who makes things holy. Because the Israelites are God’s holy and chosen people, they were meant to live it out by spending 1/7 of their life dedicated to observing the Sabbath as a faith statement. So when Nehemiah sees the people disobeying the Sabbath, he knows it’s not about rest, but about their hearts. That’s the reason why he goes to the nobles because it’s their greed and security in money that hinder the people from faith and obedience.

So like Ethan Hunt, for whom failure is not an option, Sabbath for us is not optional. We must conform our weekly activities as a declaration of faith and obedience to the God who makes us holy. We cannot let the Sabbath slide because of our circumstances.

Prayer: Father, I submit my work to You and declare that You are Lord over my work week. My identity as Your child matters more than my identity as an employee or job seeker. God, I ask that You meet me in my time of rest and remind me of Your love. Fill me up and renew me. Amen.

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Lunch Break Study

Read: Luke 6:1-4 (ESV): On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. [2] But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” [3] And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: [4] how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” [5] And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

Questions to Consider

1. Jesus and the Pharisees obviously have different views on work and Sabbath. What are their views and how did the Pharisees get it so wrong?
2. What is the example of David supposed to imply about the application of the law and its impact to Sabbath rest?
3. If Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath, how do we rest and observe the Sabbath to reflect Jesus’ lordship?

Notes

1. Sabbath law grew immensely during the intertestamental period. Several documents found dating back to the first and second century, show a rapid expansion of prohibited acts.
2. Jesus’ teaching on the Sabbath are actually quite extensive, with this exact story also appearing in Mark 2 and Matthew 12. It is worth reading those versions to have a full picture of this teaching.
3. Personal response.

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Evening Reflection*

In view of the theme of Sabbath shared in the morning, we often forget the significance of Sabbath and wind up overlooking the primary purpose God had in mind in the first place: taking sufficient time to rest and relax; finding relief from the stress; pushing away from our computers; leaving the responsibilities of work; giving our bodies time to refuel; allowing our minds to be renewed; and letting our emotions be refreshed and restored.

Do you deliberately and regularly take time each week to rest?

When you’re taking time to relax, do you mentally release yourself from your responsibilities?

*Prepared by Pastor Bruce Yi, Lead Pastor of Remnant Westside Church

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., is an updated version of his blog originally posted on March 17, 2013.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“The Newest Spiritual Vacuum Cleaner”

1 Tim. 1:14a

The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly.

To the horror of on looking homemaker, the confident vacuum cleaner salesperson peppers the carpet with muddy dirt.  After telling her not to worry, the salesperson quickly vacuums the carpet to show how effective his machine is. 

A similar motive drove Jesus to share the parable of the Good Samaritan in response to the self-righteous lawyer in Luke 10, who, confident that he had kept all the laws asked, “Who is my neighbor?”  This parable, therefore, is intended to show how this man’s pride kept him from seeing his heart full of dirt.  Jesus does that by forcing him to admit that the true neighbor to the Jewish man, left for dead by the robbers and ignored by the priest and the Levite, is a Samaritan, a social and religious outcast whom the Jews (i.e., he) would not help.  Jesus, knowing that the lawyer would not recognize his need for a Savior unless he becomes aware of his baseless sense of self-righteousness, exposes his incorrect assumption by pointing out his sin.

Of course, the lawyers of today and the experts in the Law in Jesus’ days are not the same.  The latter were public secretaries whose reading and writing skills garnered them the title of “legal experts,” and because most of them were Pharisees, common people heeded their teachings.  Moreover, people simply assumed that these legal experts diligently kept the commandments, all 623 of them.  In such social and religious context, it would have been extremely hard for any expert in the Law to believe in Jesus because of its intimation that they too were sinners.  To be told that, as Jesus insinuated to this lawyer, would be like an off-duty police officer being ticketed for drunken driving.  Nevertheless, Jesus does that, offending him during the process, to show him that he needs the newest spiritual vacuum cleaner that can clean out sin: Jesus Christ.

Sometimes, we need a reminder, like what happened to me during my recent transcontinental flight, to not rely on our own righteousness.  As I waited for some time to enter the bathroom while brushing my teeth, suddenly this “funny-looking” middle-aged woman came out of nowhere and began motioning that I should let her go before me.  Rolling my eyes, I just went in the bathroom without responding.  A few days later, a thought occurred during my prayer: if that had that been an attractive woman, would I have done the same thing?  Probably not.  That would place me right next to this lawyer, being reminded once again of my own inadequacy, but also marveling at how God continues to embrace me despite of me.  Because of such amazing grace, I may be more loving to others regardless of who is asking me for a favor the next time.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for Your grace through which arrogant sinners like me are forgiven. Strengthen me by the Spirit, therefore, to live a life of humility and love to honor You and what You did for me.  I praise You, Lord.  Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 62

 

REPOST Today’s AMI QT Devotional, written by Pastor Mark Chun of Radiance Christian Church in S.F., is an updated version of his blog originally posted on March 16, 2013.  Mark is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (BS) and Talbot School of Theology (M.Div.).

Spiritual Food for Thought for the Weekend

“A Tale of Two Lawyers Separated by 2,000 Years”

Romans 3:20^a

No one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law.

Leonard W. Rothchild Jr., having become a successful lawyer and CPA by the age of 28, was highly regarded by his colleagues as an expert in international and corporate tax issues.  A dozen journals printed his articles on taxation and several European firms solicited his service.  He was also a devoted father to four children.  Nevertheless, one morning, Rothchild, after hoisting himself on the rail of the Golden Gate Bridge, fell 220 feet to his death.  He was only 46 years of age at the time.  After learning of the suicide, one baffled colleague said, “It’s a mind-blower to those of us who knew him,” while another said, “It was the biggest shock of my life and I’ve been around death a lot.”

Some 2,000 years ago in Canaan, an expert in the law (like Rothchild), asked Jesus, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Lk. 10:25).  Who would ask that type of a question if not someone who felt the futility of life crouching at the door?  Instead of a direct reply, Jesus asked him, “What is written in the Law.  How do you read it?”   He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul’ . . . and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”  However, Jesus’ ensuing reply, “You have answered correctly . . . do this and you will live” did not sit well with this lawyer since it implied that he hadn’t kept it very well, when he thought he did.  Wanting to justify himself, he asked, “Who is my neighbor?”   

These two lawyers, separated by 2,000 years, were quite similar: amid their professional success, instead of enjoying its perks, they were greatly disappointed by how insignificant it made them feel.  At this point, the two men took different paths: whereas Rothchild never went to Jesus, the ancient lawyer did.   And it is here that Jesus can help us to see the root of our despair and hopelessness.

This man came to Jesus thinking that he had impeccably kept all the laws.  As we will find out tomorrow, Jesus proceeded to tell the parable of the Good Samaritan to show that he was a lawbreaker like all the rest.  How was that going to help him obtain eternal life?  Without being conscious of sin through the law, we will not look for a Savior (Rom. 3:20); thus, here Jesus is about to show him that truth.  As long as we feel self-righteous about how well we have lived, we won’t look to Christ.

But unlike Rothchild, at least this Jew came to Jesus and ended up receiving a correct diagnosis of his spiritual problem. Perhaps, you too have never really gone to Jesus. Why not make an effort to go to him today and ask, “Lord, what must I do to inherit eternal life.”  Then, follow his instruction.  Find him today.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You once again for intervening in my life—with the gospel through the Spirit—to keep me from entering hell.  I am forever grateful to You for what was done for me through your Son Jesus. Please help me to live a life worthy of his atoning sacrifice.

Bible Reading for Today: Isaiah 60-61